Dan Brown

Week 10 of 39 – 100km and Counting

I’ve just hit a big milestone in my training – 100km of running completed so far!

I’m now into week 10 of London Marathon prep, and it feels amazing to look back at the progress since July. Between runs and strength sessions, the consistency is paying off, and I’m building towards that start line in April.

Of course, every kilometre has been worth it, because this isn’t about me. I’m running for the Stroke Association, a charity that does incredibly meaningful work, supporting thousands of stroke survivors and families every year. Knowing that keeps me moving forward.

I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who’s donated or shown encouragment. You’re part of this journey with me, and your support means more than I can put into words.

Now it’s on to the next 100km, the colder months, and the tougher training ahead. One step closer to 26.2 miles in London next April!

Dan

Week 6 of 39 – Deload and Recovery

I’m officially into week 6 of London Marathon prep, and so far, I’ve completed 36 sessions – a mix of runs and strength training. The foundation has been set, and I’m proud of the consistency I’ve maintained so far.

This week is a deload week, which means I’m easing back on intensity to let my body recover and adapt. Recovery is just as important as the training itself, so we're taking the time to make sure it's done right.

Training with a purpose makes the process even more meaningful. I’m running for the Stroke Association because of my dad’s stroke in 2014. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported my fundraising so far. Your donations and encouragement mean the world.

Here’s to week 7.

Dan

Week 1 of 39 – Marathon Training Has Begun!

I’ve just wrapped up the very first week of my 39-week training plan for the 2026 London Marathon, and I’m feeling inspired and ready for the journey ahead.

This week I completed 2 runs and 5 strength sessions. It’s only the beginning, but I’m excited for what’s to come, and proud to be raising vital funds for the Stroke Association along the way.

This cause means everything to me because of my dad’s stroke back in 2014. Training with this purpose means motivation is never an issue – every session feels like it’s contributing to something bigger.

Thank you to everyone who’s already supported me. Your encouragement and donations genuinely mean more than I can put into words.

Here’s to week 2 and all the progress, challenges, and milestones still to come. Let’s do this!

Why I’m Running the London Marathon for the Stroke Association

In 2014, my dad had a major stroke. I was just 13.

It was a moment that changed everything overnight – for him, for me, and for my family. We were lucky. My dad survived. But life didn’t just go back to normal. Hospitals, rehab, worry, hope. I saw up close how devastating a stroke can be, not just physically, but emotionally. Recovery doesn’t end when you leave the hospital. In many ways, it’s just beginning.

More than a decade on, that experience still shapes me. It’s one of the reasons I’ve chosen to study physiotherapy. I want to help people rebuild their lives, just like my dad had to.

That’s why running the 2026 London Marathon for the Stroke Association means everything to me. It’s not just a race. It’s a tribute to my dad. It’s a way to give back to a charity that does incredible work supporting stroke survivors and their families. It’s also a personal challenge, something I know I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.

There are over 1.4 million stroke survivors in the UK, and every five minutes, someone else is affected. The Stroke Association helps ensure no one has to face that journey alone, but they rely on donations to do it.

If you’re able to support me on this journey, I’d be incredibly grateful. Every pound helps make a real difference.

Thank you for reading. And thank you for being part of this.

Dan