From escaping family responsibilities to challenging your ex, this year’s Saucony London 10k runners have shared their reasons for participating.
The 2025 Saucony London 10k, which takes place on 13 July, has been asking runners to share the reasons behind their leaps of faith.
The race, which raised over £500k for charity in 2024, will see many running for charitable reasons to raise money for good causes.
However, some participants gave wild, peculiar and outright bizarre reasons for taking on the challenge this July.
Here are some of our favourites.
Nothing like some friendly competition
Graeme, 43, has set aside the bonds of marriage simply wanting to “beat my wife and her friends,” while 26-year-old Josh wants “to beat my old boss.”
Meanwhile, 36-year-old Anelle has a former love interest in her sights, saying: “Trying to beat my ex – he challenged me, so I accepted. Got to prove girls are physically strong!”
Peer pressure and avoiding responsibilities
Anna, 36, has made a great escape from her day-to-day responsibilities, saying: “Running from my family responsibilities.”
We’re hoping 28-year-old Aiman is looking forward to the race despite being “forced by my friend.”
Reach for the stars
Some competitors shared more wholesome reasons for their entries. Ibrahim, 25, said: “personal growth/I am very bored,” while Moaad said: “My motivation is that I am a chubby fella.”
Agathe, 28, is hoping to use the race as a platform for future progress, saying: “I want to stop being lazy. Like NOW!”
Louise, 20, is sure to receive a cake and candle at the finish line. After all, she says, “it’s my birthday.”
From the ordinary, to the bizarre
Ted, 36, shared his love for heartwarming food, saying: “My hotpot loving friends are running.”
However, 38-year-old Qamarul provided perhaps the strangest reason of all participants, saying: “My cat’s poo was runny yesterday.”
Places for 2025’s Saucony London 10k are sold out, but you can register your interest for 2026 at www.thelondon10k.com.
