West Ham stars turned out to cheer on schoolchildren running a combined 26.2 miles on the track - ahead of club staff taking on the London Marathon on Sunday (April 26).
Tomas Soucek and Ollie Scarles visited the London Marathon Community Track in east London to support pupils from Bobby Moore Primary School as part of the West Ham United Foundation’s Premier League Primary Stars programme.
Each pupil ran two laps of the 400m circuit, collectively completing a marathon distance.
The event formed part of the lead-up to the TCS London Marathon, where members of West Ham United’s first-team staff – including head of performance analysis Charlie Radmore, first team player care manager George Stannard, and first team goalkeeper analyst Joe Evans – will take on the 26.2-mile challenge in support of the West Ham United Foundation.
The foundation promotes health, education, and opportunity.
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Mr Soucek said: "I remember running for my school and enjoying it with my friends. The kids were so happy today, and that’s what it’s all about. It’s been really special to be here.
"It doesn’t matter if it’s 200 metres or a marathon, running is great. For the children, having this opportunity is really important."
Mr Soucek also praised his colleagues taking on the marathon. He said: "They support us every day on the pitch, so now it’s our turn to support them. It’s a great thing they’re doing for West Ham United and the Foundation."
Tomáš Souček, spent time encouraging pupils, signing autographs and posing for photographs. He said: “I remember running for my school and enjoying it with my friends. The kids were so happy today, and that’s what it’s all about. It’s been really special to be here.”
The day also combined sport with education, led by West Ham United Foundation education ambassador Bobby Seagull, who helped pupils understand the scale of a marathon by breaking it down into track laps, alongside a warm-up led by club mascot Hammerhead.
Bobby Seagull said: “It’s been incredible to see the energy from the children and how they’ve combined maths and running.
“Experiences like this make children believe they can achieve something like a marathon one day. Meeting Premier League players adds something truly memorable, and hopefully it inspires them to stay active.”
Pupils said they enjoyed the day, with one saying: "It was really fun running with my friends and seeing the players. I didn’t know a marathon was 26.2 miles."
Others spoke about learning to persevere and pace themselves during the run. For head of performance analysis Mr Radmore, the marathon marks both a personal achievement and an opportunity to give back.
He said: "The training has been tough, with early mornings and a lot of commitment, but I’m really looking forward to it. To do it for the Foundation makes it even more meaningful."
Funds raised by Team West Ham United Foundation will help deliver programmes supporting young people, families, and vulnerable communities across east London.
The school event not only encouraged children to stay active and dream big but also set the pace for the London Marathon, where club staff will take on the challenge in aid of the community.
