On 26 April, the rugby community will once again pound the streets of London in support of injured players, as 12 Rugby Runners fundraise for the RFU Injured Players Foundation at the 2026 TCS London Marathon.
The Injured Players Foundation (IPF) is an official charity of England Rugby and supports players at any level of the game who have sustained an acute life-changing injury while playing rugby union in England.
Thankfully, such injuries are extremely rare in the sport. However, if an accident does happen, the IPF is on hand to provide wide-ranging support for the injured player and their family for life, if needed. The Foundation also funds research to improve injury management and to reduce the risk of catastrophic injury occurring in the game.
This year’s squad of Rugby Runners includes two IPF beneficiaries who have received direct support from the Foundation, rugby teammates who have witnessed the positive impact IPF support can have for a player and their family, and runners who love their rugby and want to tackle 26.2 miles to help their wider family.
Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing stories of those flying the flag for the IPF this year to understand their personal motivations for raising vital funds for this fantastic rugby charity.
You can find out more and donate to support them by visiting the IPF’s Enthuse page below (where you can also search names): https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/rfuipf/profile
The 2026 Rugby Runners Squad taking on the TCS London Marathon for the IPF is:
- Edward Berridge, Banbury RUFC
- Peter Blackman, Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club
- Alastair Brace, Teddington RFC
- Adam Close, Orpington
- Andrew Henderson, Westcombe Park RFC
- Ben Kirby, ex Esher Rugby
- Matthew Lee, Silhillians RUFC
- Hamish Minton, Chichester RFC
- Fraser Parris, Waltham Abbey
- Andrew Petrie, Sutton and Epsom Rugby Club
- Danny Rumble, Gloucestershire RFU & EPCR
- Keith Stokes, Oldfield Old Boys RFC, Bath
We also welcome supporters on the day to cheer on our IPF Rugby Runners as they take on the iconic course. The IPF Cheer point is located 0.6 miles from Tower Bridge underground station and 0.4 miles from Shadwell overground station. Map below.
Interested in running the London Marathon for the RFU Injured Players Foundation?
You can apply for a charity place with the Rugby Runners Team in the 2027 London Marathon by completing our application form on the link below. Please note that all of our places have now been allocated, and we are now running a waitlist for any drop outs. Please complete the form here if you'd like to be added to the waitlist.
