The West Ham United Foundation is proud to celebrate the incredible efforts of its 2025 London Marathon team, who took to the streets of the capital on Sunday 27 April, raising vital funds towards the redevelopment of the Beckton Community Hub.
Among the record-breaking 55,000-plus runners who completed the iconic 26.2-mile course were three inspiring individuals proudly representing the Foundation: West Ham United Board Member Jiri Svarc, lifelong supporter and Non-Profit Founder Matthew Smith, and Hans Louis, the Club’s Executive Performance Chef.
With more runners than ever before and an unexpected heatwave sweeping across the streets of London, the challenge was far greater than any of the team could have anticipated. Despite these factors, all three runners crossed the finishing line in impressive fashion, with first-time marathon runner Hans battling through injury to complete the challenge in four hours and 21 minutes.
Speaking after the event, Hans said: “I want to thank the Foundation for this incredible opportunity. Training for the marathon has been tough, but when you finally reach marathon day and know you’ve given it your all, you feel ready.
“The crowd was fantastic from start to finish, and the sense of accomplishment for completing the race has been incredible. It’s been a difficult journey, and although I didn’t get the time I wanted, running for the Foundation and such a worthwhile cause kept me going.”
Known to many around Rush Green as the energy behind the Club’s nutritional performance kitchen, Hans dedicated every mile to the young people and families he’s seen the Foundation support over the years.
The runner’s participation forms part of the Foundation’s ambitious campaign to raise vital funds in support of the transformative Beckton Community Hub project, set to create a safe, inclusive and accessible space for people across east London to connect, learn and thrive.
Miles of determination for a meaningful cause
Despite the physical and mental challenge of marathon day, each runner pushed through with a shared purpose: to support the communities they care so deeply about.
Jiri Svarc crossed the finish line with a fantastic time of three hours and 48 minutes, on his return to the London Marathon after a previous outing running for the Foundation back in 2023, with a perfect opportunity to unite his passion for running with his dedication to the Club’s community work.
Matthew Smith completed his fourth World Marathon Major and crossed the line with a blistering time of three hours and 22 minutes, smashing his target time of completing a sub three-and-a-half-hour marathon. The 27-year-old, who flew in from the United States, brought both international spirit and a deep personal conviction to the challenge, an attitude that resonates with so many West Ham fans.
"Running the London Marathon on behalf of the West Ham Foundation was an incredible, unforgettable experience," Matthew said. "With gorgeous weather, countless spectators and a world record for the largest field of finishers in a marathon, it was a day truly beyond compare.
"Hearing the constant cheers of 'Irons' and 'up the Hammers' from the crowds gave me the motivation to push through the difficult portions and complete the race well under my target time. The team and I are so proud to have exceeded our fundraising goal for the community centre at Beckton!"
Taking steps towards a brighter future
The 2025 campaign holds special significance, with funds going directly towards the Beckton Community Hub, a redevelopment set to serve as a beacon of opportunity in east London. The team has already raised over £60,000, and with donations still rolling in, they have smashed their original £50,000 target. Donations to the team have included more than £25,000 from first-team players and coaching staff, many of whom have seen first-hand the positive impact of the Foundation’s work.
“We are incredibly proud of Jiri, Matt and Hans for taking on such an immense challenge”, said Foundation CEO, Joseph Lyons. “They have represented the Foundation with so much heart and determination.
“It’s been great to build on our relationship with the London Marathon over the past few years, which now enables us to grow this amazing fundraising opportunity. I want to thank everyone who contributed to this fantastic cause, your generosity helps bring us closer to realising the vision for our Beckton Community Hub.”
The £4.7-million, state-of the-art redevelopment project will see the footprint of the current building treble, enabling the Foundation to serve thousands of children, young people, adults, families, elderly residents and hard-to-reach groups and individuals, doubling the current 2,000-weekly participant footfall in the process. Incredibly, it is also expected to deliver over £75m in social value in its first five years of operation.
How you can still support
Donations remain open, and each contribution, no matter the size, brings the Foundation one step closer to delivering a Hub that will benefit generations to come.
To support Team West Ham United Foundation, and learn more about the Beckton Hub, please click HERE.
