Fife farmer ends 12-year London Marathon wait

After 12 years of unsuccessful ballot entries, Fife dairy farmer Grant Barr is finally set to fulfil his London Marathon dream while raising money for Scottish agricultural charity RSABI.

Grant will run the 2027 race as part of Team RSABI, supporting the charity’s work with farmers, crofters and agricultural families across Scotland.

He has entered the public ballot every year since turning 18 but had never secured a place.

The opportunity will allow him to achieve a long-held ambition while raising at least £2,500 for a cause closely connected to his farming background.

Grant grew up at Easter Bucklyvie Farm in Fife, where he now works with his family.

Although primarily a dairy farmer, he also has experience in beef, sheep and arable production.

He has held several roles within Scotland’s agricultural community, including chairman of West Fife Young Farmers and national competitions and events chair at the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs.

Grant also took part in the SAYFC Chairman’s Challenge alongside Ally Brunton and currently serves on the West Fife Show committee.

He said RSABI’s work was particularly important in an industry where people could sometimes feel isolated.

“I come from a farming background and have always admired the positive message that RSABI promotes,” he said.

“Farming can often feel like a lonely job, but the reality is that we're all in this together.”

RSABI provides emotional, practical and financial assistance to people working in Scottish agriculture, including confidential counselling and wellbeing support.

Grant said the charity’s services made a meaningful difference to farming families facing difficult circumstances.

“The support RSABI provides to farmers and their families is invaluable,” he said.

“It makes a real difference in improving both mental and physical wellbeing for so many working in the industry.”

After more than a decade of ballot disappointment, Grant said running for RSABI had given the challenge an added purpose.

“I've entered the London Marathon ballot for the last 12 years and have never been successful, so when the opportunity came up to run for RSABI, it felt like the perfect reason to finally do it,” he said.

“I'm really looking forward to taking on the challenge while raising as much money as I can for such an important charity.”

His initial fundraising target is £2,500, although he hopes to exceed that figure.

Grant plans to document his training on social media and organise fundraising activities, including a comedy night, in the build-up to the marathon.

He already has experience over long distances, having completed three marathons and several half marathons.

Despite that record, he joked that he still did not consider himself a runner.

“I'm just reasonably good at putting one foot in front of the other, much like most farmers do day in day out!” he said.

Grant added that the training would help keep him active and provide extra motivation to reduce his beer intake.

Pauline Macmillan, head of fundraising at RSABI, said Grant’s enthusiasm and agricultural experience would make him a strong representative for the charity.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Grant to Team RSABI for the London Marathon 2027,” she said.

“His passion for Scottish agriculture and his enthusiasm for supporting fellow farming families make him a fantastic ambassador for the charity, so we’re confident that people will really get behind him.”

She said every donation would support RSABI’s emotional, practical and financial services for people in Scottish agriculture.

“It's a brilliant story that after years of entering the London Marathon ballot, Grant finally has the opportunity to take part while raising money for a cause that means so much to him,” she said.

Supporters are being encouraged to donate, share Grant’s fundraising page and follow his progress throughout his training.