Meet Our 2026 London Marathon Runners from Southport Learning Trust: A Week of Social Action and Over 30 Miles of Impact
We’re incredibly proud to introduce our 2026 London Marathon runners from Southport Learning Trust, as we celebrate the third year of this powerful partnership with the #kNOwKnifeCrime campaign.
Year on year, this collaboration continues to grow, bringing together staff, students and schools across the North West, all united behind one shared mission – creating safer environments and ensuring young people are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to respond in emergency situations.
Meet the Team Taking on the Marathon
This year, four inspiring members of staff from across the Trust will take on the London Marathon:
- Iain Raikes – CEO of Southport Learning Trust
- Bethany Low – Associate Assistant Headteacher for Attendance and Belonging, Head of Year 10 and Teacher of PE at Maghull High School
- Jordan Roberts – Year 7 Progress Leader and PE Teacher at Meols Cop High School
- Jerome Woodley – Head of Science at Birkdale High School
Each of them is going the extra mile to support our campaign, leading by example and showing students the power of commitment, teamwork and determination.
A Week of Social Action Across the Trust
The London Marathon marks the culmination of an incredible week of social action taking place across Southport Learning Trust.
Throughout the week commencing 20th April, schools across the Trust are hosting their own Mini Marathons, giving every pupil the opportunity to get involved, be active and support an important cause.
One of the standout moments of the week is the school-to-school relay event, where over 200 pupils and staff will work together to cover more than 30 miles, travelling from Bootle through to Southport. This is a powerful show of unity, bringing communities together and highlighting what can be achieved when everyone plays their part.
The momentum continues on the Saturday, with 60 students taking part in the TCS Mini London Marathon on The Mall in London. This televised national event gives young people the opportunity to represent their schools and communities on a national stage, while proudly supporting the #kNOwKnifeCrime campaign.
The Perfect Ending to an Inspiring Week
The London Marathon itself is the perfect ending to what promises to be an inspiring and impactful week.
Seeing teachers step up to take on this challenge reinforces everything this partnership stands for – positive action, resilience, and leading from the front. It shows young people what can be achieved when you commit to something bigger than yourself.
Continuing Our Fundraising Mission
Every step taken throughout this week is helping to drive forward our fundraising efforts, ensuring we can continue placing emergency first aid provision across schools.
Together, we are funding initiatives such as Mini Medics sessions and vital equipment, giving young people the skills and confidence to respond in critical situations and potentially save lives.
This partnership continues to make a real and lasting difference across the North West, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone involved for their continued support.
