Marathon Man

MR BENNIE ON HIS THIRD WORLD MARATHON WHEN HE TAKES ON LONDON IN APRIL

Mr Bennie is on a mission. This year, our incredible Head of Design & Technology is taking on one of the world’s most iconic races - the London Marathon to raise funds for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, helping ensure more young people can take part in this life-changing programme regardless of financial barriers. The Dof E experience gives students the opportunity to develop resilience, confidence and independence through volunteering, physical challenges, skills development and expedition. For many young people, it becomes one of the most formative experiences of their school years. Did you know Charters runs the 4th largest Duke of Edinburgh programme in the South East? We are proud to provide opportunities to our students that build resilience, confidence, motivation and lifelong skills.

This year’s race will be particularly special for Mr Bennie. Not only will it be his first London Marathon, but it also marks his third World Marathon Major, following his impressive run in the Berlin Marathon last year and the gruelling TCS New York City Marathon, that he completed in sub 4hrs the year before. He aims to complete all of the original 6 Major Marathons to achieve The Six Star Medal Abbott World Marathon Majors plus the 7th Major, Sydney!

After London his journey continues as later in 2026 he will head across the Atlantic to run the Chicago Marathon as well. All of this comes during a milestone year as he celebrates his 50th birthday, making 2026 a year of endurance, adventure and personal challenge.

His goal is to raise £2,000 to support students who might otherwise miss out on the opportunity to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Donations will help cover participation fees, essential kit and expedition costs, ensuring that more young people can experience the challenge and reward that D of E offers.

Mr Bennie won't be short of support on the day, as among the anticipated 750,000 spectators who will line the streets of London on Sunday 26th April will be our own Mr Greaves with a group of students from 10C, all keen to cheer Mr Bennie on every step of the way!

If you would like to support Mr Bennie and this fantastic cause, please consider making a donation and helping him reach his £2,000 target. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help ensure that more young people can take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and benefit from the confidence, skills and friendships it builds.

We wish Mr Bennie the very best of luck as he takes on the streets of London this spring — and we’ll all be cheering him on every step of the way.