DUNTON, UK – Back in November, Ford teamed up with Strava to launch an exciting new challenge for runners that could win them an entry into this year’s TCS London Marathon.
It was called “Driven to Run” and the challenge was to complete 10 days of 30-minute physical activity over four weeks in specific sports.
An impressive number of colleagues did just that, and just before Christmas two winners were selected at random. They are Todd Smith, a process engineer at Dagenham Engine Plant, and Chris Newland, a Dunton-based senior financial analyst with Ford Pro.
Ford’s Howard Kee explains: “As part of our three-year contract with The London Marathon as the ‘Official Electric Vehicle Supplier of the TCS London Marathon’, we were delighted to partner with Strava to launch “Driven to Run” and the Ford Run Club, which is the embodiment of the new brand strategy, Ready Set Ford.
“Well done to all who took part, and a special congratulations to our winners Todd and Chris who will receive an entry into the 2026 TCS London Marathon which takes place on April 26. They’ll also receive a finish line hospitality place for them and a plus one.”
Winner, Chris told @Ford: “I am extremely grateful to the Ford Run Club for offering me this opportunity. Having unsuccessfully balloted for the event many times I know how lucky I am to win this spot. I'm a keen runner, but to date this has been focused over shorter distances - this will be my first marathon. Being untested over the distance, my first goal is to get to around without stopping. If I can achieve that, I should dip below the four-hour mark, maybe a little quicker. I am so excited to take part in the event and find out.”
Todd said: “I’m really excited to have won a place in the London Marathon. I’ve completed three marathons previously, and I’m also running the Brighton Marathon two weeks beforehand. My ideal target is around 3:30, but with Brighton just two weeks before, I’d be happy with a sub-four finish.”
If you would like to join the Ford Run Club, simply download the Strava App, create an account, and then join Ford Run Club on Strava by clicking this link.
Howard adds: “The Ford Run Club will build an active community both on and offline. Whether you’ve always dreamed of running a marathon, run one already and looking for your next challenge, everyone is welcome, because you are more capable than you think you are.”