Simon’s epic challenges: 4 Marathons, an Ironman & more!

Simon is taking on four marathons with Team Kids, including the London Marathon – and he’s not stopping there! With an Ironman on the horizon, Simon’s dedication to supporting disabled children and young people is truly inspiring.

We caught up with Simon to ask him a few questions about the challenges he’s tackling, his advice for others looking to take on their own fundraising challenge, and what’s next on his list.

What inspired you to take on such incredible challenges for Kids?

Good fortune brought me to Kids! A colleague’s daughter was involved three years ago, and when a spot unexpectedly opened up, I immediately stepped in.

I didn’t know about Kids before then, but when I visited the Basingstoke nursery, I was totally blown away by the warm welcome I received and the immediate realisation of the amazing work they do.

I can’t begin to imagine the challenges these children and their families face every day. If I can make even a small difference – while embracing an incredible personal challenge and having fun along the way – then it’s the very least I can do.

What does your training regime look like?

I try to stay active every day, and on average, I run about 300km a month. But in 2025, I’ve pushed things up a notch – clocking 400km in both January and February, with March shaping up to be around 350km as marathon season kicks in. This is also when I start incorporating more swimming and cycling into my routine.

I’ve always preferred the outdoors, so open-water swimming properly begins in April. In the meantime, I use swimming as a key part of my recovery between marathons, while cycling gradually replaces some of my runs. I aim for 10–14 hours of training per week, ramping up to around 20 hours after April, with longer bike rides, plenty of swimming, and maintenance running.

Of course, all of this comes with the goal of staying injury-free! At 52, I know how important strength training is – not just for performance but for slowing down the natural ageing process. While the temptation is always to go all-in on cardio, I make sure to include weights to keep everything balanced.

What motivates you when the going gets tough during a race/event?

I’ve been to some dark places when it gets tough. Breaking the challenge down into small, manageable chunks helps a lot. Blasting some high-energy dance music also keeps me going.

But most importantly, I think back to why I’m doing this – to help others. This really takes my mind off my own worries and energises me.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to take on a marathon or challenge for Kids?

London is an unforgettable experience, and one golden rule – always wear your name on your top! The crowd will cheer your name from start to finish, and that energy makes a huge difference.

Marathons are really hard, so never skip the chance to take on hydration and fuel. Practice your nutrition plan in advance – I use a mix of SIS gels, jelly babies, and cashew nuts to keep me going.

Soak up the incredible atmosphere, but pace yourself – it’s a long way. If you need a breather, switch to a running/walking – just keep moving forward!

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned so far from training and all the events you’ve taken part in?

Training and events – just like life – are full of highs and lows. What feels impossible at times often isn’t. The key is to be prepared but also flexible, adapting to how a session or event unfolds. Don’t get too fixated on the numbers – remember how lucky we are to be doing this.

Do you have any memorable moments from previous events or during your training?

Loads! Seeing and hugging my mum and dad near Tower Bridge during the London Marathon is right up there. Another was during my last full-distance triathlon, when my daughter and her hubby surprised me on the course – I was in tears when I saw them. Being able to run the final hundred metres with both of them at the Outlaw in Nottingham was incredible.

And then there was the time some friends secretly drove 170 miles to surprise me at the exact same spot they’d stood the year before at the London Marathon. I had no idea they were coming but instinctively glanced over – and when I saw them, wow, it was an awesome moment.

Do you have any other challenges or events you’d like to do in the future with Team Kids?

I’m open to all possibilities – what do you have in mind? I’ve always liked the idea of cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats… or even running it! Maybe even tackling one huge, multi-day triathlon. I’m up for a challenge!

If you’d like to support Simon’s incredible journey, you can donate to his fundraiser for Kids by clicking the button below. Every contribution helps make a difference for disabled children and young people.