Two of them are teachers. One is a master's student juggling training with deadlines in Barcelona. But with six weeks to go until race day, Alice, Claire and Matthieu are all in the same place: clocking miles, raising money and thinking about crossing the finish line on Sunday 26 April.
We caught up with all three ahead of the London Marathon to talk training, motivation and what they're hoping their 26.2 miles will mean for communities across the world.
Alice, a teacher from Surrey
Alice had never planned to run a marathon. Then, in 2025, she watched a close friend run London for CAFOD. Alice saw the fundraising total climb, watched her cross the finish line, and something shifted. "Her dedication and the impact of her fundraising motivated me to do the same," Alice says.
"CAFOD's work goes directly towards helping people access essential resources and empowering communities to build a better future. Running felt like a way I could be part of that," Alice adds.
It's this kind of inspiration that's so powerful. One person's commitment quietly convincing another that they're capable of more than they thought. Alice signed up, and now it's her turn.
As a teacher, she's used to showing up for other people. On 26 April, those 26.2 miles are for her global neighbours, and, perhaps, for the next person watching from the sidelines who thinks: 'I want to do that'.
Claire, an assistant headteacher from Liverpool
Claire didn't give anything up for Lent. She organised a ‘Big Lent Marathon’ with her school as well as personally taking on the actual London Marathon!
"The marathon is just another way to fundraise for CAFOD - it's a cause I really believe in. The Big Lent Walk is something we're doing as a school community, with staff and pupils walking together. The marathon is more personal. But both come from the same place," Claire says.
What's it been like involving the children in the fundraising?
Claire: "The children from our CAFOD club are helping to promote everything - they're so excited. It's a chance to be together outside the classroom, which we don't get to do as often as we'd like. It goes beyond the school community. It's incredible to join hundreds of schools across England and Wales in raising money to fight poverty this Lent."
Any advice for schools thinking about getting involved with CAFOD?
Claire: "Just go for it. The Big Lent Walk is a wonderful event - it's especially nice that staff and children can walk together. And the fundraising really does make a difference. Knowing that the money goes towards clean water for people who need it makes every step worth it."
Matthieu, a master's degree student from London living in Barcelona
Matthieu is a lifelong runner - but 26.2 miles is new territory. He chose London, and he chose CAFOD, for reasons that go well beyond the race.
"It feels special to be running my first marathon in my hometown," he says, "while raising money for such an important cause."
Matthieu, currently based in Barcelona for his master's degree, was drawn to CAFOD specifically for their work on climate and humanitarian crises - issues he cares about deeply.
Training around lectures and deadlines hasn't been straightforward, but he's found the marathon keeps him accountable in a way that pure fitness goals don't. He's also organised both an in-person and a virtual fundraising event to boost donations before race day.
His message to anyone thinking about signing up? Don't overthink it.
"It's physically and mentally challenging - but knowing you're running for a meaningful cause, and having so many people supporting you along the way, makes it incredibly rewarding," Matthieu says.
We can’t wait to see Matthieu cross the finish line!
Join #TeamCAFOD
Alice, Claire and Matthieu are running so that CAFOD can keep supporting communities facing injustice and poverty.
Will you run with us? Join #TeamCAFOD and help build a better world - together.