Meet our 2026 London Marathon Runners: Darren Royle
With the iconic 2026 TCS London Marathon fast approaching, we’re proud to be supported by a dedicated team of runners taking on the challenge for MediCinema. We’ll be meeting each of them to find out their personal motivation for going the distance for our charity.
Darren is the CEO of Oldham Athletic Football Club who generously hosted a charity football match for MediCinema at the end of last year. His connection to our cause comes through his close friend James Reade whose daughter relied on trips to the MediCinema during a prolonged stay in hospital. James ran The London Marathon for us in 2025.
Darren’s upcoming marathon challenge also launches the football club’s new charity initiative ‘Latics at London Marathon’ where a club representative will run The London Marathon in aid of a different charity each year.
What inspired you to take on the 2026 TCS London Marathon as part of the MediCinema team?
I knew two parents of children who were profoundly and positively supported by their MediCinema experiences at hospitals whilst their young children were receiving life saving treatment.
How have you been preparing for the race, and what’s been the biggest challenge so far?
I have been upping the miles every week to 23 miles last week and now tapering. The biggest challenge has been time and getting enough time in the diary for the long training runs.
Tell us about your favourite moment or run so far whilst training/fundraising for the challenge
My favourite moment was reaching 23 miles and having energy left in the tank. I did the marathon 10 years ago so old injuries and age were a worry but from a confidence perspective it was great to get 23 in the bag.
Is there anything else you’d like to add about your challenge?
It’s been an honour to represent the charity and humbling to hear some of the patient stories and how MediCinema has helped little ones especially during prolonged treatments and visits to hospital.
