Lacing up and racing for hens

Two avid hen lovers have signed their lives away to train for the London Marathon 2026 and raise money to help hens at the same time! We jest, of course, but in all seriousness, training for a marathon takes some real doing and we’re so grateful to Natalie and Jamie for their dedication to hen welfare. Here we catch up with them both ahead of next year’s race.

Jamie

Thank you so much for signing up to run the London Marathon for us, Jamie! What inspired you?

I want to do it as I grew up with hens, geese and ducks and absolutely loved them. Subsequently, I have carried this soft spot in my heart for birds all my life and saw a great opportunity to give something back to them when I saw what the BHWT was doing.

Presumably you love hens and running, else you wouldn’t be doing this – do you have hens at home?

We have multiple hens! And have had so for the last 35 years. My mother, Caroline, constantly brings home new ones she has saved! A rotating door of feathers; love it.

How are you feeling about the prospect of running a marathon?

I ran the Frankfurt marathon last year and loved it. I have always been into running and to focus my energy, legs and training on one epic race is incredibly satisfying. The prospect of running one of the 'Majors' in my hometown is very exciting.

When do you plan to start training?

I will start in January and am aiming for sub 3hrs 20 minutes.

What would you say to encourage someone to donate?

This is an incredible charity which looks after beautifully sensitive creatures that are often overlooked due to their mass market consumption. Let's try and make a difference and bring solace to as many of our feathered friends as possible!

Natalie

Why did you want to run a marathon?

I can honestly say running a marathon still feels like a crazy idea—26.2 miles takes long enough to drive, let alone run! I’m not a runner (to say the least), but there’s very little I wouldn’t do for the chickens. I’m incredibly proud to be running for the BHWT and to raise awareness for a cause so close to my heart.

Do you have hens? How many?

I remember bringing my first three girls home like it was yesterday; watching them bathe in the sun and stretch their wings was the most special feeling. I knew I wanted to be part of the amazing work BHWT does and was lucky enough to then become a volunteer.

Four years and one relocation later, I’m now part of Team Berkeley and Bristol. Getting up at 5am to join other incredible volunteers and help hundreds of hens is the highlight of my week. Naturally, many of these girls come home with me—my original three have now become 13!

How are you feeling about running the marathon?

I once ran the Bristol 10K dressed in a 13ft inflatable chicken outfit! So while I’ve done something like this before, the marathon is a whole new challenge. I’m nervous yet excited.

How’s training and fundraising going?

I’ve been training for six weeks now and on the way to my £2,000 fundraising target, which has sparked so many conversations about hen welfare. I’m also planning a chicken-themed pub quiz — it’s going to be a clucking good time!

What would you say to encourage someone to donate?

Any donation, no matter how small, helps get me out of bed on those early mornings when I actually have to run! I won’t make any promises just yet about running in the chicken outfit if I hit a certain amount… but never say never!