A SENIOR British Army chaplain in Salisbury is preparing to take on the London Marathon, using the challenge to support soldiers and their families.

The Reverend Canon Michael Parker, 55, the Army’s Chaplain General, will run the 26.2-mile race on April 26 to raise funds for the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF).

For Michael, the run carries special significance.

This year marks 26 years since he joined the Army as a chaplain, he is the 26th Chaplain General, and he will tackle the 26.2-mile course on April 26.

Training is on! (Picture: Crown Copyright 2026)

He said: “I’m responsible for the spiritual, pastoral, and moral welfare of soldiers and their families across the globe.

“I have called upon the ABF many times throughout my career to help those under my care; running for the Army’s national charity was the obvious choice.”

Despite a background in middle-distance running, this will be his first marathon – something he describes as both a physical and mental test.

“The marathon is not just a test of the body; it is also a test of the spirit,” he said.

“Drawing on my faith provides an inner strength to keep going, however weak the body becomes.”

Michael has plenty of support. (Picture: Crown Copyright 2026)

Michael, who has served in Iraq and Afghanistan, has not trained alone.

In a show of support, 26 Army chaplains – known as “Padres” – have each run at least a mile alongside him during his preparation.

“I like the expression ‘stronger together’,” he said. “The support of my colleagues – their strength – has carried me through this training. I hope I can repay this as the first serving Chaplain General to cross the finish line.”

The funds raised will go towards supporting soldiers, veterans and their families in times of need – continuing a mission Michael has been part of throughout his career.