Running for change: Kiran Sonia Sawar's London Marathon journey
Actor and ActionAid supporter Kiran Sonia Sawar ran the London Marathon in 2025. For Kiran, the London Marathon was about more than a physical challenge, it was also about standing alongside women and girls around the world who show extraordinary strength every day in the face of injustice and inequality, which is why she chose to run for ActionAid.
Kiran reflects on her marathon journey, from training to the finish line, and we hope her story inspires you to take part next year!
Kiran runs the TCS London Marathon for ActionAid in 2025. . Photo: Sportograf.com
Deciding to run a marathon wasn't something I planned for years in advance. It came from a simple moment at home, making resolutions with my family and realising I wanted to challenge myself in a completely new way and do it for a cause I care deeply about.
I've been an ActionAid supporter for many years, helping to raise awareness of their campaigns and fundraising appeals. ActionAid's belief in the power of women and girls to create a just and fair world is something that has always resonated with me, so running the London Marathon for Team ActionAid felt like a natural step.
London Marathon training, motivation, and my period
I didn't really know where to begin with training, however after attending the in-person training day with 'Running With Us' I felt assured that I was more than capable of completing the marathon. They helped with a suggested training plan and lots of tips.
I started adjusting the training plan to fit in with my schedule and tweaked my diet. I never used a watch to keep track of my time, speed or heart rate - I just went on how I felt during my training and on the day.
There was something magical about learning to read my heart and body through intuition and feeling that felt bigger than the run itself.
One thing I was particularly stressed about was getting my period. It looked like I'd be getting it the day after the marathon, which to me was the worst-case scenario. I ended up taking a period delay pill which adjusted the dates by a couple of weeks, and this was a huge relief.
Keeping myself motivated was a tough challenge and at some point in the training journey, I learnt to sidestep motivation and my training simply became a habit. The disciplined feeling of showing up for myself outgrew my need to 'feel like it'. ActionAid also offer lots of tips and advice on training and nutrition which were a huge help.
The big day!
The atmosphere on the day was indescribable. I couldn't believe the amount of people running and the huge crowds that had shown up to support. It got me really excited and reignited my faith in humankind.
Everyone was helping and encouraging one another on the track, whilst the supporters on the side lines were cheering louder than my headphones could handle.
Mile 23 was the hardest mile for me, I fell into a physical hole and was struggling in the heat. 19 miles was the longest I'd ever ran in training so every mile after that was a new experience.
It was the crowds and fellow runners that got me through and I managed to finish. I also didn't realise my entire face was covered in salt by the end, another new experience! I think I would've cried but I couldn't - I was probably too dehydrated.
There's something really powerful about being involved in a collective human experience like that, that I really hadn't expected.
A life-changing experience
There is something remarkable in discovering who you are at the very end of extreme effort. I had never done anything before that required physical and mental endurance in equal capacity. If I had to sum up my London Marathon experience in 5 words they would be:
Satisfying
Hard work
Worthwhile
Thrilling
Life-changing
Running the marathon for Team ActionAid was truly the highlight of my year and a massive life moment.
I feel I'm not able to articulate how much of an impact it has had on my life, but am truly honoured to have used one of the world’s most iconic races as a platform for hope, solidarity, and real change around the world.
Feeling inspired?
Take on London Marathon and run for change! Fill out our application form to secure one of our limited ActionAid UK charity places and help support women and girls to create lasting change.
