London Marathon’s Inaugural Veterans’ Corner Celebrated as Powerful Tribute to Armed Forces Community
The inaugural Veterans’ Corner at the 2026 TCS London Marathon has been a resounding success, bringing together supporters to honour the service, resilience, and ongoing contributions of the UK’s armed forces community.
Positioned at Mile 23 along the iconic marathon route, Veterans’ Corner—led by the Invictus Games Foundation in collaboration with 14 leading military charities—created a powerful and uplifting atmosphere for runners as they approached the final stretch of the race. The space became a focal point for celebration and recognition, with crowds gathering to cheer on veteran runners and those fundraising in support of the armed forces community. The space also offered a secure environment for wounded injured and sick service personnel and veterans to watch the marathon without fear of engaging with broader crowds at the barriers.
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The Corner featured appearances from Chelsea Pensioners and Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters), alongside serving personnel, veterans, charity representatives, and supporters. Their presence added a distinctive sense of heritage and pride, reinforcing the enduring connection between the UK and its armed forces.
Karl Hinnet, running for the Invictus Games Foundation as part of his recovery, stopped at Mile 23 to chat to the team, “Sports saved me, having the opportunity to push myself against the challenges that was imposed on me by getting injured. I needed that drive and it acted like therapy. Because of sports, I was introduced to a community, and it was because of the community as well. That really lifted me up. So without sports, I wouldn't be here.”
Across the marathon, over 200 runners took part representing the charities involved in Veterans’ Corner, with many more charities represented on the course, demonstrating the scale and strength of the sector’s collective impact. Among them were participants running for recovery, remembrance, or fundraising—each with their own powerful story.
The Invictus Games Foundation was represented by six wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans running as part of their recovery journey, alongside a further six runners fundraising in support of the Foundation. In addition, sixty international wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans participated in the virtual London Marathon MyWay, all proudly wearing race vests provided by IGF partner, Brigantes.
Rob Owen OBE, CEO of the Invictus Games Foundation, said: “The Veterans’ Corner is about visibility, unity, and recognition. Collaborating like this means all our servicemen and women running the race, as well as military charity supporters, will hopefully get a much-needed cheer and morale boost as they near the finish line of their marathon effort. This initiative with London Marathon is an opportunity to celebrate the wider ecosystem of support here in the UK—the charities, communities, and those individuals running to show their commitment to those who have served.”
Simon O’Brien, Boeing, said, "The Invictus Games Foundation is well established. The London Marathon is well established. And here you've got these two communities coming together through a common theme of sport, brought together with the public who is, just completely behind both communities. And it's a fantastic feeling. The atmosphere is fantastic."
Friends and family members of the runners enjoyed the space also, "There's such a sense of camaraderie and team spirit, which the marathon brings out, but it's kind of exemplified and really kind of brought to life through Veterans Corner. It's a real privilege to be here." – said family members Becky and Andrew.
The charities involved in the inaugural Veterans’ Corner included:
- Invictus Games Foundation
- Invictus Games Birmingham 2027
- Army Benevolent Fund
- Casevac Club
- Combat Stress
- Forces Employment Charity
- Give Us Time
- Help for Heroes
- Royal Hospital Chelsea
- Royal Marines Charity
- Royal Engineers Association
- Scotty’s Little Soldiers
- SSAFA
- Walking With The Wounded
- Yeoman Warders
Together, they showcased the breadth of support available to veterans and their families—from physical recovery and mental health services to employment and community reintegration.
The success of Veterans’ Corner underscores the London Marathon’s commitment to inclusivity and social impact, while highlighting the vital role of the charity sector in supporting the armed forces community. There is strong momentum behind making the initiative a permanent fixture of the marathon in years to come, expanding its reach and impact annually.
The Invictus Games Foundation is supported by ATCO, Boeing, BetterUp, Brigantes, and Monster, all of whom play a role in enabling participation and amplifying the voices of those who have served.
For military charities interested in participating in future Veterans’ Corner initiatives, please contact: wis@invictusgames.org