The Born Free Foundation

Running to keep wild animals wild and free

Jon Howell ✈️🌍

Jon Howell ✈️🌍

My Story

Running 26.2 miles to help keep wild animals where they belong – in the wild. Join me in protecting Wildlife.

I was due to run the 2024 London Marathon for the Gorilla Organization, but suffered a DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) just 4 weeks prior to the race and could not run. I did however, complete the 26.2 miles at my local Torbay marathon in September 2024, raising over £2,000 in the process.  

I love running. Having the opportunity to run and raise funds for a Charity I have worked with for some years is a real privilege.

I have supported and witnessed their work firsthand with the relocation of Tsar and Jamil from Ukraine to South Africa - amazing video here

On 26 April 2026  I’ll be running 26.2 miles in the London Marathon to raise funds for Born Free – a charity that rescues animals from abuse, protects endangered species, and fights for a future where wild animals stay wild.  

Running a marathon is tough. But it’s nothing compared to what these animals face - locked up, exploited, or hunted for profit. Born Free steps in where others won’t – giving animals second chances and protecting their natural homes. 

💚 How You Can Help: If you believe animals deserve better, please support my run. Every donation helps fund Born Free’s vital work — from on-the-ground rescue to long-term conservation.

If you're a UK taxpayer, don’t forget to tick the Gift Aid box — it makes your donation go even further, at no extra cost to you.

This isn’t just about a race for me. It’s about doing something real for the planet and the animals I care about. 

Thank you for believing in me — and in a world where animals can live wild and free.

#RunWild #BornFree #LondonMarathon2026 #KeepWildlifeInTheWild

107%

Funded

  • Target
    £2,500
  • Raised so far
    £2,668
  • Number of donors
    19

My Story

Running 26.2 miles to help keep wild animals where they belong – in the wild. Join me in protecting Wildlife.

I was due to run the 2024 London Marathon for the Gorilla Organization, but suffered a DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) just 4 weeks prior to the race and could not run. I did however, complete the 26.2 miles at my local Torbay marathon in September 2024, raising over £2,000 in the process.  

I love running. Having the opportunity to run and raise funds for a Charity I have worked with for some years is a real privilege.

I have supported and witnessed their work firsthand with the relocation of Tsar and Jamil from Ukraine to South Africa - amazing video here

On 26 April 2026  I’ll be running 26.2 miles in the London Marathon to raise funds for Born Free – a charity that rescues animals from abuse, protects endangered species, and fights for a future where wild animals stay wild.  

Running a marathon is tough. But it’s nothing compared to what these animals face - locked up, exploited, or hunted for profit. Born Free steps in where others won’t – giving animals second chances and protecting their natural homes. 

💚 How You Can Help: If you believe animals deserve better, please support my run. Every donation helps fund Born Free’s vital work — from on-the-ground rescue to long-term conservation.

If you're a UK taxpayer, don’t forget to tick the Gift Aid box — it makes your donation go even further, at no extra cost to you.

This isn’t just about a race for me. It’s about doing something real for the planet and the animals I care about. 

Thank you for believing in me — and in a world where animals can live wild and free.

#RunWild #BornFree #LondonMarathon2026 #KeepWildlifeInTheWild