Two members of the Longleat team are preparing to swap Wiltshire parkland for London’s streets as they gear up to run the 2026 London Marathon in aid of wildlife charity Tusk.
On 26 April 2026, colleagues Maisie Squire and Scott Ashman will take on the world-famous 26.2-mile challenge, representing Longleat during a landmark year for the estate. The marathon effort forms part of the celebrations marking 60 years since the opening of the Safari Park, the first of its kind outside Africa when it launched back in 1966.
Longleat secured two charity places for the event and invited staff from across the estate — including its sister attraction Cheddar Gorge & Caves — to apply. According to Longleat’s Chief Operating Officer Simon Askew, both successful applicants stood out for their enthusiasm and their willingness to throw themselves into the challenge.
“Scott and Maisie’s applications shone through,” he said. “Their passion for the cause, along with their positive approach to the training, made them the perfect ambassadors for Longleat, Cheddar and Tusk. We’re right behind them.”
Scott brings no shortage of endurance experience. Having founded the Longleat Run Club, he’s been instrumental in encouraging colleagues of all abilities to lace up their trainers, and he recently completed Ironman Wales 2025. For him, the marathon ticks off another important milestone.
“With the chance to run the London Marathon, I’m edging closer to completing the London Classics — the marathon, RideLondon 100 and the Swim Serpentine,” he explained. “Reaching that goal would be incredible, but sharing the journey while raising awareness for wildlife conservation means even more.”
Maisie, a runner of more than a decade, is combining her marathon build-up with a fundraising plan that includes bake sales and quiz nights. She’s also training alongside her dad, who is running for Whizz Kids.
“It’s an honour to represent Tusk and Longleat,” she said. “My dad has been a huge source of inspiration, so being able to run on the same day, supporting different charities, would be very special.”
Alongside its anniversary celebrations, Longleat is putting renewed focus on its conservation partnerships — with Tusk playing a central role.
Africa holds a quarter of the planet’s remaining biodiversity, and Tusk supports locally led conservation across more than 25 countries. The charity has helped secure over 50 million hectares of landscape, removed tens of thousands of snares, and reduced human–wildlife conflict on a significant scale. Impressively, 91p of every £1 donated goes directly into conservation action.
Simon added: “Maisie and Scott’s determination is a perfect reflection of Longleat’s values. If people are able to support them, every donation will help protect some of the world’s most remarkable wildlife and the communities living beside it.”
Support for the pair — and for Tusk — can be given at their official fundraising page.
