Ealing Trailfinders were out in force at the Ealing Half Marathon 2026, held over the weekend of 26 and 27 September. The event is one of the biggest weekends in the borough’s calendar, bringing thousands of runners and spectators onto the streets of Ealing, and the Club had a presence on both days. Between our runners and the activities we put on, the weekend raised £4,229.83 for the Ealing Trailfinders Foundation, the Club’s official charity.

Bruno runs the Trailfinders Ealing Mini Mile

Things got going on Saturday with the Trailfinders Ealing Mini Mile, which the Club supported through our Community team. The Mini Mile gives younger runners the chance to experience race day for themselves, with their own start line, course and finish. Bruno, the Club mascot, lined up with the children and ran the course alongside them, which went down well with the young runners and their parents.

Conor Oliver starts the Half Marathon

On Sunday, back rower Conor Oliver set the Ealing Half Marathon field off as official starter, giving runners a send-off from one of the Club’s first team squad.

Staff and trustees of the Foundation then ran the 13.1 miles to raise money for the charity, among them Ian Isham, Head of Community and Foundation. Training for a half marathon means months of early mornings and long weekend runs, and the support from colleagues, friends and family along the route made a real difference on the day.

Rugby posts and the BlazePod challenge

Away from the course, the Club’s inflatable rugby posts and the Foundation’s BlazePod reaction challenge ran throughout the weekend. The posts gave children and adults the chance to practise their passing and kicking, while the BlazePod challenge tested how quickly people could react to a set of light-up pods. Plenty of runners and spectators stopped to have a go, and their donations added to the weekend’s total.

Where the money goes

Every penny raised goes back into the Foundation Projects, which use rugby and sport to support health and inclusion for people of all ages across Ealing and further afield. Money raised at events like this helps us keep those programmes running and start new ones where we see a need. If you’d like to support the Foundation, you can donate here.

A home win to finish the weekend

The weekend ended with a 36-19 home win over Richmond at Trailfinders Sports Ground. The next home game is against Doncaster Knights on Saturday 31 October, and tickets are available here.

Thank you to everyone who sponsored our runners or came along to support. You helped make it a brilliant weekend.

Mike Willemse, James Kenny, PJ Sheck, Alivia Leatherman, Mikaela Nelson from the men’s and women’s teams delivered over 250 Christmas Hampers as the partnership seeks to reduce isolation.

With Christmas fast approaching, some of our Ealing Trailfinders and Trailfinders Women’s players have stepped off the pitch and into the local community in partnership with Age UK Ealing to deliver festive cheer and over 250 Christmas hampers to elderly residents across the Borough of Ealing.

Designed to bring the people of Ealing together, this initiative supported lonely residents over the festive period and reminded them that they are truly valued within their community.

Christmas came early for more than 250 residents as Mike Willemse, James Kenny, and PJ Sheck from the men’s team and Alivia Leatherman and Mikaela Nelson from the women’s side supported the campaign. Each hamper included gifts such as a blanket or warm socks, festive treats, and handwritten cards from local school children.

Mike Willemse, Player at Ealing Trailfinders commented: “There are many people that feel more alone than ever during this time of year, so it’s more important than ever to remind people that they’re truly part of a community that cares.

“Sometimes, we need to reflect and think about making a difference off the pitch and we’re privileged to be able to create these moments and give locals something to smile about. This initiative and partnership reflects a shared commitment to creating a more connected community and is a reminder of the responsibilities that clubs have off the field.”

Anita Daniels, Volunteer & Partnership Manager at Age UK added: “We are deeply grateful to the Rugby Players, staff, both men and women’s teams for their unwavering support during this festive time. We thank them for bringing joy to the Ageing community in the Borough of Ealing.”

With a busy upcoming schedule over Christmas and the New Year, start 2026 by getting involved in Champ Rugby action as Ealing Trailfinders look to continue building momentum.

You can find fixture information and secure tickets by heading to:Match Day Tickets