Alex Yee, the reigning Olympic and world triathlon champion, is set to make his marathon debut at the TCS London Marathon on Sunday, April 27, 2025. The 26-year-old Brit, who captured gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, will head to the British capital for this significant new challenge over 26.2 miles.
While Yee has made his mark on the triathlon world, where he has established himself as one of the sport's most formidable runners, his transition to long-distance running is highly anticipated. He has shown extraordinary prowess on the track, securing personal bests of 13:26 for 5 kilometers and under 28 minutes for 10,000 meters, positioning him favourably for the demands of marathon racing. "Taking part in a full marathon has always been an itch I've wanted to scratch and there isn't any other place than London where I would want to start my marathon career," Yee stated.
The upcoming race carries additional weight for Yee, who has distinct ties to the London Marathon's history. Born and raised just 15 minutes from the start line, Yee recalls fond memories of competing in the Mini London Marathon, which he participated in multiple times as a young athlete. "London Marathon day has been such a big part of my life growing up," he remarked, noting the thrill of those early races and the excitement it brought him. His commitment to this iconic event reflects both his athletic goals and deep-seated nostalgia.
Yee's path to his marathon debut is backed by considerable support, having garnered four Olympic medals throughout his career—including two golds from the 2024 Olympics, where he made headlines with his dramatic win over New Zealand’s Hayden Wilde. He showcased his endurance and tactical acumen by overtaking Wilde just meters from the finish line, demonstrating his competitiveness and resilience under pressure.
Interestingly, Yee's transition indicates not only his adaptability as an athlete but also his strategic planning for the demanding transition from triathlon to marathon running. "I will be focusing my training over the coming months on the marathon and am looking forward to seeing what I can do over the 26.2 miles,” Yee noted. For this new endeavor, he anticipates increasing his weekly running volume from approximately 60 to 90 miles—a significant adjustment meant to hone his endurance for the marathon distance.
To maximize his performance, Yee will use innovative training tools, including the COROS heart rate monitor and PACE PRO device, to monitor his training intensity. He described his approach to marathon training as adaptive, indicating he plans to maintain his swim and bike routine to support his aerobic base even as he shifts focus. "I will continue to swim and ride as this will form part of my aerobic base work," he said, showcasing his balanced training mindset.
Returning to the London Marathon also signifies Yee's determination to take on the elite field expected at 2025's race. He is set to face formidable competitors who will undoubtedly test his limits, making this challenge one of the most notable undertakings of his athletic career. The previous London Marathon saw Kenya's Alexander Munyao triumph, setting the stage for what promises to be another action-packed event.
"Alex Yee is one of the greatest all-round athletes this country has produced," Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, remarked, emphasizing the significance of Yee’s upcoming performance. Brasher underscored the excitement surrounding Yee's debut, citing his impressive Olympic displays as contributing to British sporting history.
Looking forward to the event, Yee expressed excitement and apprehension, like any elite athlete facing potentially transformative moments. The 2025 TCS London Marathon is more than just another race for Yee; it encapsulates his aspirations, memories, and the chance to create new achievements on his athletic timeline.
The countdown to April 27, 2025, has begun, and the anticipation is building for Yee's long-anticipated marathon debut. If his past performances are any indication, spectators and fans alike can expect nothing short of electrifying moments as Yee aims to make his mark on the course where his dreams first began—right at the heart of London.
