As many resolve to take up a new fitness regime for the new year and marathon training sets off in earnest, a new survey has revealed the huge number of people choosing to run to process grief. The phrase ‘mourning running’ has been coined as a way to cope, with over one in four people (27 per cent) lacing up their running shoes after a loved one has died.
- ‘Grief Run Clubs’ hosted by Marie Curie – the 2026 TCS London Marathon Charity of the Year – in collaboration with running community Run Your Mind
- Clubs intended to support those experiencing grief after new survey reveals a quarter of people run to deal with the emotions associated with a loved one dying or caring for someone at end of life
- Bereavement expert reveals how running can help people process complex emotions associated with grief
- The charity and celebrity Jenni Falconer are urging runners with a 2026 TCS London Marathon place to help raise £2m to provide care, comfort and dignity for those at the end of life
The survey revealed the many benefits to the ‘mourning running’ trend, with joggers sharing that it helps them clear their heads (72 per cent), gave them a sense of control (67 per cent), and offered them a much-needed outlet when they felt overwhelmed or experienced emotional numbness (72 per cent).
Two in three (65 per cent) admitted running helped them to cry or process their grief. Positively, three in four (72 per cent) said they felt more themselves after a jog.
The survey1 also found that one in two people (49 per cent) who are grieving have avoided asking their loved ones for emotional support, and one in seven (14 per cent) feel like they need to handle their grief on their own.
The new survey1 was commissioned by the UK’s leading end of life charity Marie Curie, which is the 2026 TCS London Marathon Charity of the Year, taking place on Sunday 26 April this year.
In response, Marie Curie has partnered with running community Run Your Mind to host a series of dedicated run clubs for people experiencing grief. Anyone turning up to a Marie Curie x Run Your Mind Grief Run Club – held once a month from January to April – will have a chance to connect with others going through the complex emotions of grief and run together.
Saiqa Phillips, Bereavement Coordinator at Marie Curie Hospice, West Midlands, provides counselling for both adults and children in pre- and post-bereavement. She notes that: “A normal and healthy coping mechanism when anticipating a loss, or after someone has died, is to exercise and engage in a physical challenge. It is well recognised that in any physical activity the body releases endorphins which may help to release stress and anxiety, particularly when associated with grief. For some people, they choose to connect this physical activity into a focused fundraising project.
“In post-bereavement, maintaining a bond with the person who has died is normal. They may not physically be here anymore, but there is still an emotional connection. Each movement when running can feel like a vibration sent and received between the runner and their loved one; almost like an invisible string connected from heart to heart.”
TV & radio presenter, business founder and wellness advocate Jenni Falconer is taking part in the 2026 TCS London Marathon for Marie Curie. She said, “I absolutely love running and from personal experience, it comes with significant physical and mental health benefits. When I run my mind feels clear, any stress eases and it’s as if the weight lifts off your shoulders. It’s my mediation time too as it allows time to think, focusing on the positives as opposed to any challenges being faced that day.
“It has also been proven that physical exercise, like running, can help with processing the complex emotions that arise when experiencing grief and so for me, it was a no brainer to run for Marie Curie on Marathon Day. Marie Curie’s work is so incredibly important, and they will be there to the end supporting terminally ill individuals or people experiencing bereavement. They ensure people don’t face the end of life alone.
“I’d love to see lots more runners with a 2026 TCS London Marathon place sign up to fundraise for Marie Curie, as they couldn’t be more deserving. I’m immensely proud to have been asked to run for them.”
Marie Curie provides expert end of life care for people with any illness they are likely to die from, and support for their family and friends via its hospices, hospital and community services and its free national Support Line (0800 090 2309).
Jordan Dunn, 38, from North Petherton, Somerset, is also running the 2026 TCS London Marathon for Marie Curie. She has found running to be beneficial for her mental health and says: “It wasn’t until I lost my dad that I put all my grief into running. Nothing can prepare you for loss, but running has helped to fill the void. It’s how I clear the tabs away in my mind. Sometimes I run until I cry, then I can carry on. Running has truly changed my life – it’s helped me deal with what I was processing, look after myself better and now I can do wonderful things like fundraise for charity.”
More than 600,000 people die in the UK every year, and many miss out on the care and support they need.2 Those from disadvantaged or marginalised communities miss out the most. The situation is only going to get worse; by 2050, the need for end of life care will have increased by 25 per cent3.
Marie Curie is encouraging anyone with a place in the 2026 TCS London Marathon to sign up to run for the events Charity of the Year and help with its goal to raise £2m to fund care, comfort and dignity for those at the end of life, and their loved ones. To find out more and how to sign up to Marie Curie x Run Your Mind Grief Run Clubs, visit: mariecurie.org.uk/marathon
This year’s TCS London Marathon will be held on Sunday 26 April 2026.
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1 The Research was conducted by Censuswide in December 2025, and included 2000 nationally representative UK adults (aged 18+)
2 Johansson, T., et al., Better End of Life 2024. Time to care: Findings from a nationally representative survey of experiences at the end of life in England and Wales. Research Report. 2024, Marie Curie
3 Marie Curie, Method for Marie Curie estimation of deaths and future need for palliative care in 10 and 25 years, 2025. Briefing.
Marie Curie offers free information and emotional support for people living with a terminal illness and their family, friends and carers. Find out more at mariecurie.org.uk
About Marie Curie
Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end of life charity.
The charity provides expert end of life care for people with any illness they are likely to die from, and support for their family and friends, in our hospices and where they live. It is the largest charity funder of palliative and end of life care research in the UK, and campaigns to ensure everyone has a good end of life experience. Whatever the illness, we’re with you to the end.
If you’re living with a terminal illness or have been affected by dying, death and bereavement, Marie Curie can help. Visit mariecurie.org.uk or call the free Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309.
Whatever the illness, wherever you are, Marie Curie is with you to the end.
About TCS London Marathon
The 2026 TCS London Marathon will take place on Sunday 26 April 2026.
- The London Marathon was first held on 29 March 1981 and the millionth finisher in the history of the event crossed the line in 2016.
- Since the first London Marathon in 1981, the event has raised more than £1.3 billion for charity.
- London Marathon Events passes its surplus each year through corporate Gift Aid its parent charity, the London Marathon Foundation (the operating name of The London Marathon Charitable Trust, a registered charity (283813) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales (01550741), registered office: 190 Great Dover Street, London, SE1 4YB).
- Since 1981, the London Marathon Foundation has awarded £114 million to more than 1,750 projects that inspire activity in London and across the UK.For more information, visit tcslondonmarathon.com
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