The Duke of Sussex’s Invictus Games has announced an exciting new initiative that will see a dedicated section at the London Marathon aimed at honouring veterans and injured service members. This new venture comes as the foundation continues its mission to inspire and support those who have served in the armed forces.
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The ‘Veterans’ Corner’ will be located at mile 23 of the iconic 26-mile race, scheduled to take place on 26 April 2025. The initiative involves collaboration with 12 military charities, creating a unique space within the marathon that highlights the stories and achievements of veterans. The aim is to celebrate their resilience and dedication, while also promoting the vital role of military charities in supporting these individuals.
In this special area, spectators can expect an uplifting atmosphere that focuses on the message of life beyond injury and the positive impact that competitive sporting events can have on recovery. As part of the participation, six wounded service personnel and veterans will run the marathon, joined by six additional runners who are fundraising for the Invictus Foundation.
Rob Owen OBE, the CEO of the Invictus Games Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative. He underscored the importance of visibility and recognition for service personnel, explaining that the collaboration aims to provide a morale boost for all participants as they approach the race’s conclusion.
This announcement comes in conjunction with further developments from the Invictus organisation. While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are currently in Australia, the Duke revealed plans for a new adaptive sports event, the Invictus Australia Sports Festival, set to take place in Perth in October 2026. This festival aims to offer additional competitive opportunities for wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans, reinforcing the foundation’s commitment to their ongoing recovery.
Owen also highlighted the significance of the upcoming Invictus Games in Birmingham in 2027. He remarked that while these Games offer a global platform for recovery the London Marathon initiative shines a light on the support systems and communities present within the UK for veterans. By participating in marathon events, runners can demonstrate their solidarity and dedication to those who have sacrificed for their country.
Prince Harry, who served in the British Army from 2005 to 2015, including two tours of Afghanistan, founded the Invictus Games in 2014. The annual events are designed to highlight the athletic prowess and tenacity of service members and have garnered international recognition. The Duke’s ongoing efforts to support veterans reflect his deeply-held commitment to this cause.
The Royal couple’s recent visit to Australia also emphasised their dedication to veterans. Their first day featured a meet-and-greet with veteran families at the Australian National Veterans’ Art Museum in Melbourne, showcasing their continued focus on mental health and support for service personnel.
As the countdown to the London Marathon continues, the ‘Veterans’ Corner’ promises to add an enriching layer to the event, inspiring not only the runners but also the spectators who come to cheer them on. The collaboration fosters a sense of community and unity, underlining the importance of acknowledging the sacrifices made by those who serve in the military.
As anticipation builds for these upcoming events, the Invictus Games remains committed to evolving its support for veterans and ensuring that their stories of bravery and resilience are heard and celebrated, both in the UK and internationally.