Abbie Lawson

London Marathon 2026

I’m🏃‍♀️the London Marathon 2026 to fight for lung health!

I’m incredibly excited (and a little nervous!) to share that I’ll be running the London Marathon 2026 as part of Team Breath for Asthma + Lung UK.💜

At 8 years old, I was diagnosed with asthma. I didn’t fully understand my condition, and it massively knocked my confidence. I often felt excluded — especially on school sports days and in PE — and never imagined myself as someone who would take on endurance challenges.

Fast forward a few years… and in 2019, I found myself standing at Everest Base Camp, having trekked there via the stunning Gokyo Valley route. That experience changed everything. It sparked a love for the outdoors and inspired me to take better care of my lungs — which is how I found running.

From Parkruns to moving to the Brontë Country, to joining the incredible Haworth Social Runners (who’ve become like a second family), running has become a huge part of my life. I now run 2–3 times a week, and last year I completed the Yorkshireman Half Marathon, tackling an eye-watering 1,750m of ascent! 

Now, I’ve set my sights on my biggest challenge yet — the London Marathon 2026, and I’m honoured to be doing it as part of Team Breath for Asthma + Lung UK.

Running with asthma is tough, and it takes serious grit to push through it, each run I complete is a huge accomplishment, not just physically but mentally too. Proving to myself every time that asthma doesn't define my limits and remembering what I've achieved so far!

I’m running for the 5.4 million people in the UK living with asthma — for the kids who feel left out like I did, and to help fund life-changing research, care, and support.

I’ll be sharing my journey here — the highs, the sore legs, and everything in between — and I’d love your support along the way. If you'd like to donate or share, every little bit helps make a huge difference. 💜

My Achievements

My Updates

Wishing everyone a very happy Christmas and New Year! 🎄

Wednesday 24th Dec
Huge thank you to Haworth Social Runners 🏃🏻‍♀️ for an amazing festive social run — lights, laughs, chip butties, a raffle, and an incredible £115 raised for Asthma and Lung UK 💙 And thank you to everyone who’s donated and supported me so far. I’m incredibly grateful and so proud to be running the London Marathon for such a brilliant cause. This support means the world — here’s to more miles, more laughs, and probably more bogs 😜

Type 2 Fun: Festive Edition

Wednesday 24th Dec
Winter racing still isn’t my natural habitat (asthma + cold air = unnecessary drama), but marathon training clearly decided I needed character building. Cue The Stoop: 4.9 miles, 700 ft of climb, festive headwear doing absolutely nothing for performance, and terrain that can only be described as seasonally hostile. Penistone Hill was wrapped in fog, the ground was aggressively damp, and the bogs were out in full force with zero festive goodwill 😜 Was it fast? No. Dry? Also no. Type 2 fun? Very much yes. A proper strength session, mud in places I didn’t know existed, and a reminder that marathon prep isn’t just about long, sensible runs — sometimes it’s about embracing the chaos 🎅💪 Spirits high, legs worked, dignity… negotiable

I did it — my first marathon! 🏃‍♂️💪

Saturday 4th Oct
I finally took on the challenge of running a full 26.2 miles — something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I chose a peaceful route along the canal from Riddlesden to the other side of Skipton, aiming to keep a steady pace and enjoy the journey.

The weather couldn’t have been better, and the route was full of small moments that made it special — like spotting a heron up close and soaking in the calm of the water. But as every runner knows, the marathon always tests you. Around mile 19, my left knee started to give in, and every step became a battle. I had to slow down, take short rests, and walk small sections… but I refused to give up.

After months of training, determination, and a fair bit of stubbornness, I crossed the 26.2-mile mark in just under 5 hours. I did it — on my own, against my limits, and for a cause that means a lot to me.

This run was more than just a personal challenge — it was the first big step on my journey to the London Marathon 2026. I’m so excited (and a little nervous!) to take on one of the world’s greatest races, and I’m running it to raise funds and awareness for a cause close to my heart.

⛰️ YORKSHIREMAN HALF MARATHON ⛰️

Monday 15th Sep

⛰️ Yorkshireman Half Marathon ⛰️

Monday 15th Sep
I did it! ✅
14.8 miles (24 km) • 1,750 ft ascent • 2h 56m ⏱️

That’s 25 minutes faster than last year 🎉 — and yes, I still found time for some cheeky snaps along the way 📸.

The route had everything: mud, valleys, streams, stanza stones and a few “character-building” climbs! Couldn't have done it without the amazing marshals, organisers, and of course the port & stilton stop (only in Yorkshire 😂). The brass band playing us through was the icing on the cake.

The weather forecast promised torrential rain 🌧️, but we lucked out with just clouds, a bit of sunshine, and no downpour until after I finished. Slippy and muddy underfoot, but that’s all part of the fun. Then it was straight t’pub for a celebratory drink with the Haworth Social crew 🥳🍻.

Most importantly — every mile was for this cause. 💙
Your support genuinely kept me moving when the climbs got tough. I can’t thank you enough for the donations and encouragement so far. If you’d like to share my page or chip in, it would mean the world and help push us closer to the target 🙏.

20 miles, 2,800ft climbed, & a cheeky pint earned! 🍺

Sunday 31st Aug
This weekend I tagged along with Sarah & Debs on their 34-mile ultra recce (brave or foolish, you decide 😅). We made it up to Pinhaw Beacon, battled some humongous gates, and ticked off my longest run yet — 20 miles with 2,800ft of elevation! It’s all great training for the Yorkshireman Half Marathon in 2 weeks and building towards the big one: the London Marathon 🏃‍♂️💨 I’m running in support of Asthma + Lung UK, helping fund vital research and support for everyone living with lung conditions 💜

🏃‍♀️💜 From Violet Beauregarde to Marathon Runner 🏅🍬

Sunday 13th Jul
Last Sunday, I took part in the iconic Oxenhope Straw Race with my amazing running group, the Haworth Social Runners – dressed up as Violet Beauregarde from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! 🎭 What started as a hilariously light-hearted challenge quickly became something more meaningful. The race – now in its 50th year – isn’t just about fancy dress, pints, or straw bales (though those were definitely involved!). It’s a powerful community tradition that has raised over £450,000 for local charities, and I feel incredibly proud to have taken part. This year's race felt especially important. It was a chance to connect with my community, support great causes, and reflect on what matters – Health, Laughter, and Team Spirit 💜

Thank you to my Sponsors

£5.25

Sam Craven

£15

Sarah Bright

Good luck Abbie, you've got this xx

£5.25

Jodie Smith

£50

Abbie Lawson

Happy Christmas 🎁⛄🤶🏻

£25.20

Debs Roach

Can’t wait to be your cheer leader in London - you will smash it . Xxx

£85

Anonymous

£5.25

Laura Alderson

Love ya xx

£5

Naomi Edwards

£5

Frances Bancroft

£15

Heather Fleming

Go Abbie! Well done

£15

Rachel Ryznar

£50

Laura Alderson

£5

Anonymous

Team Breathe Giving Day

£5

Ian Stevens

Team Breath giving day thank you so much for the donation back at you and see you in april

£5

Claire Caunt

Team Breathe Giving Day

£25

Clare Mc Aleavy

Good luck Abbie you are amazing

£187.50

Sandra Lobb

£52.50

Nicole Moon

If you’re lucky I might come do a training run with you one day! You’ve got this! 💪🏼❤️

£63

Haunted Haworth

£20

James Figg

Best of luck Abbie!

£26.25

Vi

£105

John And Brenda Smith

£50

Gwenan Jones

Wishing you all the luck in this upcoming fundraising campaign, I know you’ll smash the marathon as such an inspiring friend 🥰

£25

Lee (hsr)

Good luck Abbey , we'll be there to support you on the training runs

£15.75

Sue Eyre

Well Done Abbie. Good luck for the London Marathon next year

£5.25

Phill Watts

What a fab charity to raise money for being a fellow asthma sufferer too. I'm sure you'll smash it.

£50

Mark Bennett

Hi Abbie, I just wanted to send you a huge cheer as you prepare to run the London Marathon! Your dedication to supporting Asthma + Lung UK is truly inspiring. Every step you take is making a difference for those affected by lung conditions. Remember, it's not just about the finish line, but the incredible journey you're on. Stay strong, keep breathing deeply, and know that you have the whole team rooting for you. You've got this! Best of luck, Mark. P.S. even more reason to take your lunch

£20.50

Abbie Lawson

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