EPISODE #162: Why This London Marathon Matters: A Conversation on Health, Poverty & Running With Purpose

This week on RUNWITHALLI LIVE, I’m joined by David Machin, Lead Community Organizer for Health Poverty Action, the charity I’m fundraising for as I prepare to run the 2026 London Marathon.I’ll be honest: there were things I learned in this conversation that I didn’t even know before diving into the topics David breaks down in this episode. It was eye-opening. I believe it will be for you, too.We discuss the reality of health poverty and why it’s not a quick fix. This conversation goes beyond temporary solutions or ultra-processed “quick” foods. It’s about long-term infrastructure funding, access to healthier food options, and healthcare systems that sustainably serve communities.David also explains why unrestricted funding is so critical. When funds aren’t tightly restricted, organizations have the flexibility to respond where needs are greatest. Something that’s especially urgent right now as government aid is being cut in ways we haven’t seen before, creating widening funding gaps across global health systems.In this episode, we explore:The difference between health and health equity, and why that distinction mattersHow systemic barriers, the climate crisis, and political decisions directly impact access to careWhy NGOs are under increasing pressure, and how resilience means continuing the work even when it feels like getting punched in the faceWhy advocacy and holding decision-makers accountable for healthcare and funding cuts are JUST as important as fundraisingThe hard truth is this: things may get worse before they get better. Health poverty is systemic and deeply rooted, leading to preventable illness, disease, and loss of life in communities with inaccessible health resources.And yet what left me hopeful is that Health Poverty Action is doing the work anyway. They’re raising funds, building awareness, supporting community-led solutions, and continuing to show up despite immense challenges. Every single dollar goes a long way, but there is still meaningful work ahead!This episode is a reminder that endurance athletes, and humans in general, can use their voices, platforms, and miles to help bridge gaps, elevate conversations, and push for change.A Small Ask With Big ImpactIf you’re able to donate, please know this: unrestricted funds give organizations the flexibility to act where the need is greatest. With government aid being cut and funding gaps growing, even small contributions matter more than ever. If donating isn’t possible right now, sharing this episode helps amplify awareness. And that matters, too. Donate here: https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/allison-felsenthalWhether you’re an endurance athlete, new to running, or just curious, I hope this episode inspires you, deepens your understanding of why we run, and shows how our footsteps can create real impact by supporting charities and communities that need it most.Connect with Health Poverty Action:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramEmailIf you enjoyed this episode, head to Apple Podcasts and tap the +Follow button to stay in the loop. Your support helps me bring more conversations like this to life.Thank you for being here! Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREE Support the showThe RUNWITHALLI LIVE Podcast is hosted by Alli Felsenthal, founder of RunWithAlli Coaching and virtual run coach to runners around the world. Each episode brings expert guests, honest conversations, and practical tools to help you train smarter, race better, and love the process. Whether you’re chasing your first finish line or a new PR, you’re in the right place.ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? Your support helps this podcast reach more runners who need it. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It’s the #1 way to help the show grow: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/runwithalli-live/id1510066149Share this episode with a runner who needs to hear itSubscribe so you never miss an episodeWORK WITH RUNWITHALLI 1:1 Run Coaching. Personalized plans from the mile to the marathon → runafastermarathon.comFollow on Instagram → @runwithalliJoin the newsletter for weekly training tips, athlete wins, running science, and more → http://runafastermarathon.com/newsletterFree community with free weekly resources → Discord