Last weekend (Sunday April 3rd) 11 runners tackled the London Landmarks Half Marathon all in the name of Greenfingers, together raising over £11,000 for the children’s hospice garden charity.

Running 13.1 miles through London, in this most unusual race route which takes in some of the capital’s most grand, quirky and hidden history were Katie Foster, Debbie Watson, Brian Kinsella, Julia Aliseyko and Karl Kahofer from Evergreen Garden Care, Amy Stubbs and David Lazenby from British Garden Centres, AMES UK’s Heidi Towse, Matthew Rowlandson, Kate Ebbens from Capi Europe and Liz Pilny, a funeral celebrant who has recently seen first-hand how a Greenfingers garden can make an important difference to a grieving family.

The race took place on a sunny but rather chilly April morning but thankfully there was a floral cheer team on hand to support the runners as they clocked up the miles. Lending words of encouragement were Greenfingers’ very own Linda Petrons and Sue Allen, as well as Boyd and Sally Douglas Davies, Mike Vasey, Evergreen Garden Care’s Mark Portman, Andy Williams and Claire Pearce, plus Charles and Phillippa Stubbs from British Garden Centres, plus the wider families of those running including the smallest of all, toddler Harry who cheered on the Evergreen team in earnest.

Celebrating their incredible efforts for the Greenfingers Charity, the runners and cheer team enjoyed celebrating together at an Evergreen Garden Care sponsored drinks reception after the run.

Karl Kahofer, CEO at Evergreen Garden Care said after the race: “What a day! The weather held out, the route was scenic, and we had fantastic support along the route from our lovely cheering group!  Most importantly, we were running for a good cause. I’m proud to be involved!”

Greenfingers Director of Fundraising & Communications, Linda Petrons added: “What a fantastic day! The atmosphere throughout the day was incredible and I cannot thank the runners enough for their endless support. You are all amazing and the fundraising total is just staggering. Thanks also must go to all those took the time to support all the runners – it was so heartening to see everyone come together for this special day.”

Linda’s sentiments were echoed by British Garden Centre’s Phillippa Stubbs who said: “We had such an awesome day and are so proud of Amy and David’s effort, from all the training they undertook, to everything they needed to complete the race on the day. We couldn’t believe what a great family day out it was, made even more special by the fact it was raising much needed funds for such a great cause. It really was a memorable day.”

Following the success of this year’s event, Greenfingers has confirmed that it will once again be putting together a team for the London Landmarks Half Marathon in 2023. Taking place on April 2nd, 2023, interested parties are urged to get in touch with Greenfingers now to secure their place.

Launched in 2014, the London Landmarks Half Marathon has been set up to shine a spotlight on not just London’s iconic landmarks, but also its quirky hidden gems. The route - which starts at Nelson’s Column before taking in such landmarks as London Eye, Big Ben, Downing Street, the world’s smallest police station, the largest grasshopper, Guy Fawkes house and so much more – travels through the heart of Westminster and London City, whilst celebrating the rich heritage and culture that shapes our nation’s capital.  

To keep runners motivated, the route is adorned with musical performances, DJs, dancers and themed cheer stations, including a floral themed Greenfingers one!  All roads will remain closed for the duration of the race.

To find out more about Greenfingers Charity, and how to get involved in a range of fundraising events please visit www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk/

You can also join in the conversation by joining Greenfingers on social media - https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/, @GreenfingersCha on Twitter, and @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn.