Ying Chen

London Marathon 2026

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

Every minute, someone in the UK is diagnosed with a lung condition. I want to make a difference. I'm running the London Marathon 2026 for Asthma + Lung UK, the only UK charity that fights for everyone’s right to breathe. Every pound I'm able to raise will take us a step closer to a world where everyone has healthy lungs.

Just £22 allows one of Asthma + Lung UK's nurses to answer a call on the Helpline, offering potentially lifesaving advice. I'd be very grateful for any donations you could make!

My Achievements

My Updates

10K PB at 2025 Peachtree Road Race

Monday 7th Jul
I ran the Peachtree Road Race, the world’s largest 10K race, on 4th of July in Atlanta. This is my 5th Peachtree, and I finished in 00:54:23 with a huge PB! 

Training hasn't been super consistent since my recovery from Covid, due to work and family commitment, lots of traveling, and longer recovery time needed after each run. I just keep pushing myself. Although I can only go out for my training run 3-4 times a week (sometimes only once a week), I try to treat every run seriously. Every mile counts! 

I'm lucky to be able to recover from Long Covid and keep pursuing my passion for running. 1 in 5 of us will have a lung condition during our lifetime. Too many of us will  know what it's like to struggle to breathe. 

Asthma + Lung UK's vision is for a world where everyone has healthy lungs. From research and campaigning to advice and support, they are the UK's leading lung charity. They couldn't continue to do this without the supporters like you. Any amount you contribute will make a difference for those fighting to breathe! Every pound counts! 


My Story

Monday 30th Jun
I'm running the London Marathon in April 2026 – my 4th marathon, and my 3rd Abbott Major. In keeping with the spirit of the event, I will support a cause - Asthma & Lung UK. My personal battle with lung issues makes me especially proud and excited to do so. 

I got Covid in February 2023 – just 2 weeks before my planned first marathon. I was so disappointed as I had trained so hard and I was at my peak performance. Shortness of breath, lightheadedness and chest tightness lingered for the rest of the year. Cardiologists and pulmonologists blamed it all on “Long Covid” - the catch-all name for a mysterious malady with no proven remedy.  Out of an abundance of caution, they told me to stop running.

A year later, during a trip to China, Dr. Zhang, a pulmonologist friend, did a thorough check up on me. The results were encouraging. She said: “Start running but take it slowly. You’ll be fine.” Magical words for someone dying to run!

It was hard to start all over, but I kept going. In October 2024, supported by Arun’s impeccable logistics and cheered on by family and friends, I ran my first marathon in Chicago in 4 hours 22 minutes. It was such a thrilling experience! In March 2025, I ran the Tokyo Marathon in 4 hours 21 minutes 36 seconds. December 2025 will be Honolulu and London in April 2026. In between, I’ll run many smaller races we have here in Atlanta.

I fought Long Covid and won.

There are so many out there that are battling asthma and all kinds of lung issues. I would love to run for them! Please take a moment to read my fundraising page for Asthma & Lung UK. Any amount you contribute will make a difference for those fighting to breathe!

Thank you for your support!

Thank you to my Sponsors

£24

Margaret Mary Oneill

£38.85

Judith Noble-wang

You got this, Jenny!!!

£42

Nicole Tripp

£210

Margaret Cole

£42

Bronwyn Gaskins

You go girl!!!!💕

£105

Charlotte’s Grace

Good luck Jenny!!

£63

Anonymous

£23.10

May Lee Gong

YAY, Jenny!!! You manifested this! Go crush London!

£105

Jin Xu

Well done Jenny, extremely proud of you! Be my guest when you come to London next April and I shall be cheering for you at the London Marathon!

£100

Chenxi Jin

班长加油!

£23.10

Edyta Reid

Good luck, Jenny! You will crush it!

£60

Ying Chen

^