This year’s Robin Hood Half Marathon and Mini Marathon will be a special one for the Oldwill family, with mum Heather taking on the Half Marathon and children Olivia, 9, and Lewis, 7, running the Mini Marathon for Forever Stars.

The family will be running in memory of Alexandra, who was born sleeping in 2016 at 39 weeks. Following their loss, Heather and Julie discovered Forever Stars and the vital support it provides to families experiencing baby loss.

The charity has remained a huge part of their lives ever since. Heather has previously run the Robin Hood Half for Forever Stars, while both she and Julie have supported fundraising events and are now trustees of the charity.

This year, Heather is aiming to raise at least £300 in memory of Alex, while Olivia and Lewis will join her on the course, making it a truly whole-family affair.

NTU Engineering Senior Lecturer Dr Kartikeya Walia is taking on the Robin Hood Half Marathon this September to raise funds for the John van Geest Cancer Research Centre.

Kartikeya signed up after losing his father to cancer in December 2025. He wanted to turn his loss into something positive by supporting research that could help others affected by the disease.“

It made me want to do something meaningful and contribute, even in a small way, to the kind of research that can make a difference for others.” Kartikeya has completed a half marathon before, but this one has a much deeper personal meaning. He’s now training regularly, running 5K two to three times a week alongside a weekly 10K as he builds towards race day.

He also hopes his fundraising will inspire others to support causes close to their hearts.“People connect with genuine stories, and that connection can really help build support.

”This September, Kartikeya will run every mile with his father’s memory in mind — helping raise vital funds for cancer research along the way.

I manage the Supported Runner Project at the Richard Whitehead Foundation. This project supports disabled people to access mass participation events, like the Robin Hood Half Marathon, by breaking down barriers and connecting them a support or guide runner who can provide practical support, motivation and encouragement.

The best part of my role is bringing people together. Whether it's matching a participant with the right support runner or working with event organisers to make an event more accessible, it's all about helping disabled people access the same opportunities to take part and achieve their ambitions.

At the Richard Whitehead Foundation, we support people with a wide range of disabilities, not just visually impaired runners. Everyone's support needs are different, and a big part of our work is understanding those needs and helping people access opportunities to be active.

Through the Supported Sports Project, we're helping more disabled people take part in events, build confidence and achieve their goals. Having the right support can make all the difference and seeing people do something they didn't think was possible is what makes the role so rewarding.

If hearing these stories inspires you to get involved, one of the best ways to support the Richard Whitehead Foundation is by taking part in the Robin Hood Half Marathon and fundraising for us. The money raised helps us continue supporting disabled people to access events, find the right support and experience the benefits of sport and physical activity.

The Friary is a wonderful local charity doing an exceptional job supporting the most vulnerable members of Nottingham community, at the point of need.

The staff are wonderful professionals: welcoming and understanding and they do their best to meet the needs even in the most testing/stressful of circumstances.

But the reality is they face multiple challenges given the current climate: Ever since Covid, and the Cost of Living Crisis, raising funds is even more difficult now than ever before. This translates to cuts in services and heavy reliance on volunteers. Ultimately, it is our local vulnerable communities that this will impact on.

I'm hoping we can raise a significant amount to keep the lights on for vulnerable members of Nottingham community which is why I am running the Robin Hood Half Marathon. 

After more than 13 years supporting Epic Partners, Michael has seen first-hand the incredible difference the charity makes for children and young people across Nottingham (as shown in photo).

Inspired by the work they do, Michael has decided to take on the Robin Hood Half Marathon, despite being completely new to running.

With regular training and plenty of determination, he is preparing to take on 13.1 miles and raise vital funds for a cause close to his heart.

Michael said: “Taking on the Robin Hood Half Marathon is my way of giving something back and helping Epic Partners continue providing opportunities and support for those who need it most.”

From non-runner to half marathon challenger, Michael’s journey proves that with the right motivation, anything is possible.

Every donation will help Epic Partners continue providing safe spaces, trusted adults, sport, mentoring and positive opportunities for children and young people across Nottingham.

"Over The Wall Camp is a charity very close to my heart. I love the difference it makes to children and young people living with serious health challenges, giving them the chance to grow in confidence, make friends and simply enjoy being children. Having supported the charity through running, fundraising and volunteering, I’m always happy to help in any way I can, and can't wait to do the Robin Hood Half Marathon once again in support of OTWC."  

Denice ran the Robin Hood Half Marathon in 2025 and raised £305. She volunteered at our Fun Day last year, and recently has been volunteering on site in Ockbrook to help get everything ready for camp opening.

My Journey to the Finish Line: Finding Hope in the Darkest Places

Five years ago, my life changed in an instant. A stroke took away my ability to walk, let alone continue my routine of running 5 miles three times a week. Shortly after, tragedy struck again when I lost my husband, Richard. Overwhelmed by grief and my own physical limitations, I hit my lowest point and tried to take my own life. I couldn't see a way forward for myself or my boys.

But there was a way out. With the lifesaving support of the charity Harmless, I slowly found my footing and my hope again.

Eighteen months into my recovery, I did something bold: I signed up for a half marathon. Lacing up my shoes again wasn't just about fitness; it gave me focus, purpose, and a vital piece of my healing journey.

Now, I’m proud to be a Robin Hood Marathon Events runner. I am taking on this challenge to give back to Harmless so they can keep saving lives, just like they saved mine. I'm running to prove that recovery is possible, that it’s okay not to be okay, and that even after the darkest storm, we can find our stride again. 

Why Benjamin is Running the Robin Hood Half Marathon

Three weeks. That's how long our son, Leo, spent on Ward E40 at Nottingham Children's Hospital.

Those were the hardest weeks of our lives, but thanks to the incredible doctors, nurses and support staff, we never faced them alone. Their compassion, dedication and expertise helped care for Leo and supported us through every step of an incredibly difficult time.

Leo has an exceptionally rare condition, affecting around 1 in 10 million people. Although he's home, our journey continues with regular neurology appointments and hospital treatment every four weeks.

We're also so grateful to our family, friends and everyone who has supported us. The kindness we've received has meant more than we can ever express.

I'm running the Robin Hood Half Marathon to give something back to the hospital that has given so much to our family. Every donation will help Nottingham Children's Hospital continue providing outstanding care, vital equipment and support for children and families when they need it most.

From Saving Lives to the Start Line:

For Chris, supporting Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) is much more than a job – it's been a decade-long commitment to helping save lives.As a HEMS doctor and Emergency Medicine consultant at Queen's Medical Centre, Chris sees first-hand the importance of rapid, expert care. Now, as he marks 10 years with LNAA in 2026, he's taking on a new challenge: the Robin Hood Half Marathon.

"I wanted to give something back," says Chris. "Being part of LNAA has been incredibly rewarding, so marking ten years felt like the right time to take on a challenge that supports the service.

"Having started his running journey with Couch to 5K in 2024, Chris has already completed the Lincoln 10K and is now building up to his biggest challenge yet – 13.1 miles around Nottingham.Away from work and training, Chris is a busy husband and dad of two, fitting his runs around family life and his passion for books and Formula 1.

His message to anyone considering taking part is simple:"If you're thinking about it, go for it. Taking part is an incredible way to support a service that truly saves lives."Chris's story proves that you don't need to be a lifelong runner to take on a half marathon. With determination and a cause close to your heart, anything is possible.

This September, Eloise will take on the Robin Hood Half Marathon in support of Our Dementia Choir, a charity that is incredibly close to her heart.

Eloise's dad was diagnosed with early-onset dementia in 2020. More recently, he has also been diagnosed with bowel cancer, adding further challenges for him and his family.

"Even with the cancer diagnosis, it's the dementia that feels the hardest," says Eloise. "Watching Dad become confused, not understanding what's happening and needing constant reassurance breaks my heart. Knowing that one day he may not remember me, my siblings or our children is something I struggle with every day.

"Dementia has touched Eloise's family before. Her grandmother, who was originally from Naples in Italy, also lived with dementia. Eloise's dad cared for her until the very end, before later facing his own diagnosis.

Inspired by her family's experience, Eloise chose to support Our Dementia Choir through her running. Founded by actor and presenter Vicky McClure, the charity helps people living with dementia and their families through the power of music, friendship and community.

"I ran the Robin Hood Half Marathon for Our Dementia Choir in 2024 and the Robin Hood Mini Marathon with my niece in 2025. It was a privilege to support a charity that brings hope to people living with dementia and their families. The work they do is incredible and the charity is full of people who genuinely care and make a difference.

"This year, Eloise will once again be taking to the streets of Nottingham in support of the charity, helping to raise vital funds and awareness for those affected by dementia.

My daughter Pippie is my youngest, she’s 19 months old and had a very tough start, she aspirated meconium and suffered from grade 2 hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). She was therapeutically cooled for 72 hours to try to limit the damage to her brain. Her whole body took a hit, but so far it seems mainly her brain was affected. It’s very much a “wait and see” how she is affected. She has emerging cerebral palsy, we’re not sure to what extent yet. She has weekly sessions at Footprints, and it’s such a great place!

She’s working on learning to stand and move independently, and the community at Footprints is so lovely. There are a range of children in her sessions, and everyone is so supportive of one another and their journey. 

I started running again kind of as a bit of therapy and me time, I am a distinctly below average runner and running the Robin Hood Half will certainly be a challenge for me! But the thought of being able to give something back to Footprints will spur me on and seeing how hard Pippie works in her sessions and every day is a reminder that we can do hard things! 

Kacper is taking on the Robin Hood Half Marathon in support of When You Wish Upon a Star, driven by a powerful belief that sits at the heart of his journey:“for those who can’t.”

For many of the children and families supported by the charity, events like this would not be possible. That’s what motivates Kacper to run - to take on the challenge on their behalf and help create magical experiences for those who need them most.

Kacper’s personal journey is just as inspiring. Having lost 50kg, going from 130kg to 80kg, he has transformed his lifestyle and now actively seeks out new challenges to push himself further. Running has become not just a goal, but a passion and one he is now channelling into something bigger than himself.

Looking ahead, Kacper hopes to continue taking on more charity runs, combining his love of endurance challenges with causes he truly believes in. For him, the message is simple but powerful:“for those who can’t.”

We’re proud to have runners like Kacper on the Robin Hood Half Marathon start line, turning personal achievement into meaningful impact. 

My running journey has been on hold for many years.I took time away due to being diagnosed with a heart condition. Throughout years of management, I was keen to get back to it! I started running again for my mental health & wellbeing, but also to do something I love. I have always been an advocate and champion for supporting mental health, and recently I have qualified as a life & mindset coach! Getting back into running can be hard, especially when you have low confidence! I talked myself into being brave and going along to a few run clubs. The day I joined NFR for my first social run was the day it all changed! I instantly felt connected, heard, welcomed and loved… for being me. Running RHHM last year was an incredible experience, especially with the bib 1981.. the year it all started! Seeing NFR squad, flags and support around the course was a beautiful yet exciting boost to get you through! Being Bi-Sexual Woman can be difficult, from feeling isolated and not good enough to being an event or club,  to feeling inclusive and seen in an event like RHHM and a club like NFR is something special. My self-esteem and confidence have gone from rock bottom to feeling proud and confident to join these events. To see and hear how far the LQBTQ+ community has grown through the love of sport is incredible! There’s a space for everyone to explore and do what they love, regardless of their ability. There’s always a hand, always a shoulder, always a queer cheer! Robin Hood matters because it’s about community. It’s about love. It’s about support. It’s more importantly about feeling like you have a place. For each and everyone of you out there that is contemplating starting their running journey, but doesn’t yet feel confident enough.. I promise you, this is the place. 🤍

When the Nottingham Frontrunners were established in the summer of 2023, no one could have imagined how this inclusive LGBTQ+ group would have grown into the large popular group it has become today, its bright colourful top becoming a familiar sight in the City. It has given people the confidence to run, feel included and make firm friends. As an older runner I have been made very welcome and running ability has improved. When we were approached to volunteer at the Robin Hood half marathon, a queer squad was established taking on the stretch along Castle Boulevard. With music, banners, flags, banners and whistles, the squad kept enthusiastically cheered in the runners, giving a flavour of festival time and keeping spirits high. How wonderful that the squad were very much part of the inclusive ethos of the Robin Hood Marathon. It is so very important that people from the LGBTQ+ community can feel very much a valued part of the event, whether as runners or volunteers. In reflecting on LGBTQ+ History Month it is worth remembering that 40 years ago we were not running but marching against blatant discrimination. Learning to run fast was a necessity to get away from bullies and hatred. I always feel that the Robin Hood Half Marathon has a wonderful sense of community. Everybody is made to feel welcome and included. Where people can enjoy running and feel safe.