2025 Marathon runners Millie and Alastair
Hear from Millie Amies
Why have I chosen to run for The Outward Bound Trust?
Running the London Marathon is about so much more to me than just crossing a finish line—it’s a way of honouring my wonderful brother, Ollie, and supporting a charity whose work truly connects me back to him. He shared my love for the outdoors and had a real passion for working with young people, especially in his role as a Year 6 teaching assistant. When I discovered The Outward Bound Trust, it felt like the perfect fit. I couldn’t be prouder to run on behalf of such an incredible organisation.
How am I approaching my fundraising?
I’ve been sharing my story across social media, connecting with others who’ve experienced similar grief or who simply resonate with my message. I’m really lucky to have an amazing support network that’s eager to contribute. I’ve also been putting my creativity to use—I’ve started making digital illustrations of the places I run, which I’ll be sharing after the marathon in exchange for final donations. It’s something I’ve been able to do thanks to my Master’s degree, and it’s brought me a lot of personal joy. You’ll find my artwork and running updates on Instagram—it’s all about community, creativity, and purpose. To top it off, I recently hosted a charity bake sale at my local parkrun. It was such a lovely way to meet fellow runners, share my story, and fuel them up with cake—a double win!
How am I preparing for event day?
Growing up, I was all about the 100m sprint and would dread long-distance runs—but that changed over time. Over a year ago, I joined my local running club, CoNAC, and that completely transformed my mindset. Being surrounded by such a supportive and driven community gave me the motivation I needed. I’d signed up for the Amsterdam Marathon, but heartbreakingly, I had to withdraw after losing my brother just before the race. It was devastating—I’d been training for so long, but I knew in my heart that stepping back was the right thing for me and my family. Still, it felt like I’d let go of a big dream. But I didn’t stop. With the help of my running club, I decided to create my own
marathon. They helped me plan the route, set up hydration stations, and turned out in full force to support me. I ran 26.2 miles on December 8th—in the middle of a storm—and honestly, it was one of the best days of my life. That day reminded me that I can do hard things. That marathon helped heal something in me and marked the beginning of my fundraising journey for Outward Bound. Soon after, I found out I’d been accepted into the 2025 London Marathon. Word spread quickly through my running community and family, and the support and donations started flowing in. Every step of this journey, I’ve been saying: this one’s for you, Ol.
Did visiting the Outward Bound centre help you connect with the charity?
Visiting the Outward Bound centre made everything click into place. The Team OB day was full of joy, everyone had the biggest smiles, and there was such a strong sense of togetherness. We got to try all kinds of new activities- some of which I never thought I’d be brave enough to do! But it was one of those rare environments where you feel safe enough to push yourself beyond your comfort zone. That day gave me such a deeper understanding of the amazing work the Outward Bound Trust does, and just how powerful those experiences can be for young people across the UK.
Hear from Alastair Lennox
Why are you running for Outward Bound?
Running the marathon in support of the Outward Bound is particularly meaningful to me. I did an Outward Bound course when I was 14, and it had a big impact on me. It was eye-opening and a real confidence boost. Growing up, I’d always been around the same group of kids at school, so being thrown into a group with people from all over the country, people who were different from me, was such a valuable experience. It pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. Even now, decades later, I still have vivid memories of that experience, and I’d definitely send my own kids when they’re older. It's such a powerful way to help young people grow in confidence, independence, and belief in themselves.
Why the London Marathon?
Turning 40 this year felt like a real milestone, one of those moments where you still feel young but also find yourself reflecting on how much life has changed. I wanted to mark it with a meaningful challenge, something that pushed me physically and mentally. Running the London Marathon felt like the perfect way to do that.
I’ve wanted to run the London Marathon for a long time, it’s such an iconic event. Pairing it with the chance to raise money for Outward Bound felt like the perfect opportunity. I’ve done a few half marathons, but this is my first full one. I got into running more seriously recently because it’s so simple- no equipment needed, and it fits around a busy life.
What are you doing to prepare for event day?
Training’s been a balancing act, especially now that I’m a bit older and more aware of how easy it is to get injured if you overdo it. Rather than following a rigid running plan, I’ve built a routine that works for me. I mix things up with cycling, strength training, and even a weekly rock climbing. It keeps things interesting, and I’ve stayed motivated and injury-free.
Tips for future runners:
Don’t feel like you have to follow a traditional training plan just because it’s what everyone else does. Most marathon plans assume all you want to do is run, but that doesn’t suit everyone- and it didn’t work for me.
Find a rhythm that fits your body, your lifestyle, and your mindset. Mixing in other types of movement- whether it’s climbing, swimming, yoga, or cycling- can help you stay strong and avoid burnout. And above all, try to enjoy the journey. The marathon is just one day- but the months leading up to it- That’s where the real growth happens.
