Meet Manuela, DR UK's Star Marathon Runner!

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

My name is Manuela, but my friends and family call me Manu. I’m originally from Italy and now call London home. I’m 41 and have always believed that life is a mix of moments—some challenging, some joyous, but always meaningful. I’m deeply passionate about inclusivity and equality, values instilled in me by my family. To me, diversity isn’t something that should be “tolerated,” but something to be embraced and celebrated. I believe in being kind and supportive, in lifting others up, and in striving to make the world a more inclusive place, one small step at a time. I also love running—it clears my mind, strengthens me physically and mentally, and connects me with a wonderful community of people who inspire me.

What made you choose the London Marathon 2025 specifically?

I chose the London Marathon 2025 because it represents not only a personal challenge but an incredible opportunity to support Disability Rights UK, a cause that’s very close to my heart. I’ve run the London Marathon before, and there’s something uniquely special about the atmosphere, the route, and the people. It's a race that’s more than just about running—it’s about the collective spirit, the shared experience, and the power of coming together for something bigger than ourselves. The idea of running it again, with the opportunity to raise awareness and funds for disability rights, felt like the perfect way to combine my love of running with my desire to make a real impact.

What kind of preparation have you been doing/will you have to do in anticipation of the run?

My preparation for the London Marathon involves both physical and mental training. I’ve been following a specific training plan with my coaches, focusing on building endurance, improving my speed, and making sure I stay injury-free. Marathon training is all about consistency, so I’ve been putting in the miles while also taking care of my body through strength training, stretching, and proper recovery. The mental aspect of training is just as important to me—long runs are a time to reflect, to overcome mental barriers, and to really connect with why I’m doing this. Preparing for a marathon is a journey in itself, and I’m excited to see how my training helps me grow.

Why did you decide to support Disability Rights UK?

I decided to support Disability Rights UK because their work is vital, and their impact is immeasurable. I’ve seen firsthand how disability rights are often overlooked, and how Disabled people face daily challenges that many of us don’t even consider. When I met the team at Disability Rights UK and saw their passion and dedication to advocating for the rights of disabled people, I knew I had to be part of that. They’re not just raising awareness—they’re making real change, and I want to help amplify that message. I believe in the power of sport to bring people together and create awareness, and I’m using this marathon as a way to contribute to their efforts.

How do you think this experience might change you, or what you might learn from it?

I expect this marathon will teach me a lot about resilience and pushing through both physical and mental limits. Training for a marathon is a transformative experience, and I know this one will be especially meaningful because of the cause I’m running for. I’ve always believed in the power of setting goals and striving to achieve them, but this time, the race will be about more than just crossing the finish line. It will be a chance to reflect on the importance of inclusion, accessibility, and the ongoing fight for disability rights. I think it will deepen my understanding of perseverance—not just in the race, but in the broader fight for equality and justice. Ultimately, I hope this experience will leave me with a stronger sense of purpose and the knowledge that every step I take is helping to create a more inclusive world for everyone.

To donate to Manuela's fundraiser for DR UK, head over to her Enthuse webpage.