So it begins......
The ABF is the Army’s national charity, providing lifelong support to soldiers, veterans, and their families. They work directly with individuals and partner charities to ensure help is always there — from newborns to centenarians. Last year alone, they supported people aged from just 1 day old to 104 years old.
You can read more of their stories on their website, and as a veteran, I understand the hard work, sacrifice, and resilience that defines military life — and I’ve experienced how vital it is to have support when it’s needed most.
That’s why I’m proud to be running the 2026 TCS London Marathon in support of the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF).
Now, here’s the typical Richie twist:
I’ve only just secured my marathon place — with just 6 weeks to train.
This will be my first marathon (I've been told Snickers bars don't count - even if you eat 26.2 of them!).
So I’m asking friends, family, and colleagues old and new — military and civilian — to donate.
If not for the charity, then at least for the thought of me running 26.2 miles.
Please help me help them by giving whatever you can using the donate button and share this page far and wide.
Thank you in advance for your generosity. It means a lot, and I will keep you posted on my journey and training.
My Updates
Calm before the storm?
We are on week 2 of 6 into marathon training and (I may be jinxing things here) but my legs feel good. Stiff at the end before the end of run stretching, but no pain? I’ve done my “long run” (a poultry 5 miles compared to the 18 miles I've seen others in running groups do this week!), but no pain.
This feels suspicious.
Deeply suspicious.
Maybe my legs are in denial.
Maybe I’m in denial.
But, I’m easing in, building the mileage, and letting my body catch up before I start asking it to do anything crazy. Five miles on Sunday becomes six, then eight, then suddenly I’m on the starting line about to eat 26.2 snickers!
No, wait, that was a fever dream I had.
For now, though, I’m taking the win. No pain. Just me, the trainers, a dodgy playlist that most DJs would reject and the creeping suspicion that the real suffering is lurking somewhere ahead.....
Training Week 1? Completed it!
1 week down, 5 to go!5 weeks today is the London Marathon!
Finished the week 1 training plan with a long run today - 5 miles in 52 minutes!
Onto week 2!
Starting Metrics
I love it when a plan comes together!!
Thank you to my Sponsors
£106
Anonymous
£100
Anonymous
£53.32
Lucy
Run Richard Run!!
£53.32
Rob Sommerville
Good luck!
£53.32
Fi Tompson
A great cause Richard, proud of you. Good luck with this huge challenge. Lots of love Fi xxx
£21.84
Richard Wolfenden
For a good cause!
£21.84
Scott
£21.84
Dolly Mazonowicz
Go, Rich, go!!! x x
£21.84
Stephen Mooring
£21.84
Dylan Rogers
Good luck, I’m sure you’ll smash it!
£20
Lee Woodhouse
£20
Martin
Good luck!
£20
Luke Carroll
best of luck Rich, one foot in front of the other!
£20
Matt Calver
Great cause and all the best for the day.
£11.33
Richard Keenahan
Well done mate. I’m going to a time of 4 hours 45 minis.
£11.33
Kim Watts
Best of luck mate! You can do it!
£11.32
Alex K
9.99 just to make sure the numbers written down in case you need it.
£6.11
Muppet
Good luck Rich.
