Kia UK’s President and CEO, Paul Philpott, has successfully completed the 2026 TCS London Marathon, running to raise essential funds for The Children’s Society, Kia UK’s official charity partner.
Philpott took on the iconic 26.2-mile challenge to support The Children’s Society’s vital work helping vulnerable young people across the UK, with his fundraising efforts already exceeding £50,300, including Gift Aid – the most raised for The Children's Society by an individual in recent history. This exceptional achievement will increase more, with time still remaining for donations to be made. Completing the challenging course in hot and sunny conditions, Philpott turned on to The Mall and over the finish line setting a time of 4 hours 53 minutes.
Philpott was cheered on by hundreds of thousands of spectators lining the streets of London. Amongst them were colleagues from Kia UK, dealer partners, and The Children’s Society. Commenting on Paul’s achievement, Mark Russell, The Children’s Society’s CEO, said: “Paul is an inspiration!
“I am so grateful for all the support Paul and Kia UK have already given to The Children's Society but now with Paul’s London Marathon effort he has literally gone the extra mile to support us! He has smashed all fundraising targets and his Marathon will change so many children's lives. Our thanks go to Paul, the Kia UK team and the hundreds of generous and kind donations that ensure we can continue our important work.”
Completing a marathon requires months of intense preparation, and Paul’s commitment has seen significant personal time devoted to training over recent months for his third London Marathon completion. Paul Philpott, 2026 London Marathon runner and Kia UK President and CEO, commented: “I feel honoured for the opportunity to raise funds for The Children’s Society, and I would like to express my sincere thanks to all of my supporters who gave so generously.
“While my personal feelings about finishing the marathon are of relief and personal achievement, these pale in comparison to the sense of pride I feel when I see the donation raised so far. I encourage more donations now that I’ve completed the marathon, as The Children’s Society is such an important cause.” Other Kia UK employees also took on the 2026 London Marathon, raising further funds for The Children’s Society, including Nabila Elkhamlichi (Senior People & Organisation Business Partner) who achieved a time of 5 hours and 52 minutes, and Ben Smith (Product Specialist) who achieved 4 hours and 35 minutes.
The Kia UK charity partnership with The Children’s Society began at the start of the year, with the mission to support the charity, and give hope to young people facing abuse, exploitation and neglect. The partnership focuses on raising awareness and funds to help the charity deliver practical and emotional support to children and young people when they need it most. Although the marathon is now complete, fundraising efforts continue with donations still open for those wishing to support Paul and The Children’s Society.