Meet the Future Legends
In 2026, we’re following the journeys of eight individuals as they train and prepare for Race to the Stones, a point-to-point ultramarathon along the UK’s oldest trail, the Ridgeway.
From seasoned ultra runners to first-time hikers, our 2026 Stones Legends embody the spirit of the Ridgeway. Hailing from all walks of life and drawing upon a wide variety of experiences, our Future Legends have one thing in common – the belief that everyone is capable of more than they realise.
Because legends aren’t born, they’re made. Meet our Legends in the making.
Afeefa Ali, 20
At just 20 years old, Afeefa has overcome years of severe mental illness and time spent in and out of hospital.
She has now found strength and purpose through running, and what started as a slow charity half-marathon has transformed into a powerful journey of self-belief, one that will see her take on her first 50km ultramarathon in 2026.
As a young, mixed-race Muslim woman who wears a hijab, Afeefa has often felt like she doesn’t belong in the world of running. But through her journey, she’s determined to change that by challenging stereotypes, breaking down barriers, and showing that running truly is for everyone, regardless of pace, background, or faith.
Now a psychology student and support worker on an adolescent mental health ward, she uses her experience to inspire others, proving that movement can be a powerful tool for healing and connection.
“As a Future Legend, I hope to represent minorities in the running space – the young runners, the female runners, the Muslim runners, the slower runners.
I want Race to the Stones to be a celebration of what I have achieved, and a display of all I am capable of, despite the challenges and barriers I have faced.”
Carol Smith, 60
Carol is a paediatrician and mother of two, who has lost 7 stone in a year through diet and lifestyle changes, while her husband has lost 8.5 stone.
This came after the devastating murder of her son’s best friend, Barnaby Webber, one of the victims of the Nottingham attacks in 2023. Carol’s daughter Emily was deeply affected by Barney’s death and became terrified of losing her parents too, scared that their weight and health could take them from her. That moment of fear turned into motivation, and together, the family began walking every day, turning their collective grief into movement.
Now, just over a year later, the Smith family, calling themselves ‘Just Keep Yapping’, are training to take on the 50km Race to the Stones ultramarathon together next summer, raising funds for the Barnaby Webber Foundation, which supports children and young people facing adversity.
“Like many people, I was busy and lost sight of how important it is to make the most of life.
When Barney was murdered it brought home clearly that life is something not to be wasted – that tomorrow is never guaranteed.”
Charlie Degale, 60
Charlie, a 60-year-old Physical Training Instructor with the Metropolitan Police, was told he might never run again after being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2016 and later undergoing two hip replacements.
At the time, the cancer had spread, and his life hung in the balance. After months of aggressive chemotherapy and major surgery, Charlie promised himself that if he ever recovered, he’d use his fitness to help others.
Just two years later, he kept that promise, completing the London Marathon in 2018 and raising over £3,000 for Children with Cancer UK. Since then, Charlie’s running journey has exploded. He’s now a qualified run coach, leads three community running groups, and is a trail leader with Black Trail Runners as well as an ambassador for 5K Your Way, a charity helping people affected by cancer through movement.
This year, he’s taking on his biggest challenge yet, running 50km at Race to the Stones on his 61st birthday, to prove that no matter your background, ability, or diagnosis, anything is possible. After being told he shouldn’t run long distances, he refuses to let that define him.
“I truly believe in the power of movement as it helped me to beat cancer. As a Future Legend, I am on a mission to preach and promote this message to others!”
Liam Cooper-King, 35
Liam is a former international rugby player for Barbados who experienced a life changing injury when he tore his hamstring off the bone.
This led a decline in his mental health, with a prognosis that he wouldn’t run again, let alone play rugby. Thankfully, after two surgeries he managed to slowly get into running, which has been a huge part of his journey toward wellbeing.
Liam runs mostly on trails and in nature near his home in South Wales, where movement feels meditative and grounding.
“Every step reminds me how far I’ve come, and how powerful it can be just to keep moving forward.
Having seen the work Threshold have done as a race organiser encouraging genuine diversity on their start lines, I’m proud to be a Future Legend. Bring on the ultra!”
Louise Prashad, 32
Louise was in her early 20s when she was given just 8 hours to live after suffering acute liver failure during pregnancy. She lost both of her unborn twins, was placed in a coma, and only survived thanks to a last-minute liver transplant, via a donor organ.
When Louise woke up, she couldn’t walk, talk, or even lift her head. The physical recovery was gruelling, but the emotional recovery, after losing her babies, was even harder. Slowly, she began to rebuild her body and her life, one step at a time.
Running became her therapy and a rebellion against grief. What began as a shuffle to the end of the street has since turned into over 320 races, representing Great Britain in track and field, and raising over £350,000 for charity.
Now, a decade after her transplant, Louise is taking on her most powerful challenge yet, aiming to set a Guinness World Record for the fastest 100km ultra distance ran by an organ transplant recipient.
“This record isn’t about me. It’s for my donor’s family, whom I met this year and who will receive my medal. It’s for my angel son and daughter, who never got to breathe but gave my life new meaning.
It’s for every parent who’s ever had to survive the unthinkable, for every person waiting for a transplant, and for every donor family who’s turned loss into someone else’s second chance.”
Nick Drabble, 40
Nick is a serving British Army engineer with a lifelong love of fitness and the outdoors.
Having raced for many years at the front-end of amateur triathlon, Nick has multiple age group and overall wins to his name. In 2025 he raced and won his first 50k ultramarathon, which he followed up with a rapid 2:39 marathon at Chester. He intends on racing for the win at Race to the Stones 100k.
As I move into my forties, it’s all about continuing to push the body and mind and see what’s possible.
As a Future Legend, I hope I can demonstrate what is possible with a positive mindset and a supportive family. You just need to decide what you want and strive for continued pursuit of excellence.
Nicky Edwards, 45
Nicky is a physiotherapist and mum from Hertfordshire.
Having only started running relatively recently, Nicky has gone on to finish multiple ultramarathons. However, her life was upturned after onset of multiple sclerosis in July 2024, which was finally diagnosed in early 2025.
Since then, running has taken on an even deeper meaning for Nicky.
As a Future Legend, my mission is to show people that having a disability or chronic illness doesn’t mean giving up on your dreams.
I want to inspire women and people with disabilities and chronic illnesses, such as multiple sclerosis, to realise that with the right support, resilience and determination, they can achieve more than they believe is possible.
Sophie Carter, 46
Sophie, a personal trainer and running coach from Oxfordshire, has a long history with Race to the Stones.
Having first taken part in one of the 50ks in 2016, she went on to run the 100k for the first time in 2018. After a few years off raising twins and navigating lockdown, Sophie returned to the race in 2022. Despite being 21 weeks pregnant, she finished second lady, realising then that she had competitive potential.
The following year Sophie took part again, winning the race despite having had to stop to breastfeed her seven-month-old baby at aid stations. She returned in 2024, winning once again and finishing just 10 minutes shy of the course record, but had a difficult race in 2025 having recently become a single parent.
“In 2025 I didn’t have the race I wanted, but just showing up was a massive win. I realised how important it is for me to keep showing up for myself.
I am so excited to return to the race in 2026, ten years after my first experience on the Ridgeway. I am hoping to run strong and be in contention for the course record.”
Write Your Own Legend
Conquer Race to the Stones
Race to the Stones travels across the Ridgeway, the UK’s oldest footpath. Passing through ancient landscapes and ending at the iconic Avebury Standing Stones, this is no mere ultramarathon – it’s a journey on foot through 5000 years of history.
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