IET Engineerathon: celebrating female engineers through London landmarks
We’ve created our very own marathon route, celebrating the incredible contributions of women engineers by highlighting landmarks that were designed or influenced by these pioneers.
London Aquatic Centre - Zaha Hadid
The London Aquatic Centre, was designed by the renowned architect and engineer Zaha Hadid. Known for her futuristic and organic designs, Hadid's work on the Aquatic Centre showcases her ability to blend aesthetics with functionality. The centre was a key venue during the 2012 London Olympics and remains a testament to Hadid's pioneering spirit in the world of architecture and engineering.
The Shard - Roma Agrawal
Roma Agrawal is a structural engineer who worked on The Shard, the tallest building in the United Kingdom. Agrawal's expertise in materials and her innovative engineering solutions were vital to the successful completion of this skyscraper. She has been a vocal advocate for diversity in engineering, inspiring many young women to pursue careers in this field.
Waterloo Bridge - the Ladies Bridge
Waterloo Bridge, also known as ‘The Ladies Bridge’, was largely constructed by women during World War II. With many men away at war, women stepped in to complete the bridge, demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication. The bridge stands as a powerful symbol of women's contributions to engineering and their capability to undertake and excel in large-scale infrastructure projects.
Home of Rosalind Franklin - pioneer of the study of molecular structures including DNA
Rosalind Franklin’s home is a landmark honouring her groundbreaking work in the study of molecular structures, particularly DNA. Franklin’s X-ray images of DNA led to the discovery of its double helix structure. Her contributions were crucial to the field of genetics and her legacy continues to inspire scientists and engineers.
Home of physicist, Hertha Ayrton
Hertha Ayrton was a distinguished physicist and engineer known for her work on electric arcs and sand ripples. Her home stands as a tribute to her contributions to science and engineering. Ayrton was also the first woman to be awarded a prize by the Royal Society and was an active advocate for women's rights.
London Bridge Railway Station - Margaret Calvert
Margaret Calvert, known for her work on the UK's road signage system, played a key role in the redesign of London Bridge Railway Station. Her contributions to the station's wayfinding systems have greatly enhanced passenger navigation and overall efficiency.
Dora Boatemah Gardens
Dora Boatemah Gardens is named after the community activist who championed urban regeneration of the Angell Town Estate . Boatemah’s efforts led to significant improvements in housing and community spaces. The gardens serve as a green oasis and a lasting tribute to her dedication to community development and empowerment.
IET London: Savoy Place
Savoy Place, part of our IET home, is a hub for professional development, networking, and celebrating engineering achievements. It has been the home of the IET since 1909, and the site on which it now stands has an interesting 800-year-long palatial history dating back to the 13th century.
The building's modern interior and architectural elements have undergone frequent changes over the years to offer a fully functioning state-of-the-art event venue, but behind the façade of modernity and advanced technology lies an interesting history.
These landmarks not only represent engineering feats but also symbolise the progress and accomplishments of women engineers. By visiting these sites, we pay homage to the women who have shaped engineering with their ingenuity, perseverance, and dedication to excellence.
The Engineerathon serves as a reminder of the importance of diversity in engineering and the impact of women in this vital field.
If you’d like to take on the challenge yourself, you can discover the route on Strava.
Our Head of Fundraising, Elsa Scott, completed the Engineerathon on INWED 2024 for the IET Futures Fund
In celebration of International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) on 23 June 2024, our very own Head of Fundraising, Elsa Scott, completed the epic 26 mile route.
For Elsa it was more than just a run
The Engineerathon wasn’t just about the run for Elsa; it was part of a larger mission to raise awareness and donations for the IET’s Futures Fund. The fund is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of engineers and technicians, helping them to reach their full potential with support and guidance. Through the Engineerathon, Elsa aimed to highlight the importance of supporting young people in their engineering careers.
A huge congratulations to Elsa for completing the route
Elsa’s commitment to completing the Engineerathon and supporting the IET Futures Fund serves as an inspiration to us all. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Elsa for her remarkable accomplishment and her dedication to supporting the next generation of engineers. Well done, Elsa!
Here are a few words from Elsa:
“Sheer stubbornness got me round, and it was wonderful to pay homage to those women who have made a difference. I am raising money to support the next generation of engineers. We’ve got a lot of challenges coming down the line: net zero, climate change, and a multitude of other things, and we need more engineers to solve them.”
Why not give it a go?
Join us on this journey by taking part in the Engineerathon route. Celebrate the legacy of female engineers and inspire future generations to continue breaking barriers and creating groundbreaking designs. Feel free to reach out or tag us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn or Instagram if you decide to take part.
