Two very different challenges in aid of a very worthwhile cause 🚂🥳
Iain Grigor
My Story
All aboard for a charity double header!
- London Marathon (42.2km) April 2026 as my son's favourite, Thomas the Tank Engine, choo choo!
- Comrades Marathon (87km) June 2026 (thomas free though!)
Firstly a massive shoutout to Metro Aberdeen Running Club for providing the opportunity to represent the club at the 2026 London Marathon. This has given me the chance to make a difference and raise money for Archway, an amazing charity supporting people with learning disabilities and their families across the North East of Scotland.
"So… what’s all this then?" you might be wondering.
Well, this isn’t your usual charity‑marathon whistle‑stop asking you to divert a few coins from your next pint or fancy caramel latte at Knapford Station Café.
No — this is a full steam‑ahead call to action!
We’re asking you to climb aboard, fire up the boiler, and help raise some much‑needed coal… erm… cash… as we set off on an adventure featuring one of the world’s most iconic marathons, followed by the world’s most legendary ultra marathon.
First stop: The London Marathon.
There’s truly nothing like puffing past the Cutty Sark, chugging proudly over Tower Bridge, steaming down the Embankment, and finally rolling triumphantly along The Mall — with crowds packed along the route, cheering like you’re the fastest engine on Sodor. And with a Guinness World Record attempt thrown into the mix, it’s bound to be a real railway adventure!
So jump on board, join the fun, and help keep this fundraising engine running at full steam! đźš‚đź’¨
Thomas will be locked away at the steamworks getting much needed R&R while i jump on a few planes to Durban, South Africa for the Comrades marathon. An epic, brutal but unforgettable road ultra. Held each year with alternating directions, the 87km (54mi) race, is the world’s oldest ultramarathon, founded over 100 years ago in 1921. Each year the race is held between Durban and Pietermaritzburg with a 12 hour time limit and over 6200ft of elevation gain.
2026 is the 99th running of the event and is the "up run". The course navigates through the Valley of a Thousand Hills, which tells you everything you need to know. It is going to be a real challenge,
Help me raise some much valued funds for a cause that matters and that has an impact to people here in the North East.
Why I’m Running for Archway
Archway is honestly incredible. Their whole vibe is about:
✨ person-centred care
✨ trust and empowerment
✨ helping everyone reach their full potential
They work closely with parents, carers, and communities, offering everything from permanent and respite care to essential everyday support. They treat every single person with dignity, respect, and genuine kindness—because that’s what everyone deserves.
What inspires me the most is how passionate and adaptable their team is. They show up, they listen, they care. For so many families, Archway isn’t just a service—it’s a total lifeline.
Where Your Support Goes
By backing my marathon effort, you’re helping Archway:
- Give people with learning disabilities the chance to thrive
- Support families who rely on their care
- Build a safe, empowering, sustainable environment for everyone
Congrats on getting to the end, now it's time to donate.
Cheers!
-
Target
ÂŁ2,500
-
Raised so far
ÂŁ4,070
-
Number of donors
90
My Story
All aboard for a charity double header!
- London Marathon (42.2km) April 2026 as my son's favourite, Thomas the Tank Engine, choo choo!
- Comrades Marathon (87km) June 2026 (thomas free though!)
Firstly a massive shoutout to Metro Aberdeen Running Club for providing the opportunity to represent the club at the 2026 London Marathon. This has given me the chance to make a difference and raise money for Archway, an amazing charity supporting people with learning disabilities and their families across the North East of Scotland.
"So… what’s all this then?" you might be wondering.
Well, this isn’t your usual charity‑marathon whistle‑stop asking you to divert a few coins from your next pint or fancy caramel latte at Knapford Station Café.
No — this is a full steam‑ahead call to action!
We’re asking you to climb aboard, fire up the boiler, and help raise some much‑needed coal… erm… cash… as we set off on an adventure featuring one of the world’s most iconic marathons, followed by the world’s most legendary ultra marathon.
First stop: The London Marathon.
There’s truly nothing like puffing past the Cutty Sark, chugging proudly over Tower Bridge, steaming down the Embankment, and finally rolling triumphantly along The Mall — with crowds packed along the route, cheering like you’re the fastest engine on Sodor. And with a Guinness World Record attempt thrown into the mix, it’s bound to be a real railway adventure!
So jump on board, join the fun, and help keep this fundraising engine running at full steam! đźš‚đź’¨
Thomas will be locked away at the steamworks getting much needed R&R while i jump on a few planes to Durban, South Africa for the Comrades marathon. An epic, brutal but unforgettable road ultra. Held each year with alternating directions, the 87km (54mi) race, is the world’s oldest ultramarathon, founded over 100 years ago in 1921. Each year the race is held between Durban and Pietermaritzburg with a 12 hour time limit and over 6200ft of elevation gain.
2026 is the 99th running of the event and is the "up run". The course navigates through the Valley of a Thousand Hills, which tells you everything you need to know. It is going to be a real challenge,
Help me raise some much valued funds for a cause that matters and that has an impact to people here in the North East.
Why I’m Running for Archway
Archway is honestly incredible. Their whole vibe is about:
✨ person-centred care
✨ trust and empowerment
✨ helping everyone reach their full potential
They work closely with parents, carers, and communities, offering everything from permanent and respite care to essential everyday support. They treat every single person with dignity, respect, and genuine kindness—because that’s what everyone deserves.
What inspires me the most is how passionate and adaptable their team is. They show up, they listen, they care. For so many families, Archway isn’t just a service—it’s a total lifeline.
Where Your Support Goes
By backing my marathon effort, you’re helping Archway:
- Give people with learning disabilities the chance to thrive
- Support families who rely on their care
- Build a safe, empowering, sustainable environment for everyone
Congrats on getting to the end, now it's time to donate.
Cheers!
