Sebastian Philp: Taxi driver, charity volunteer and marathon man, TAXI
- Jun 16
- 3 min read
The first half of 2026 has been one of the most intense, emotional and wide-ranging periods in Sebastian Philp’s marathon journey.
A dedicated volunteer for the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, Sebastian has spent the year travelling across Europe and the Middle East, collecting finish lines, personal bests and unforgettable stories, all while honouring the veterans he supports.
From the baking hills of Cyprus to the downpour of Geneva, from PB-breaking speed in Spain to a deeply personal tribute in the Netherlands, Sebastian’s year (so far) has been defined by endurance, humour and heart. Here’s a look at his amazing journey…
January – Starting 2026 in Cyprus
18 January – Nicosia Marathon, Cyprus
Time: 3.24.59
Sebastian began 2026 in the Cypriot capital, praising the warmth and spirit of the locals. After years of speaking to Cypriot friends in London, he joked he kept expecting a Cockney accent in Nicosia. It was a strong start to the year and a sign of what was to come.
February – Murcia and Sevilla deliver speed
1 February – Murcia Marathon
Time: 3:18:45
A brilliant race in a city he loves — and five minutes faster than last year!
15 February – Sevilla Marathon (PB)
Time: 3:17:18
A new personal best, proving his training and consistency were paying off.
27 February – Tel Aviv Marathon
Time: 3:29.36
A rapid turnaround between countries, but another marathon completed as Sebastian continued to build momentum.
March – Travel chaos, hills, heat… and a tribute
8 March – Cyprus Marathon
Time: 3:42:22
After a dramatic reroute through Egypt to make the start line, Sebastian battled hills and fatigue only to find a final burst of strength in the last 9km.
15 March – Amstelveen Marathon
Time: 3:34:17
This marathon was different. This one was for John King, a WWII veteran and friend from various Taxi Charity trips who had passed away just days earlier.
John survived the torpedoing of his destroyer off Anzio, where 80% of his shipmates were lost and later served in Malta during the relentless bombing that earned the island the George Cross. Sebastian and John shared countless laughs over the years, including a cherished moment when John pushed him in a wheelchair in the Netherlands.
Sebastian dedicated the marathon to him: “RIP, John, and thank you.” A powerful and emotional run.
April – Brighton, Manchester and Madrid
12 April – Brighton Marathon
Time: 3:30:09
Sebastian received a marathon bib that he couldn’t remember entering joking that he might be “going mad” or discovering that “there is happiness in discomfort… or I am a lunatic!”
19 April – Manchester Marathon
Time: 3:33:49
His favourite marathon and his best Manchester time yet.
26 April – Madrid Marathon
Time: 3:49.15
A tough one with long inclines, heat and a brutal overall course. But another finish line was conquered.
May – Milton Keynes, Geneva and Worcester
4 May – Marathon
Time: 3:27.48
Milton Keynes was run on the first Bank Holiday. The course winds through the heart of Milton Keynes, past lakes, parks and boulevards and finishes in a stadium.
10 May – Geneva Marathon
Time: 3:24:55
Rainy, wet and cold but “awesome”, with fantastic support and stunning scenery. Another sub-3:30 and another country added to his marathon map.
17 May – Worcester Marathon
Time: 3:37:41
A huge milestone: 70 marathons completed since he started competing. A testament to his consistency, resilience and unstoppable drive.
30 May – Stockholm Marathon
Time: 3.30.30.
Seb ran the Stockholm marathon in very hot conditions.
As a volunteer for the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, Sebastian doesn’t just run for himself. He runs for the heroes he’s met, the stories he carries and the memories he honours none more poignant this year than his marathon for John King.
With half the year still to go, Seb has already run a total of 44 hours, 41 minutes, 23 seconds in competitive races and with no sign of slowing down. His journey continues to inspire runners, veterans and supporters alike.
