From North Devon to the Big Smoke: ARC’s Leanne Avery Takes on the London Marathon

Date: April 2026

Our very own Leanne Avery is officially heading to the capital to take on the 2026 London Marathon!

For those who know Leanne from around the centre, you’ll know she is the definition of the "ARC Spirit" resilient, energetic, and always ready to support others. But now is our turn to give back some support for her.

This isn't just a 26.2-mile race for Leanne; it’s a deeply personal mission. Leanne is running in honour of her Mum, who lives with a lifelong lung disease.

"My Mum was the one who first got me into running as a child," Leanne shared. "She’s been my inspiration from day one. To run for Asthma + Lung UK is my way of giving back to a cause that affects 1 in 5 people in the UK, including the person who taught me to find my stride."

Overcoming the Odds

The road to the "Big Smoke" hasn't been easy. Many of our members have seen Leanne training hard in the ARC gym and on the local trails, but what they might not know is that this dream has been years in the making. After battling through successive injuries and setbacks, Leanne’s presence at the 2026 start line is a testament to her incredible determination.

At ARC, we champion the idea that sport should be inclusive and that barriers are meant to be broken. Leanne’s journey from injury recovery to marathon runner perfectly encapsulates everything we stand for.

How You Can Get Involved

We are calling on the entire ARC community to help Leanne smash her fundraising goals and cheer her across the finish line from afar!

  • Track Her Progress: If you want to follow Leanne’s journey through the streets of London in real-time, download the Official London Marathon App and track Bib Number: 40851.

  • Show Your Support: Leanne is raising vital funds for Asthma + Lung UK to support life-changing research and support for those with lung conditions.

Click here to donate to Leanne’s cause. Top button!
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Go get ‘em, Leanne! The whole of ARC is cheering for you!