11/03/2026
Meet Our London Marathon Runners: John
🙌 Meet John Barneby FRSA , the leader of our Education work, who is running the TCS London Marathon this year!
We thought it would be fun to ask John why he's running for Oasis and share some of his marathon tips.
😊 Tell us a little about yourself.
Hi, 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.
👟🏃 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) and 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 is 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 your pre-marathon breakfast?
A bagel with peanut butter and a banana.
👉Read the full interview: https://oasisuk.org/meet-our-london-marathon-runners-john/