Congratulations to our OW runners Oscar Chambers (Hg 17) and Francesca Sweet (W 22) who ran the London Marathon in aid of the Prince Albert Foundation (PAF) Scholarship programme.

In April 2024 we celebrated 165 years of OW Giving at Wellington College in a number of ways one of which was that we had two fantastic OWs who rose to the challenge of running this year’s London Marathon in aid of the Prince Albert Foundation, Oscar Chambers (Hg 17) and Francesca Sweet (W 22).

Between them currently they have raised an outstanding £5,100 for the PAF programme which is at the heart of our widening opportunity work. We are extremely grateful and proud of them both for all their efforts.

Both OW runners have been asked to reflect upon the experience and share their thoughts which we are delighted to share with you below.

Francesca Sweet (W 22)

What was your favourite moment/highlight during running the London Marathon?

“Running over tower bridge was elating. The sheer volume of people cheering you on at the half way mark was incredible and really helped with pushing on. Also seeing family/friends along the barrier was also a massive highlight!”

What was the best sign/fancy dress costume you saw on Sunday?

“Best sign: Where are you all going? Made me laugh. Best costume: A guy carrying a fridge on his back! Also, I knew I was slowing down when a guy carrying an ironing board passed me at mile 24!”

How did you feel when you finished the race?

“I felt a bit emotional when I received my medal, maybe because all the training (in a short time) had actually helped and I’d somehow completed the London Marathon!”

What did you do to celebrate your achievement?

“Not much as I was hobbling around like a grandma. But I did demolish an entire pack of Pringles to my brothers dismay (he wanted some, but did he run a marathon? No!)”

What would you say to other people thinking about running a Marathon? Tips?

“It’s one of the best things you’ll ever do, enjoy the experience and don’t worry too much about time or pacing, the fact that you’re doing a marathon is enough. My tip would be don’t try any new gels on the day! My stomach didn’t like me after trying different gels…and maybe because I ate sweets from the crowd throughout the entire run.”

Would you do it again?

“Absolutely! I’ve entered the ballot for next year 🙂 It was one of the best sporting experiences of my life.”

Oscar Chambers (Hg 17)

What was your favourite moment/highlight during running the London Marathon?

“The overwhelming energy from the crowds was my highlight. Witnessing friends, family, and fellow runners from run clubs I’ve participated in cheer not just for me but for every runner was incredibly moving.”

What was the best sign/fancy dress costume you saw on Sunday?

“So of course I went ahead and signed up for the 2025 Marathon ballot…”

How did you feel when you finished the race?

“I had to take a moment to think about this question when you reached out. Because I genuinely can’t remember what went through my mind after I crossed that finish line. I often say ‘we have already achieved goals we said would make us happy’ – and I think this speaks to the relief I felt after the race. It was only seven months ago, that I started running without any experience or guidance, driven solely by a determination to not let my history of surgeries dictate my joy or quality of life. And now, I get to say that I have done something pretty neat. Leading up to the marathon, I faced injuries and illness, even on race day, which made the physical challenge even tougher. I knew my original time goals wouldn’t be within reach, but I kept going. Not because I wanted to. Trust me. All of me wanted to stop. But I kept me going because I deserved to know what not giving up on myself felt like.”

What did you do to celebrate your achievement?

“After the race, I was utterly spent. I managed what I call a ‘zombie march’ back home, supported by my incredibly patient girlfriend, father, and friends. The celebration was simple but perfect — a hot bath followed by a massive meal and plenty of Lemsip to ease the aches. It was exactly what I needed.”

What would you say to other people thinking about running a Marathon? Tips?

“If you’re thinking about running a marathon, absolutely go for it—but do it for the right reasons. Don’t run just to hit a specific time or because you want to prove something to others. Run because you want to become the person who shows up day after day, who commits to the training, and who embraces the discipline required to reach that start line. As for tips, I am hardly qualified to be giving running advice as I am fairly new to it myself.” 

Would you do it again?

“Absolutely, 100%. Considering my injuries and illness, I’m not finished with the London Marathon. There’s unfinished business between me and those 26.2 miles, and I’m more determined than ever to come back stronger. Maybe you’ll see me at the start line next year!”