We’re not broken: Dad creates world’s ‘most inclusive’ marathon with runners of all shapes, sizes and health conditions

A father claims he has created the world’s “most inclusive” marathon, featuring runners of all shapes and sizes and those with disabilities and incurable conditions, to show “we’re not broken and we’re enough”.

Phil Roberton, 44, founder of the Flawed Hero Marathon, from Letchworth Garden City, north Hertfordshire, began coaching London Marathon runners in 2008, helping everyday people overcome self-doubt while training.

He took part in Jeff Stelling’s Football March challenge in 2023, walking 26.2 miles while carrying a cardboard cut-out of his late father David, and witnessed how the pressure-free walk encouraged men around him to open up.

Inspired by that experience and his coaching work, he launched the Flawed Hero Marathon in April 2024, open to anyone without any focus on time, and raised £40,000 for mental health charities.

The event has grown, continuing to unite runners who never thought they could finish a marathon, and even including people with disabilities and people who have lost young children.

Phil, who is married to Suzanna, 35, and is a father to Molly, 15, told PA Real Life: “It’s the most inclusive marathon there is – we have people of all shapes and sizes.

“We don’t care how long it takes you, it’s about completing it and being part of something.

“We’re all flawed in our own ways and that’s OK. We’re not broken and we’re enough.

“The marathon is about moving forward with intent and committing to something to improve ourselves.

“It’s for people who never thought or dreamed that they could actually do a marathon.”

Phil began coaching London Marathon runners through a range of charities in 2008.

He explained: “A huge number of people don’t even make it to the start line.

“The hard thing is navigating life while training, stress, recovery and self-doubt – running is the easy part.

“I worked with charities trying to get the dropout rates down by helping people with their training in layman’s terms.”

He said he participated in Jeff Stelling’s Football March in 2023, where more than 360 supporters completed a 26.2-mile walk from Wembley Stadium to Wycombe Wanderers’ Adams Park in honour of broadcaster Bill Turnbull, who died of prostate cancer.

Phil carried a life-sized cardboard cut-out of his late father, a Wycombe Wanderers fan who died in 2021 from bowel cancer, aged 73, just 11 days after Phil’s wedding.

He said: “There was no expectation of time at the march, there were no conversations about how long it was taking.

“I think one of the biggest issues with the London Marathon is you have this wonderful experience but the first question is always, ‘What’s your time?’, rather than, ‘What did you get from that experience?’

“During the walk, men were talking and almost having therapy.”

This, combined with his coaching experience, inspired him to launch the Flawed Hero Marathon.

“So many people get rejected from the London Marathon because of it being a ballot system,” he said.

“I saw that as an opportunity to put on an event for people who need saving from this, or want to raise money for charity, or challenge themselves.”

The first Flawed Hero Marathon took place in April 2024 – the same day as the London Marathon.

Participants met at midnight at the Broadway Cinema in Letchworth Garden City, aiming to walk or run 26.2 miles in a loop, with local cafes and restaurants staying open to support them.

He said there were 40 participants of “all ages and shapes and sizes”, including a stroke survivor and someone with multiple sclerosis (MS) – a condition which affects the brain and spinal cord.

In total, around £40,000 was raised for a range of mental health charities.

In 2025, he said there were around 100 participants, with £80,000 raised for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Phil said: “It was just incredible, everyone loved it and especially running from darkness to light throughout the morning – it really shows what people have gone through.

“We even had someone with terminal cancer, who is having stem cell treatment, and will be back with us next time.

“We’ve now got the world of ChatGPT, algorithms and running apps, which I think makes people who are training compare themselves to others – I just want it to be about the experience.”

This year’s marathon will take place on April 26, with around 100 participants aiming to beat last year’s fundraising total.

All runners are part of a group on WhatsApp, receiving support from one another, as well as training programmes and tips from physiotherapists and coaches.

Phil said a wide range of people are taking part, from those who have lost weight and want to celebrate their new bodies to some who have lost children or partners.

“They all just motivate you and inspire you – everyone has an incredible story to tell and it almost puts your faith back in humanity,” he explained.

“You know that when they’re running, they’re thinking about their loved ones and their story, and we’re all in it together, patting everyone else on the back and encouraging them to keep going.”

The money raised this year will go to Prostate Cancer UK, as well as Garden House Hospice Care in Letchworth, as many of the participants have had loved ones supported by the unit.

Before they set off at midnight from the cinema, their loved ones’ faces will be shown on the big screen, reminding them who they are doing it for.

“I’m trying not to overthink it, I know it’s going to be OK and I’ve put massive amounts of blood, sweat and tears into it,” Phil said.

“I can’t wait for everyone to cross that start line, because then my job’s done.

“I want everyone to finish and be safe and happy and have a wonderful experience.”

Next year, Phil is aiming for the marathon to raise £250,000.

He said: “It’s going to be even bigger and better!”

To find out more, visit: www.theflawedhero.com.