In the build-up to this year’s Grand National, it was announced that nine-year-old, Joshua Duckworth, will be this year’s honorary 35th runner. This tradition of having an honorary runner is now eight years old and it gives a selected individual a chance to be part of the world’s greatest steeplechase. What does this actually mean though and why was Joshua selected?
Honorary Runner Tradition
This relatively new tradition began in 2017 when the terminally ill Bradley Lowery took the 41st spot in the race. Back then the race at Aintree had a maximum of 40 runners – as this has since been reduced to 34, this is why the honorary runner now takes the 35th spot, rather than the 41st.
Although the role has no impact on the race itself, it does see the honorary runner feature as the final name on the racecard. Presented as though they were a competing horse, each honorary runner gets their own fully tailored write-up. This usually includes family members listed as jockey/trainer/owner, a favoured set of colours and a Timeform view. To give an example, in Bradley’s case, the Timeform view said:
Never happier than when playing with friends, Bradley loves Sunderland FC and his dogs Effie & Chase. Makes his Aintree debut. Donate to his fight against Neuroblastoma at bradleylowerysfight.org.uk.
As you can see, the idea behind this tradition is to raise awareness of a particular cause. Not only does the honorary runner announcement tend to make the news, but many people end up seeing their name and the related cause on the racecard. It is also a nice for the honorary runner themselves to be part of such a big occasion. In the words of Dickon White, the Jockey Club’s north-west regional, director:
The honorary runner position has played a huge role in highlighting the brave battles of some truly extraordinary youngsters.
2025’s Honorary Runner – Joshua Duckworth
As a locally based racing fan, nine-year-old Joshua makes for a very worthy pick to be this year’s 35th runner in the National. Joshua suffers from 4H Leukodystrophy, which he receives treatment from Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool. It is a rare genetic disorder that affects the nervous system and there is currently no known cure.
This is not Joshua’s first coming together with horse racing as within the last year he has had the opportunity to meet Ruby Walsh, AP McCoy and Rachael Blackmore. This is because Alder Hey Children’s Hospital has enjoyed a partnership with Aintree Racecourse for the past 23 years. Joshua’s father, Christopher said:
It can be incredibly frustrating for Joshua when he is unable to do things that other children his age do. The condition affects everything that he does day-to-day. It took six years to get his diagnosis due to the condition being so rare, but it is positive to be taking a big step forward.
It’s a huge honour for Josh to be this year’s 35th runner in a race like the Randox Grand National. The opportunities Aintree have given to Josh and us as a family have been amazing and we’re so excited for the next few months in the build-up to the big day.
Past Honorary Runners
Although the focus here is on Joshua Duckworth, who has been selected as the honorary runner for the 2025 National, let us look at some of the other brave youngsters selected over the years. In many cases, those selected received treatment at the famous Alder Hey.
- 2017 – Bradley Lowery – Five-year-old boy suffering from Neuroblastoma who sadly passed away months after the race.
- 2018 – Edie Molyneux – Three-year-old girl with a rare brain tumour. Listed as ‘Spider-Ede’ on the racecard after her favourite superhero, Spider-Man.
- 2019 – Alder Hey Children’s Charity – The Liverpool hospital was chosen this year with Daniel Bell named as honorary jockey. The eight-year-old had a brain tumour removed at the hospital as part of a nine-hour operation.
- 2020 – Race cancelled due to Covid-19.
- 2021 – Lydia Barker – 19-year-old who overcame a long struggle with OCD and began studying to become a paediatric nurse.
- 2022 – Betty Batt – Four-year-old girl who was born four months premature, weighing only 650g.
- 2023 – Frankie – Born diagnosed with gastroschisis and received surgery within hours of his birth to fix the condition.
- 2024 – Amanda Walker – Play Specialist at Alder Hey Children’s Charity who had worked for Alder Hey for nine years after starting her career as a nursery nurse.