Two dedicated team members from the Longleat estate are trading the wild safari rides for running shoes as they prepare to take on the iconic London Marathon on Sunday, April 26, 2026. Maisie Squire and Scott Ashman will run 26.2 miles to raise funds for Tusk, a leading conservation charity safeguarding biodiversity across over 25 African countries.
Their marathon effort aligns with Longleat’s 60th anniversary, celebrating six decades since the UK’s first safari park outside Africa opened in 1966. This milestone underscores the estate’s continued commitment to wildlife preservation.
Simon Askew, Longleat’s chief operating officer, shared: “We invited our team members across Longleat and Cheddar Gorge & Caves to apply for two coveted marathon places. Maisie and Scott stood out through their dedication to the cause and rigorous training routines. They exemplify the spirit of Longleat and Tusk, and we’re proud to support them every step of the way.”
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Scott, who founded the Longleat Run Club and recently completed Ironman Wales 2025, sees the marathon as part of his London Classics challenge—a trio of endurance events including the London Marathon, RideLondon 100, and the Swim Serpentine. “Completing the Classics will be a personal achievement and a powerful platform to raise awareness for wildlife conservation throughout the journey,” he said.
Maisie, an experienced runner with over ten years of dedication, is combining her training with creative fundraising through bake sales and quiz nights. “Representing Tusk and Longleat is a true honor. My dad, who is running for Whizz Kids, inspires me daily. I hope to run alongside him someday, supporting both of our worthy causes,” she added.
Tusk’s mission is crucial—Africa hosts 25% of the world’s remaining biodiversity, and the charity plays a vital role in protecting it. Tusk supports local conservationists, preserves critical habitats, and mitigates human-wildlife conflicts. Its impressive impact includes securing over 50 million hectares of protected land, removing more than 34,000 snares, and resolving upwards of 2,500 conflict incidents.
Simon concluded, “Maisie and Scott’s passion reflects Longleat’s deep respect for the natural world. Every donation made in their name helps safeguard some of the planet’s most extraordinary wildlife and supports the communities living alongside them.”
Supporters can contribute online to help make a difference for Africa’s wildlife.