West Ham United players Tomáš Souček and Ollie Scarles joined pupils in east London to inspire the next generation, while backing a team of club staff preparing to run the TCS London Marathon in support of the West Ham United Foundation.
Students from Bobby Moore Primary School, who take part in the Foundation’s Premier League Primary Stars programme, completed a combined 26.2 miles at the London Marathon Community Track, each running two laps of the 400m circuit, cheered on by the Hammers duo and West Ham United Foundation marathon runners ahead of this month’s London Marathon.
The event forms part of the build-up to the TCS London Marathon on Sunday 26 April, where members of West Ham United’s first-team staff – Head of Performance Analysis Charlie Radmore, First Team Player Care Manager George Stannard and First Team Goalkeeper Analyst Joe Evans – will take on the 26.2-mile challenge in support of the Club’s Foundation.
The initiative highlights the Club’s ongoing commitment to supporting local communities while promoting health, education and opportunity through the West Ham United Foundation.
Tomáš Souček, known for his tireless energy on the pitch, spent time encouraging pupils, signing autographs and posing for photographs. He said:
“I remember running for my school and enjoying it with my friends. The kids were so happy today, and that’s what it’s all about. It’s been really special to be here.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s 200 metres or a marathon, running is great. For the children, having this opportunity is really important.”
The Czech international also praised his colleagues preparing for the London Marathon.
“They support us every day on the pitch, so now it’s our turn to support them. It’s a great thing they’re doing for West Ham United and the Foundation.”
The day also combined sport with education, led by West Ham United Foundation Education Ambassador Bobby Seagull, who helped pupils understand the scale of a marathon by breaking it down into track laps, alongside a warm-up led by Club mascot Hammerhead.
Bobby Seagull said: “It’s been incredible to see the energy from the children and how they’ve combined maths and running.
“Experiences like this make children believe they can achieve something like a marathon one day. Meeting Premier League players adds something truly memorable, and hopefully it inspires them to stay active.”
Pupils spoke enthusiastically about the experience, with one student saying:
“It was really fun running with my friends and seeing the players. I didn’t know a marathon was 26.2 miles!” While others highlighted lessons in perseverance and pacing themselves during the challenge.
For Head of Performance Analysis, Charlie Radmore, who has worked at the Club for more than a decade, the marathon represents both a personal milestone and a chance to give back, he said:
“The training has been tough, with early mornings and a lot of commitment, but I’m really looking forward to it. To do it for the Foundation makes it even more meaningful.”
Funds raised by Team West Ham United Foundation will help deliver vital programmes supporting young people, families and vulnerable communities across east London, as well as the continued development of The Foundry as a hub for opportunity.
To support the team, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/whuflondonmarathon2026
