Farmer lands dream London Marathon place after 12 years of ballot heartbreak thanks to RSABI

RSABI, the charity supporting people in Scottish agriculture, has announced that Fife farmer Grant Barr will take on the London Marathon in 2027 to raise vital funds for the organisation after more than a decade of unsuccessfully trying to secure a place through the public ballot.

Grant, who was brought up and now works at his family farm, Easter Bucklyvie Farm in Fife, has entered the London Marathon ballot every year since he turned 18 but has never been lucky enough to secure a place. Now, thanks to RSABI, he will finally realise a long-held ambition while raising funds for a cause close to his heart.

A dairy farmer who also has experience with beef, sheep and arable production, Grant has been heavily involved in the agricultural community throughout his career. He was an active member and Chairman of West Fife Young Farmers, went on to serve as National Competitions and Events Chair at the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC), and took part in the SAYFC Chairman’s Challenge alongside Ally Brunton. He is also currently a committee member for West Fife Show.

Coming from a farming background, Grant has long admired the work RSABI does to support people across Scottish agriculture and says the charity's message of ensuring no one faces challenges alone is one he is proud to champion.

Speaking about taking on the London Marathon for RSABI, Grant said: "I come from a farming background and have always admired the positive message that RSABI promotes. Farming can often feel like a lonely job, but the reality is that we're all in this together.

"The support RSABI provides to farmers and their families is invaluable. It makes a real difference in improving both mental and physical wellbeing for so many working in the industry so I wanted to do something to give back and support that as much as possible.

"I've entered the London Marathon ballot for the last 12 years and have never been successful, so when the opportunity came up to run for RSABI, it felt like the perfect reason to finally do it. I'm really looking forward to taking on the challenge while raising as much money as I can for such an important charity.

"My initial fundraising target is £2,500, but I'd love to smash that. I'll be sharing my training journey on social media and I'm also planning a couple of fundraising events, including a comedy night, to help get there so please do keep an eye out for more news on that.

"I've run three marathons and plenty of half marathons over the years, although I still wouldn't call myself a runner, I'm just reasonably good at putting one foot in front of the other, much like most farmers do day in day out! The training starts properly now, which along with keeping me active, will be great motivation to cut back on a few beers along the way."

Pauline Macmillan, Head of Fundraising at RSABI, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Grant to Team RSABI for the London Marathon 2027. His passion for Scottish agriculture and his enthusiasm for supporting fellow farming families make him a fantastic ambassador for the charity, so we’re confident that people will really get behind him.

“It's a brilliant story that after years of entering the London Marathon ballot, Grant finally has the opportunity to take part while raising money for a cause that means so much to him. Every pound he raises will help us continue providing emotional, practical and financial support to people in Scottish agriculture when they need it most.

"We'd encourage everyone to get behind Grant over the coming months, whether that's by donating, sharing his fundraising page or cheering him on throughout his training and on marathon day.”

To support Grant's London Marathon fundraising and help him reach his target, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/grantbarrlondonmarathon

RSABI offers free practical, financial, and emotional support including counselling services, delivered quickly after receiving the initial enquiry. Its free confidential support service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by calling 0808 1234 555 (calls won’t show up on phone bills) or through a confidential webchat service, available on RSABI’s website www.rsabi.org.uk.