Taking on the London Marathon 2026 is no small feat, and this year we’re proud to have incredible runners like Kate King going the distance to support Vision Action’s work improving access to eye care around the world.
We caught up with Kate to hear about her training journey, what’s kept her going, and why running for a cause means so much.
Finding Strength in Consistency
When asked about the toughest part of training, Kate didn’t hesitate:
“The most challenging part has definitely been staying consistent and sticking to my training plan – especially on days when motivation is low or the weather isn’t great. Fitting long runs around daily commitments has also been tough, but it’s all part of the journey.”
Marathon training is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. Balancing work, life, and long-distance running takes real discipline – and plenty of resilience.
Running for a Purpose
For anyone considering running for charity, Kate’s advice is simple:
“Go for it – it’s incredibly rewarding. Choose a cause that genuinely means something to you, as that will keep you motivated during training and fundraising. Also, don’t be afraid to share your story; people are often more willing to support you than you expect.”
Having a meaningful cause behind every mile can make all the difference – especially during the tougher moments.
Making Every Mile Matter
Running for Vision Action has given Kate an added sense of purpose:
“It’s really motivating and gives a deeper purpose to the whole experience. Knowing that the effort I’m putting into training and fundraising can make a real difference in someone’s life makes every mile feel more meaningful.”
Every step Kate takes is helping bring essential eye care to communities where it’s needed most – restoring sight, supporting education, and transforming lives.
Race Day Goals
With race day fast approaching, Kate is keeping her goals focused:
“I’m aiming for around 5 hours – my main goal is to finish it strong.”
Whether chasing a time or simply crossing the finish line, every mile is a huge achievement.
Celebrating the Finish Line
And once the 26.2 miles are complete?
“Probably with a big meal and some well-earned rest! It’ll be nice to celebrate with friends and family and take a moment to reflect on the whole journey.”
Supporting Kate and Team Vision Action
We’re incredibly grateful to Kate and all our London Marathon runners for their dedication, determination, and commitment to making a difference. Their efforts will help provide life-changing eye care to people in some of the world’s most underserved communities.
If you’d like to support Kate or cheer on Team Vision Action, visit our website or follow along on social media as we celebrate every mile on race day.