Second year Vet Bio student to run London Marathon in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK

Sophie Manton, a second year BSc (Hons) Veterinary Bioscience student, from Norfolk is set to take on the 2026 TCS London Marathon on 26 April in support of Alzheimer’s Research UK, a charity very close to her heart.

Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity. They work to revolutionise the way dementia is treated, diagnosed and prevented. The charity funds pioneering research to help find a cure and improve the lives of the millions of people affected by dementia in the UK and around the world.

Sophie said: “I’ve chosen to run for Alzheimer’s Research UK in memory of my Great Aunt. I’ll be running for her, and for every family whose lives have been affected by dementia.

“I started running during my first year at university, in late 2024. When the marathon ballot then opened on April 27 last year, a group of people from my flat decided to sign up together, never expecting much to come of it.

“So when the results came through on June 19 and I saw “YOU’RE IN!”, I was completely shocked and the only one from our flat who got a place!”

Sophie (left) on a run with her friend and flatmate, Mia.

Then the real training began for Sophie, which she’s found tough at times, but she is focusing on just keeping her body moving every day.

She said: “The process is tough sometimes; I was quite sporty as a child but not a runner or that athletic in recent years. I decided to start running at the beginning of university after having a couple years where I delt with some nasty knee injuries and getting unwell and re-triggering my asthma.

Sophie (right) running The Race for Life, aged 7.

“Preparation and training wise I'm just trying to make sure I do something every day that means I am up moving my body, even if it's just a small walk on the days I need to let myself rest.

“I've been using Strava and the Runna training app to help track and plan my training. As I get closer to the marathon, I'm really focusing on upping my run lengths to prepare before then slowing back to save energy for the day.

“The training has meant I could go outside and explore campus and the surrounding area as well, but I struggle particularly on busy days to have the energy and time to try and squeeze in a run.

“Despite this, it means a lot to be able to do the marathon, but it's terrifying at the same time. As I said, my flatmates and I pretty much signed up as a joke because it is so difficult to get into.

“But it's so exciting that I got in, and I really think it will be an awesome thing to say I've done and a memory I can cherish forever. It’s nice to know I'll have done my part in trying to take money for a charity that's important to me.”

Sophie has already begun receiving donations towards her £1500 target, and is grateful for the support she’s received so far.

“Thank you so much to everyone who supports me — whether that’s through a donation, a message, or encouragement along the way. It really does mean a lot and will help keep me going through the training and all 26.2 miles on the day!”

You can donate to Sophie’s fundraising page here.