nasen’s first-ever runner announced for the TCS London Marathon 2026

We’re delighted to share that Jake Gurney, a dedicated primary school teacher from Luton, will represent nasen as our first-ever runner in the 2026 TCS London Marathon.

With more than a decade of experience in education, Jake has seen first-hand how children’s needs continue to evolve – and how vital it is that schools, teachers, and families have access to the right support and training to give every child the best possible start in life.

Jake’s connection to nasen is both professional and deeply personal. His school has benefited directly from nasen’s expertise, including in one particularly complex case where our support helped a child and their family navigate a successful transition to secondary school. That experience left a lasting impression, inspiring Jake to give back through his marathon efforts.

This won’t be Jake’s first endurance challenge. He completed the 2024 London Marathon, raising £1,200 for Luton Foodbank, and took part in the 2025 London Landmarks Half Marathon in support of Tommy’s. Now, in 2026, he’s taking on the 26.2-mile challenge once again – this time to champion nasen’s mission and raise vital funds to support inclusive education across the UK.

Jake has ambitious fundraising plans, from workplace events across his Trust’s seven schools to after-school ice lolly sales, quizzes, and creative social media campaigns. Along the way, he’ll be supported by his partner – an Early Years Lead at a special needs school – and the boys’ football team he coaches.

“As a primary school teacher, I’ve experienced the changing needs of children first-hand,” Jake said. “nasen has supported several of our families, working alongside us to provide the best possible support for both children and parents. In one particular case, it was invaluable to have experts who guided us through the process – without nasen, this may not have been possible.”

“Through my London Marathon run, I want to inspire others and raise awareness of nasen and its work. The legacy of this event will be the support that children and young people with SEND receive for years to come—support that will shape their futures and raise their aspirations.”

“The determination and resilience needed for a marathon parallels the work that nasen does. It’s about the journey you go on to reach your goal—sometimes that’s what builds you up and makes you stronger.”

Jake’s decision to run for nasen is his way of giving back to an organisation that has supported him and his pupils over many years. His efforts will help nasen continue to provide the expertise, training, and resources that empower schools and families to help every child thrive.

As we launch our London Marathon 2026 campaign, we’re proud to welcome Jake to #TeamNASEN – and we invite everyone to get behind him as he takes on this incredible challenge.