Darran Moran began running for Marie Curie in 2019 after being inspired while cheering on #TeamMarieCurie runners at the Cardiff Half Marathon – and since then he’s gone from strength-to-strength. He loved running the 2025 TCS London Marathon for us so much, he’s doing it all over again in 2026!
Q: Hi Darran, how was this year’s TCS London Marathon?
A: London 2025 was my seventh marathon and my third for Marie Curie, and I loved the whole experience from start to finish - I can't wait for London 2026! The downside was the heat, but it made you slow down and enjoy the event even more; taking in the crowds and support, which was on another level. I completed safely and recovered within a short period of time, proving that training correctly helps massively.
Q: How did you feel when you crossed the finish line?
A: It was a mixed bag of emotions within a very short space of time. I had a massive sense of achievement, very emotional, and I reflected on the reasons why I ran and all those that have been so kind to help with fundraising.
Q: Did Debbie, a Marie Curie Nurse, being on the route help give you a boost?
A: That was an extremely emotional moment. We had a big Cwtch (hug) and we both said a few words and off I went choked up, trying not to cry. It was amazing getting Debbie involved, such a massive boost.
Q: What keeps you motivated and running for Marie Curie?
A: I started my fundraising journey in 2019; I’ve seen several times first-hand what all the staff at Marie Curie do daily. I first experienced the amazing work that Marie Curie does when my wife's grandfather went to the Holme Towers (Marie Curie Hospice, Cardiff) in 2000. In March 2017 my mother-in-law was admitted to the same hospice and then in 2018 a very, very good friend of mine since the age of 16 was cared for there too.
Every little helps, as they say, so it’s just an opportunity for me to add my small contribution so they can continue to give the same level of care, attention and professionalism to other people that may need a Marie Curie Hospice in the future.
Q: You’re running for us again at the 2026 TCS London Marathon. What are you most excited about?
A: It was great to hear the news that Marie Curie would be the Charity of the Year! I immediately realised how much more money could be raised, due to more runners being able to join the team. I’m really excited about it. I hope that by April 2026, my total fundraising for Marie Curie will be over £18,500.
Q: Describe the support from Team Marie Curie before the race?
A: The support from Eilidh and Lizee (the London Marathon team at Marie Curie) was amazing, and they are a credit to Marie Curie. The coaching sessions with a qualified personal trainer, are also a great touch and extremely helpful.
As a runner, the coaching support and webinar meetings are invaluable as we are just trying our best to fundraise - we are not natural marathon runners. The info to help boost your total with different fundraising ideas is great and the Facebook page works very well for sharing ideas.
On the day, the sea of yellow t-shirts, flags, whistles and balloons is always a great sight. You might find yourself struggling at any time so having several cheer stations on the course gives you a such a massive boost.
Q: What’s the best training tip someone’s ever shared with you?
A: At the end ignore your watch, you have a chip on your race bib that tracks your time. And raise your hands and smile as you cross the line, you only have one chance to get the best photo of your life.
Q: What have you learned most about yourself by running for a marathon?
A: How resilient I can be when suffering, how deep I can dig when needed. How very proud I am from completing something that until recently it had never even entered my head. And how much I now talk about running.
Q: A lot of runners say running is so good for their mental health, would you agree?
A: 100%! Whether you are running on your own or part of a group, like most exercise you are away from work and the day-to-day things that may cause stress or anxiety. Running with likeminded people or on your own in a country park definitely helps with the mental health.
Q: You do raffles and quizzes to help fundraise, can you tell us how those work?
A: Yes, I work from home and took a new job during Covid so don’t have a large pool of known work colleagues available, so I had to think of other ideas. I have held quizzes, raffles and bingo evenings. It’s relaxed and fun, I managed to mix the three events on the same evening which made it interesting and keep people on their toes whilst relaxing and having a drink. They seem to be very successful, and I have a venue booked already with two new dates.
Darran's top five fundraising tips
Planning to join Darran and take on the world’s biggest marathon? Browse his five tips for smashing your fundraising goal.
1. Play ‘guess your finish time’
"Everyone pays a set amount to enter. You could offer a prize of cash of whatever you like, and the winner is the person who guesses the closest time."
2. Hold a raffle
"I buy a selection of items, like alcohol, a restaurant voucher or treats like Easter eggs. I spend £40-£50 and ask for £2 per number with a maximum of 50/80 numbers. This raises at least £50 each time."
3. Throw a Christmas party
"I host an event which costs £10 a ticket which includes the venue / DJ / buffet then add a raffle on the evening for more cash. I usually get over £600 at these events, but you can amend it to suit you."
4. Host afternoon tea
"Make cakes and sandwiches then invite some friends over. Either have an all-inclusive price for a full meal or do pay as you go."
5. Just ask anyone and everyone to help!
"Speak to friends, local shops and local companies. You’ll be surprised at how many will donate a gift for you to sell or raffle."
For even more fundraising inspiration, including a handy step-by-step guide, check out our fundraising page.
Visit our 2026 TCS London Marathon page to learn more about all the great support you’ll get in #TeamMarieCurie.
Didn’t get a ballot place? Here’s how to sign up to run your own London Marathon MyWay.
