Running to Open Doors: Johannes and Mugwe’s London Landmarks Half Marathon Journey

Two dads, two countries, one goal. We, Johannes Ern from Germany and Mugwe Manga from Kenya, are taking on the London Landmarks Half Marathon on 6 April 2025. As proud members of the infamous International Centre (IC) boarding house at Sevenoaks School (Class of 2005), we’re running for more than glory—it’s about giving back to a school that shaped our lives and creating opportunities for others to thrive.

Back in the IC, discipline wasn’t exactly our strong suit (sorry, housemasters), but Sevenoaks gave us much more than detention slips. It gave us a world of opportunities—through transformative trips to India, Kenya, Malaysia, and Spain—that opened our eyes to inequality and the power of education to change lives.

Now, as slightly wiser (and definitely more tired) fathers of two, we’re aiming to raise £3,000 for the Sevenoaks School Financial Assistance Fund. This fund supports talented, deserving students to access the education that changed our lives and can open doors for theirs. Training has been tough especially during the festive season of unending feasting but we’re determined to keep the updates coming (including our race times!).

Please donate to our JustGiving page and help us make this half marathon more than a run—let’s make it a legacy.

Thank you!

„Sevenoaks School Foundation raises funds to enable Sevenoaks School to provide a broad and integrated education, an inspiring campus, and financial help to those who need it most.

We are committed to ensuring that equity, diversity and inclusion continue to be at the heart of our culture and community. It is a key priority for the school to significantly increase the number of students receiving financial assistance to one in three students.“