Blog. Meet Our London Marathon Duo.
April 13, 2026 | Author Giuliana Vittiglio
On Sunday 26 April, two outstanding supporters will take on the world-famous TCS London Marathon in aid of Hospitality Action. We couldn’t be prouder of their dedication and resilience. Together, they hope to raise more than £5,000 to support hospitality families facing severe food and fuel poverty this spring.
We caught up with Paul and Matteo ahead of race day to hear how they’re feeling and what they’re most looking forward to.
Paul Leonard, Head Chef, Forest Side
You're a head chef, meaning you work in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment. How does running help you mentally unwind from your work?
As a head chef, you’re constantly operating in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment where there’s very little time to switch off. Running has become my way of creating that space. It helps me mentally unwind after long, intense shifts and gives me a chance to reset away from the noise and demands of the kitchen.
Physically, it keeps me strong and balanced, but it’s the mental clarity that really makes the difference. With a busy work schedule alongside family life, that time to myself is invaluable. Running in the Lake District makes it even more special — being surrounded by that landscape, I genuinely feel like the luckiest person. It allows me to clear my head, refocus, and come back feeling calmer, more present, and ready to take on whatever comes next.
What inspired you to run for Hospitality Action?
The work that Hospitality Action does for our industry is incredibly important, which made the decision to run for them an easy one.
Hospitality is full of hardworking, passionate people, but it can also be tough, and not everyone always has the support they need. Hospitality Action steps in during those difficult times, providing vital help to those who need it most. I’ve supported them before through cooking, which felt like a natural way to give back, but taking on this challenge felt like a great opportunity to do something different. It’s a nice change to step out of the kitchen and support the cause in another way.
Being able to contribute to such an important organisation, while pushing myself personally, makes it even more meaningful.
Matteo Delrio, Concierge
We'd love to hear about your journey with running, where it started and what led you to running the London Marathon for Hospitality Action.
I’ve never naturally been an active person. At my heaviest, I was around 115kg and far more likely to head to the pub for a few pints than lace up a pair of running shoes. That changed in 2017 following a breakup, when my friends Luke, Joanne, and Pawel (colleagues from my time at Charlotte Street Hotel) convinced me to sign up for the London Winter Run. With less than two months to prepare, training in the cold and dark mornings of winter was easily the most daunting challenge I’d ever faced.
However, crossing that finish line brought a sense of pure ecstasy that made every cold mile worth it. I immediately noticed a parallel between the running and hospitality communities. Running for Hospitality Action is my way of giving back to a world that has given me so much, supporting the people who make our amazing industry what it is.
Do you have any advice for someone in hospitality thinking about taking on a physical challenge like this?
GO FOR IT! It truly is the best thing you can do for yourself. As hospitality professionals, we are already experts in resilience; we deal with pressure and challenges every single shift. Taking on a physical goal (whether it’s running, cycling, or walking) simply helps strengthen those "resilience muscles." Training has a way of bringing a sense of balance back to the workplace, often making us a bit more patient and kinder under pressure. The key is finding the specific activity that clicks for you, as everyone’s preference is different. Beyond the mental clarity, the boost to your physical health is a massive bonus. It’s a challenge, yes, but the rewards reach far beyond the finish line.
As Paul and Matteo prepare to take on this epic 26.2mile challenge, we wish them the very best of luck. Every mile they run will help make a positive difference to those in our industry facing their darkest hour. If you’re able to support them, please consider making a donation and cheering them on as they go the distance for Hospitality Action. You can donate to Paul here and donate to Matteo here. #thankyou
If Paul and Matteo's efforts have inspired you to take on a challenge of your own, we’d love to have you involved! Please click here to find out more.