Senior paramedic races entire Northern Line to prepare for London Marathon

A senior paramedic will take on the London Marathon this weekend after an extraordinary training journey that has seen him run the entire length of the Northern line.

Stuart Crichton, Director of 999 Operations at London Ambulance Service, will be taking on the iconic 26 mile course on Sunday 25 April to raise money for London Ambulance Charity.

Funds will support wellbeing initiatives for frontline staff and volunteers working out on the road or answering 999 calls, as well as life‑saving CPR training for communities across London.

To prepare for race day, Stuart completed a unique endurance challenge – running the 35km Northern line branch from High Barnet to Morden via Charing Cross.

Stuart, 51, has worked at London Ambulance for over 30 years and in various operational roles at the Marathon, but this is his first time running in the event. He said:

“I’m incredibly proud to be running the London Marathon and raising money for our brilliant Charity who support all of our staff.

“I cared for my parents at the end of their life and they were my rock and inspiration. So I have a deep connection to the care our crews provide Londoners at the end of their life.

“Our Charity helps the wellbeing of our staff who do so many challenging roles to support this kind of care.

“I picked to run the length of the Northern line as I’m very familiar with the route from my years working in ambulances. The route from High Barnet to Morden via Charing Cross was 35km, which is the same as the longest run on the training plan.

“Each week I added the next station on and I got a good rest on the way home.

“About 10 years ago I signed up for the Marathon but had to pull out due to an injury and haven’t attempted to complete a Marathon since.

“Training for this has been quite a journey for me. I’ve made lifestyle choices, including losing weight and found that running has become a lot easier.

“I’ve lost six stone and this has helped throw myself into training.

“I persevered and now I feel ready, both physically and mentally, to take on this challenge.”

Safety advice for runners and spectators

As well as pulling on his running shoes, Stuart – who oversees the 999 control rooms at London Ambulance Service – is reminding runners to put safety first this weekend.

He added:

“We’re urging runners to adjust their pace if the weather warms up. Think about why you’re taking part – the money you’re raising for charity – rather than pushing for a personal best.

“We know heat affects performance, so I’d encourage runners to slow their pace, follow the guidance from the London Marathon about hydration, wear sunscreen and choose appropriate clothing.

“There are first aid and medical facilities throughout the race so if you need any assistance, please ask any of the course stewards.”

London Ambulance Service prepares for the Marathon

London Ambulance Service has well‑established and robust plans in place to support the London Marathon, with over 250 additional staff working in the event footprint and control rooms.

The Service will deploy teams on foot, paramedics on bicycles, ambulances, and operational commanders in busy areas along the route to help crews reach the most seriously ill and injured patients as quickly as possible.

There will also be fixed first‑aid treatment centres located along the route, staffed by St John Ambulance and London Ambulance Service medics, to support runners and spectators on the day.

Supporting the people behind the uniform

This year, Stuart is amongst 10 runners raising money for London Ambulance Charity through the London Marathon.

Money raised helps ensure paramedics and call handlers can access support when they need it – enabling them to continue delivering the best possible care to Londoners every day.

Help us raise money for frontline crews and local communities by joining London Ambulance Charity’s Dragon Boat Race this summer. Sign up on our dedicated Charity website here.