The 2025 London Marathon made history yesterday – setting a new world record for the number of finishers despite unseasonably hot and challenging conditions during the event’s 45th running.
And once again, the UK mortgage industry showed its unwavering spirit, rallying in force to raise vital funds and awareness for a wide range of causes.
From major national charities to local community initiatives, industry professionals laced up their running shoes, demonstrating resilience, generosity and a real commitment to making a difference beyond the world of finance.
STAND OUT
Charlotte Bates (main picture), co-owner of broker firm Bateswilcox in Reading, smashed her personal best, crossing the line in 3:55:14 while raising money for the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre.
Meanwhile, David Jones, director of Click2Check, was pounding the pavement too, picking up the pounds for Prostate Cancer and MND research.
He said: “A fantastic day, humbled by the crowd who cheered you on with a genuine want for you to succeed.
“It was a tough run with the heat, but the pain is forgotten once you cross that line and realise what a superb achievement it is.
“I ran for Prostate Cancer and MND – if you’d like to support, here’s the link.”
SMASHED IT
Chris Kirby, head of sales, retail mortgages at Shawbrook Bank, was full of positive energy ahead of race day, thanking supporters for helping him smash his fundraising target for Dementia UK.
He said: “With £2,000 matched funding through work, I’ve hit my £5,000 goal – and then some!
“Thanks again to everyone who donated. See you on the other side!”
NORTHERN SOUL
Up north, Francesco Di Pietro, head of intermediary mortgages at Newcastle Building Society, crossed the line in a strong 4:03:25.
Reflecting on LinkedIn, he wrote: “TCS London Marathon 2025 ✅ By far the hardest thing I’ve ever done!
“Training was going well… until Wembley.
“I clocked up over 400km in the first ten weeks, but only managed 50km in the last six. Target was 3:45 — finished in 4:03. All things considered, I’ll take it!
“More importantly, we’ve raised over £1,800 for The Brain Tumour Charity ❤️❤️ — edging towards £2,000!”
MANCHESTER TOO
Tom Barrass, managing director of Mortgage Advice Bureau Macclesfield, also took on the challenge – in Manchester.
And he was quick to reflect on the experience with his trademark humour: “I’d love to post a wise, meaningful quote about how running a marathon is like running a business…
“But the truth is: it was four hours of pain, regret, and wondering why I didn’t take up knitting instead.”
Still, Tom was rewarded with a new PB – just under four hours – and added: “Day off to recover? Of course not.
“Back to work tomorrow with seven back-to-back meetings – thankfully all from a chair and with zero risk of blisters.”
MORTGAGE CHAMPIONS
Back in London others running the greatest marathon in the world included much missed mortgage lothario and showman James Prosser (2:49:42) and Financial Reporter’s James Lucas (3:18:05).
Property Soup revealed last week how new analysis of Land Registry data by Foxtons revealed a striking disparity in London property prices along the route of the London Marathon, with a near £1 million difference between homes near the start line in Blackheath and those at the finish line on The Mall.
