Pre-marathon interview
What motivated you to run the London Marathon in 2025?
One of the most important motivations for me this time is running with a purpose. I’m running for Oxfam because I truly believe in the work they do - tackling the root causes of poverty and helping people access essential resources. Supporting a cause I believe in gives this marathon a whole new meaning. You can find out more via the link at the bottom of this page.
Also, being part of a global event like the London Marathon is such an incredible experience. From the moment I arrived in London, I knew I wanted to run it one day. There's something really special about taking part in a major - it's something I think everyone should try at least once.
What are you most looking forward to, and what do you think your main challenges will be?
For me, race day is all about enjoying the experience. The real challenge is the training and staying disciplined, especially this time, since it’s overlapped with the end of my MPA. Balancing long runs, recovery, and everything else without missing out on my final months of the programme has definitely been tricky. The hard part has been keeping up with the training routine without compromising the overall experience of my master’s.
How have you been preparing?
To be honest, my training really started back in January 2023 when I signed up for my first marathon, Santiago 2023. Since then, I haven’t stopped running. Some months were more intense than others, but that’s the beauty of it: you just need a pair of shoes, and you can train anywhere, anytime.
As race day gets closer, I always try to mix in more strength training to prevent injuries, and I focus on building up my weekly kilometres. To improve pace, I’ve learned it’s all about combining longer resistance runs with faster-paced sessions.
Do you have 3 top tips for anyone else who may be training or considering applying for next year?
I’d say: be disciplined; trust the process; and (most importantly) do it for the joy. It doesn’t really work if you’re not enjoying it. Training for a marathon is a long journey, so you’ve got to find happiness in the small wins along the way. Also, even though running might seem like a solo sport, it depends hugely on the people around you. Whether you train with a group or on your own, having supportive friends or a partner makes a big difference.
On that note, I want to take a moment to thank my amazing wife, Josefina Vial, also a student at the SPP. She’s been incredible throughout this whole journey, and I couldn’t have trained for three marathons without her patience and support.
You previously ran the Santiago and Berlin marathons. How do you think London will be different?
I think London will be a mix of the best parts of both those experiences. Santiago was incredible because it was my city—the place where I grew up. Berlin was mind-blowing in terms of scale; it was my first taste of what a major marathon feels like.
London brings both worlds together. It’s where I’ve been living for the past two years, so it feels familiar and personal, but it also has the atmosphere of a major. What will make it even more meaningful is that it feels like part of the closure of my time studying here—and sharing that moment with the people I’ve met along the way. It’s always so rewarding to see someone come out to support you, and this time, having friends from these two years in the crowd will make it unforgettable.
What is the best part of running the marathon?
The best part is simply being part of the marathon itself - it feels like one big sporting celebration. You get to enjoy every kilometre surrounded by other runners, supporters cheering you on, and all the people working behind the scenes to make it happen.
That day is all about individual effort, genuine support, and finally reaching a goal you’ve been chasing for months. There’s nothing like it.
Do you have any favourite training routes here in London?
Honestly, I have too many favourites. I change them depending on my goal or even just my mood that day. Some of them are:
- Long and safe: Loops around Regent’s Park.
- Pace sessions: The track between Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill.
- Steep and fun: Hampstead to Parkland Walk and down to Finsbury Park.
- Parks route: Linking Regent’s Park, Hyde Park, and Battersea Park.
- By the water: Along Regent’s Canal, through Limehouse, and down to the Thames.
Each one has its own vibe, and I love switching it up, it keeps training interesting.
You can find out more about Ignacio's marathon journey here.
Post-marathon Interview
How did you find running the London Marathon?
It was intense, but an amazing experience overall. The first half flew by — the atmosphere in Greenwich and Bermondsey was unbeatable, and crossing Tower Bridge was definitely a highlight. Things got much harder in Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs, where the crowd thins out a bit and you really start to feel the distance. I barely remember the stretch along the river, but seeing Big Ben gave me just enough of a boost to keep going. Reaching the finish line in St James’s Park was pure relief and joy. It’s a day I’ll always remember — tough, but totally worth it.
Was this a personal best from your previous marathon?
No — in fact, it was my slowest marathon so far. And sure, time always matters a little, no point pretending otherwise. But this time, it wasn’t the focus. Between finishing my MPA and everything else going on, my goal was to be present, enjoy the race, and cross the finish line proud of the effort.
What was the highlight?
The atmosphere. The crowd support across the whole course was amazing, and having people I know out there made a big difference.
What's next on the marathon wish-list?
First, a proper break. After that, the Athens Marathon is high on the list — it’s a classic. I’d also consider doing London again, hopefully with a bit less suffering next time. And eventually, it would be great to complete the other majors. But honestly, it all depends on where we end up living after the MPA — that’ll probably shape the plan.
