Thousands of participants will be taking to the streets of central London this weekend.
Representing a wide range of ages, abilities and backgrounds, many are also running to support causes close to their hearts. Meet some of the inspiring people taking part.
Claire Hales' remarkable journey from broken neck to Event Day
When Claire Hales, 32, from Cambridgeshire, broke her neck in a gymnastics accident in July 2024, she never imagined her recovery journey would lead her to the Start Line of the Vitality Westminster Mile.
Despite avoiding nerve damage, Claire spent six months wearing a neck brace around the clock. During her recovery, she watched runners take on the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and decided it would become her own comeback goal.
After months of rehabilitation, Claire secured a place in the 2025 Chicago Marathon and began training while fundraising for Brain Research UK. However, another setback followed when she suffered a stress fracture in her hip and was told by a specialist that she would never be able to run long distances again.
Now rebuilding her fitness from the beginning, Claire will take part in the Vitality Westminster Mile this Saturday.
Claire said: "When I was told that running was now a thing of my past and having to give up my place in the Chicago Marathon, I was devastated. I am by no means a ‘good’ or ‘strong’ runner, but I'd finally found something I loved and now it was gone.
"So, when I saw the email for the Vitality Westminster Mile and that it was open to all ages and abilities, and included a walking section, I jumped at the chance to take part. It made me so happy and excited that I could still take part in events such as this, even though I am not able to run."
A family's mile together after devastating diagnosis
For Joanne Gilder, 49, from Berkshire, this year's Vitality Westminster Mile is about making memories with family and supporting a cause that has become deeply personal.
In 2024, Joanne's husband Craig, now 51, was admitted to hospital in severe pain after a bowel perforation caused by an undiagnosed cancerous tumour. Following a year-long fight for his life with a major eight-hour operation, doctors discovered the tumour had spread and the family learned it was terminal.
Joined by their sons Myles, 17, and Arthur, 11, along with close friends, the family will all take part in this year's Vitality Westminster Mile in support of the Ruth Strauss Foundation. The charity became important to the family during Craig's illness, after he encouraged Joanne to seek support from the organisation, which helps families facing the death of a parent.
Craig has since developed additional tumours and is currently receiving hospice care. Joanne and her family hope to take part together this year, and whatever happens, plan to return in future years in Craig's honour.
Joanne said: “Craig absolutely loves cricket, and while he was recovering in hospital he told me about the Ruth Strauss Foundation and encouraged me to reach out for support. The irony is that I hate cricket, but it turned out to be one of the best things I ever did. The support we've received has been incredible and has helped us feel less alone through the most difficult time of our lives.
"Taking part in the Westminster Mile is about making memories together as a family and supporting something that means so much to Craig. Right now, Craig is at the end of his journey and receiving hospice care. I truly hope we can all take part together this year, but if not, we'll come back every year in honour of a man who loved cricket and lived for his boys."
80-year-old leads three generations to the Vitality London 10,000
Chris Pick, 80, from Leighton Buzzard, is a regular at the Vitality London 10,000 and will once again lead his family team, the Green Arrows, around the landmark-filled course, more than two decades after surviving a heart attack.
While on holiday in the Italian Dolomites in 2002, Chris suffered a heart attack and later underwent treatment for blocked arteries. Determined not to let the experience define him, he completed a period of rehabilitation, joined a gym and has continued exercising ever since.
The Green Arrows running team – made up of members of the Pick family – brings together three generations of Chris' family. This year, son Simon, nephew Graeme and Graeme's daughter Charlotte, will join him on the Sstart Lline, travelling from locations across England and Scotland to take part.
The event has also become a family tradition, with relatives gathering for a pre-run meal before travelling into London and cheering each other on around the course. For Chris, the event is as much about spending time with family as it is crossing the Finish Line.
Chris said: "Why do I do it? Because I can. So many of my peers just couldn't or are no longer with us. What I particularly like about the event is the excitement, the crowds, the bands and the encouraging atmosphere. I like to high five the kids and enjoy seeing London without the traffic."
Couple celebrate 10th wedding anniversary at the Vitality London 10,000
As Mo Abdelkhalek, 42, and Anthony Davis, 41, celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary, the London-based couple are taking on the Vitality London 10,000 together while fundraising for Pride Wide, an organisation supporting LGBTQIA+ communities across the world.
For the couple, the event represents both a personal milestone and an opportunity to support a cause they care deeply about.
Having seen sporting greats such as Sir Mo Farah compete in the event, the pair were eager to take part, giving Mo the chance to tell friends he's sharing a race history with a slightly more recognisable Mo in the world of running.
Mo said: "Inclusivity matters because sport can be such a powerful way of bringing people together, but only if people actually feel welcome, represented and safe taking part.
"Seeing inclusive communities visibly represented at a big event like this helps make running feel like a space for everyone, not just for a certain type of person."
