A decade of speed, spirit and shared purpose lit up Battersea Park as the Sprintathon marked its 10th anniversary in style. From record-breaking relay laps to a powerful fundraising mission, the industry once again ran together for Stand Up To Cancer. Alice Burgham, Client Manager, Ingenuity+ and Sprintathon Organising Committee, writes about this inspirational day.  

Last Wednesday the annual Sprintathon took to the track at Battersea Park Millennium Arena for its 10th anniversary. Over the last decade, this event has grown into one of the most anticipated fixtures in the marketing calendar. It is a day that serves as a powerful reminder of what our industry can achieve when we move in the same direction to support Stand Up To Cancer.

The format is a unique relay marathon where teams of four take on 400m relays with each person sprinting 100m. The combined output is massive, 105.5 laps around the track in an incredible marathon time of 1 hour and 57 minutes.

Beyond the impressive speed, the real impact of the day lies in its purpose. Because cancer affects everyone, there is a genuine sense of pride in seeing hundreds of people from across the industry standing together. 

Mark Evans, who has been the driving force behind the event since its inception said,“Since 2016 the Sprintathon has raised over £1 million for Cancer Research UK thanks to the enthusiasm and support of many people, not least The Marketing Society, marketers, brands and agencies alike.” A massive thanks to everyone involved.”

The industry feels the need, the need for speed!

The energy on the day was vibrant and celebratory. It is a rare moment where our competitive nature is channelled into a shared goal, creating a space for genuine connection and camaraderie. This year was particularly special as double Olympic medallist Alex Haydock-Wilson joined the race, setting a formidable pace and inspiring every runner to find a little bit of extra speed.

For the organising committee, a collective effort between The Marketing Society’s Mark Evans, Linda Seymour and Rachel Letham, Cancer Research UK’s Richard Taylor, as well as Levi Hughes and I seeing the arena filled with such spirit was a moment of real joy. It made the months of planning feel all the more rewarding knowing we were bringing the industry together for something so meaningful.

This is not just another date in the networking diary, it is a moment to step away from the day-to-day and contribute to something significantly bigger. It is about friendship and shared purpose. Sophie Devonshire, CEO of The Marketing Society, agreed, At the heart of The Marketing Society we believe that together we achieve more than alone. We connect the brightest voices in marketing to help them do good. The Marketing Society Sprintathon is an example of a community that makes great things happen and has fun doing it.”

As we look toward 2027, the ambition is to keep building on this momentum, with a goal to reach £2 million in fundraising over the coming years. If you weren’t on the track this time, do get involved next year. Whether you are aiming for a personal best or simply want to support a vital cause, the Sprintathon is exactly where you should be. We are already looking forward to seeing everyone at Sprintathon 2027.