We’re delighted to announce that Paloma Cruz Garcia will be running the London Marathon 2027 for BSAVA PetSavers! We spoke to Paloma to find out more about why she wanted to run for PetSavers, her training plan, and her current role as a vet.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your role as a vet at Vets4Pets in Staines? What does a typical day look like for you in practice?
I work as a first opinion vet at Vets4Pets Staines, mainly seeing small animals such as dogs and cats. My typical day is usually 9am to 7pm. I start with morning consults, then move on to surgeries during the middle of the day, before finishing with more consults in the afternoon and evening. It’s a busy and varied day, which keeps things interesting.
The best part of the job is definitely the fluffy patients but also having an amazing team around me who are always helping each other out.
What inspired you to apply for the London Marathon place with BSAVA PetSavers?
I think it’s a great charity to support because of the work it does to improve the lives of our companion animals.
Running the London Marathon feels like a really positive way to contribute to that, while taking on a personal challenge. I hope to find out more about PetSavers as I go along.
Why is veterinary research important to you as a clinician?
In first opinion practice, you’re often making decisions with incomplete information and a lot of expectation from owners. Research sits behind almost everything we do, and without it our job would feel much more uncertain and potentially riskier.
How do you see the work of BSAVA PetSavers making a difference to your patients and clients?
I do believe that the work of BSAVA PetSavers helps improve the evidence we rely on in first opinion practice. That means better informed decisions in consults and clearer conversations with owners. For my patients, it ultimately translates into greater confident care and more reliable outcomes.
You’re already a runner—what has your journey with running been like so far?
I have always run on and off to keep fit and clear my mind. I’ve completed a half marathon and participated in several other short course races, but this will be the first time I’m properly building towards a long-term goal like the marathon, so it feels like a new and exciting step in my running journey.
What made you decide to take on your first marathon? What excites you most about the challenge—and what feels a bit daunting?
After running the London Landmarks half marathon, I remember thinking my next goal should be the full London Marathon. My partner also ran it last year and coming to support really made me want to experience it myself, the atmosphere and energy were incredible.
At this early stage, what does your training plan look like? Do you have any milestones or races planned along the way?
At the moment, I’m just keeping things simple, going to the gym and running once or twice a week and building consistency. Soon, I’ll need to move onto a more structured running plan to properly prepare.
It’s a busy year with work, planning a wedding, and home renovations, so I’m not lining up any races just yet. For now, it’s more about laying the groundwork and building up steadily so I’m in a good place when training really kicks in.
How are you planning to balance marathon training with the demands of veterinary practice?
This is a good question, and one of the reasons I’ve always been a bit hesitant about taking on big challenges like this. It’s not always easy to train after a long day on your feet in a busy practice, but I’m planning to be flexible with it. My idea is to keep weekday sessions lighter and more manageable after work and then focus on longer runs and harder sessions on my days off. That way I can fit training around work in a realistic and sustainable way.
Do you have a favourite running route or place you love to train?
I used to really enjoy running along the riverside paths around west London, especially routes heading towards Richmond and Chiswick. They were always great for an easy, scenic run which I miss.
I’ve recently moved just outside London, and luckily, we now have some great canal paths nearby which are perfect for running too.
Do you have any creative or standout fundraising ideas you’re particularly excited about to reach your £2500 target?
I haven’t had a chance to properly plan any specific fundraising ideas yet, as things have been quite busy, but it’s something I’m really looking forward to getting creative with. I’d like to involve my colleagues and do small fundraising activities within the practice so clients can get involved too.
How do you hope to raise awareness of veterinary research through your journey?
I hope to use the marathon journey to raise awareness of how important veterinary research is and how much it underpins what we do in everyday practice. Most owners don’t really see that side of things, but it makes a big difference to the care we can give.
What are you most proud of about taking on this challenge? What will crossing the finish line of the London Marathon mean to you?
