We were part of a world record!
#TeamDerby were out in force on Sunday. It was incredible to see so many people from Derby taking part. Our runners were quite literally side by side with members of their own community, and along the route, they spotted colleagues and friends cheering them on from the sidelines. Gillian and Dean even bumped into YMCA Watford at the start line.
If completing the marathon wasn’t enough, the team later found out there were 59,830 finishers in the 2026 race, which means they are part of a new Guinness World Record – Largest number of finishers in a marathon!
Throwing it Back to the Start...Training, Fundraising and Motivation
Running the London Marathon 2026 isn’t just about turning up on the day. For the team at YMCA Derbyshire, it was months of early mornings, long runs in bad weather, and trying to fit training around work and family life.
Matt’s journey reflected long-term commitment. “I have been connected to YMCA Derbyshire for years. Being given the opportunity to run the London Marathon to raise funds for a YMCA I have grown up around, worked and volunteered at, was an absolute honour.”
Rachel said, “As a personal trainer, I spend my days helping people believe in themselves, push their limits and discover what they’re capable of. Now it’s my turn to do exactly that. Training happens around the edges of a full and busy life: two children, horses, and our family’s pub and restaurant business.”
Gillian spoke about her choice to run this year: “Reason one was it has been on my bucket list for a while…but reason two is I have served YMCA for 35 years, and this is my retirement gift to them”
Dean’s updates leaned into the mental side. “Now my fellow Ironman athletes may think 26.5 miles isn’t all that, but it is definitely a step up for us. Having witnessed the inner workings of the YMCA I was privileged to see the difference they make in the city where I grew up. I know the marathon will not be easy … but I just felt so compelled to help, and I know the effort will be worth it.”
Watch our video diary updates
Pre Marathon
What are we doing this for?
Shouting out our first sponsors.
A training session at Moorways.
A few days to go…
Updates as we run the London Marathon
We are at the start line ready to go…
Having the best time and soaking up the atmosphere.
We have made it past Tower Bridge!
Together we have raised over £17,000
To date, we have raised a phenomenal £17,668! YMCA Derbyshire would like to thank everyone who got behind us, shared the campaign and donated.
A massive congratulations to Gillian, Dean, Matt and Rachel for your pure grit and determination to get over that finish line.
If you would like to donate, there is still time! Our Fundraising pages are below:
Donate to Matt Sewell’s Fundraising Page
