Last week, a team of seven from our joint venture, LSBUD (Line Search Before You Dig), swapped desks for distance and lined up at the London Landmarks Half Marathon, 21.1km through the capital’s best-known streets. For some, it was a first half marathon; for others, part of a bigger season. What they had in common was the reason for doing it: raising money for Prostate Cancer UK. The team included: Richard Broome, Laura Knight, Will Staite, David Gerrard, Katie Donovan, Samantha Bright and Rick Crowhurst.
In the months leading up to the race, everyone came to the start line from a different place. For Richard, it meant jumping from 5k park runs into the unknown of 21.1km. Samantha began in October unable to run for five minutes without stopping. Rick was a brand-new runner last September, encouraged by the team and his marathon-running sister.
Laura Knight said: “My training plan was much more successful compared to last year’s efforts. My Friday nights changed over the training plan, and I was choosing to go out running in the rain, which was unheard of for me before!
“I’m looking to sign up to the Brewers 10km in October and might look for a different half marathon for next year. I’ll definitely keep running up, as it’s really helped both my general fitness and my headspace.”
David began his training in late October 2025, initially only able to cover 1–2km before needing to rest. He explained, “I started training three times a week, but in February dropped to twice weekly as I added gym workouts to build strength and lower injury risk. My plan included a 10km ‘B-race’, which I ran at the Nantwich 10km on March 1st.” Katie confessed she’s “not the type to leap into exercise,” yet she persevered as she saw progress. In contrast, Will came well-prepared from an 18-week endurance program, running five or six days each week and reaching peak mileage of roughly 105km.
Richard Broome, Managing Director at LSBUD and Head of Infrastructure Management & Maintenance at Fisher German, summed up the leap many of the team made: “My training was a bit mixed! I’d never run more than 5k before, and none of the park runs ever finished with me thinking ‘I could happily do another three and a bit of these’. So, stepping up to a half marathon was definitely a leap into the unknown.”
Looking back on the day itself, he said: “Standing on the start line with thousands of people, all with their own stories and charities, was genuinely inspiring. I felt in control and believed I was on track for my target time until my watch turned out to be about half a kilometre out. When it hit 21.1km, the finish line was still nowhere to be seen, so the final 500 metres up Northumberland Avenue was a real endurance test. I still crossed the finishing line with seven seconds to spare which was an absolutely incredible feeling!”
David, who’d only pushed his long run to 15km in training, still made the step up to the full half marathon. He said: “Despite the sun, wind and rain, along with thousands and thousands of spectators lining the route, it went very well. With over 21,000 runners taking part, it was extremely busy, but I still managed a solid attempt and successfully finished the course, which felt like a huge achievement.”
Samantha said: “The whole experience has been extremely challenging but absolutely fantastic. Back in October, I couldn’t run for even five minutes without stopping. Going from that to completing 13.1 miles, and running practically the whole way, feels crazy and I’m still in utter shock that I did it.”
Katie said: “I found the plan really tough at times, but kept going because seeing progress made it worthwhile. The atmosphere on the day was truly incredible. Everyone was so encouraging and supportive the entire way round, which made such a difference.
“I don’t think any big runs will be on the cards for me in the future, but I like the idea of setting myself monthly distance challenges. I’ve seen some great charity challenges online, so I won’t completely rule anything out.”
Rick enjoyed the first 10 miles, but then hit the point every first-time half-marathoner recognises, he said: “The last three miles were very hard work, and the final mile was an absolute nightmare. It was made even harder as a Londoner used to taking shortcuts through the West End and having to ignore every tempting cut-through on the way to the finish!”
For some, the half marathon was the main event; for others, it was one stop in a packed spring. For Will Staite, a seasoned runner, the London Landmarks Half Marathon was seen as training for the Vienna and London marathons later this month.
The team ran in support of Prostate Cancer UK, a cause that feels close to home for LSBUD. Richard said: “Knowing someone in the wider team is currently living with the disease added a different kind of focus on the day. With 12,000 men dying every year across the UK, any money raised can genuinely help change lives.
“In the months leading up to the event, what really stood out was the transformation across our team - people gave up unhealthy habits, enjoying healthier lifestyles and feeling better for it. Supporting each other on Strava, organising team runs and even having running conversations in the office became the norm, and seeing those sidelined through injury still turn up to cheer us on was amazing.”.”
The team has already reached 150% of its target, raising £3,152 so far. If you’d like to support them, you can donate here.