“Running for Womankind is going to be the first step I take on my journey to make a difference.” 

Katie was 1 of 7 runners selected to run the iconic London Marathon for Womankind in 2025. As a newly single mother-of-five, with a passion for ending violence against women, crossing the finish line was more than just a race. Here is her story.

Why did you want to run for Womankind?

The majority of London Marathon hopefuls, regardless of skill or years of trying, are not successful in securing a place via the ballot.

“I didn’t realise that the chances of me getting in with the lottery were so rare, because over 800,000 people apply.” 

Fortunately, charities like Womankind have several places each year, and anyone from anywhere in the world can apply directly for a place to increase their chance of success. Running for a charity is also a special opportunity to raise awareness of a worthwhile cause, and Katie reflects that the experience was “so much more rewarding to make all the effort to help not just you, but other people.” 

“With what I was going through in my own life, I knew I wanted to represent a charity focused on helping women.” 

After 18 years of marriage, things took a turn for the worse in the latter 5 years, and Katie was forced to quietly deal with her ex-husband’s growing alcoholism. Reflecting that “violence is not always physical” – and can also present as “emotional, financial, mental” and other forms of abuse – the fear and isolation of this situation grew too much, and Katie found her strength to leave, to build a better life for her and her children. This personal story drew Katie to Womankind Worldwide; a global charity that provides funding, support, and advocacy for women’s rights community-based organisations and local non-government organisations.

Any tips on fundraising?

 “When you fundraise, all of a sudden, you’re bringing all these people into your journey. Of course there is social media, but I wanted to do something more personal.” 

Katie found that the personal touch was very valuable in fundraising, and she was proactive in contacting people directly instead of assuming everyone had seen her social media updates. Thinking outside the box, and making the most of her skills and interests, her fundraising activities included: a family cooking event, a community event, donating her time, picking up furniture, loaning her garage space, and she even considered hosting an Irish dancing show! By doing many activities and spreading the word across multiple platforms, Katie was able to exceed her fundraising target by £1500!  

What was race day like?

“The goodwill that is in the air is just palpable. It’s amazing” 

So many people! So many runners! So many fans! The atmosphere, sights, and sounds on the London Marathon race day is unbelievable, and something everyone should try to experience in their lifetime. Months or years of training and fundraising all lead to one glorious day. Katie had the added delight of crossing the finish line with her son on video call; an unplanned, hilarious moment that was remarkably captured in a photo. 

What is next for you?

“I don’t intend to stop promoting the importance and value of women just because I finished the race. I will continue taking steps from here on out.” 

A new chapter has begun for Katie, as she begins training to become an advocate for women affected by violence and injustice. 

“There were times when I felt very alone… my main goal in being an advocate is to just try to alleviate that for. Whoever I’m helping, even if it’s just in that moment.” 

Her work will allow her to support women who experience violence. This includes pursuing legal action in court, and those who are in hospital with injuries. 

“It’s that compounding idea that: if that’s how we live and we teach others, then that’s how things change” 

In both work and family life, Katie strives to make a difference with the ‘everyday feminism’ specific to her context.  

“This whole journey, the London Marathon… I will take with me for the rest of my life” 

Don’t miss out on running the London Marathon for Womankind – apply here!

Enjoy more of Katie’s story as a video – here.

With thanks to Katie Kirwan.