This year, 15 remarkable people are running the London Marathon for Oasis. In this series, we’re sharing short interviews with some of them about why they’ve chosen to take on the challenge in support of our work.
First up is John, leader of our education work.
Tell us a little about yourself
I’m John Barneby, CEO of Oasis Community Learning. I live in Hampshire but spend my time travelling across the country, visiting and serving our academies and communities. Being in our academies meeting our amazing students and remarkable people always energises me.
Why are you running the London Marathon for Oasis?
Oasis exists to build stronger, safer, more hope-filled communities. I am fully committed to seeing Oasis achieve its vision for community and running the marathon is one small way I can play my part, to raise awareness of the amazing work we do, and raise important funds for this work to continue.
What’s your pre-marathon breakfast?
Bagel, with peanut butter and a banana.
What’s your strangest running habit, superstition, or training hack?
I love a good podcast or audio book while running. The Rest is Politics, Real Survival Stories and Different are some of my favourites.
What’s the hardest part of marathon training for you?
Finding the time! Like so many of our staff, my days are full and fast-moving, so carving out hours to run whilst travelling weekly across the country is a challenge. It’s a battle with the diary as much as the legs!
What keeps you going on the days you really don’t want to run?
I picture the young people in our communities—their resilience, determination and hope. If they can push through enormous challenges every single day, I can manage a long run! And if I’m honest, the thought of Johnny, Michael and Francesca (my friends who are also running) seeing my Strava go silent is also highly motivating. Who doesn’t love a bit of friendly competition!
What’s one thing you wish supporters knew about marathon training?
That it’s less about the big heroic long runs and more about consistently showing up—on the cold mornings, the tired evenings, and the days when every part of you wants a sit-down instead. It’s a long lesson in hope and perseverance… which feels very Oasis!
What’s on your running playlist?
There is a whole selection, but I love some of the classics that make you smile when your legs want to stop: Living on a Prayer, Don’t Stop Believing, Something Just Like This, Eye of the Tiger!
