As the excitement builds for the London Marathon set to take place on April 27, 2025, athletes from various backgrounds are gearing up for the challenge. Among them is Alex Yee, the Olympic and world triathlon champion, who is making a sensational return to running. Yee, who previously dominated the track as a British champion in the 10,000 meters, is fulfilling a lifelong dream by competing in the world’s biggest marathon in his home city.
Yee has set an ambitious target for his debut marathon, aiming for a finishing time between 2:07 and 2:10. Achieving this would position him alongside the fastest British men in marathon history, including the legendary Sir Mo Farah. The men’s field for this year’s London Marathon is touted as one of the most competitive ever, headlined by the greatest marathon runner of all time, Eliud Kipchoge. The Kenyan athlete, who has won the London Marathon four times, will be participating for the first time since 2020. Kipchoge made history in 2019 when he became the first man to complete a marathon in under two hours, clocking an astonishing 1:59:40 during the Ineos 1:59 Challenge.
Joining Yee and Kipchoge on the starting line will be other elite runners, including Kenenisa Bekele, Alex Mutiso—who is back to defend his title—Tamirat Tola, and Jacob Kiplimo, who recently set a new world record at the Barcelona Half Marathon. With such a formidable lineup, Yee is aware of the challenge ahead but is focused on his preparation.
Recently, Yee provided an update on his training via Instagram, stating, “Marathon block week 5. Plenty of training partners this week, from my 93-year-old Grandad to a 2:09 Marathon runner. 150km covered, ending with an important recon of the London course! I’m learning so much from everyone around me and, win, lose or draw, I feel like I’m getting closer to feeling worthy to stand on that London marathon startline. Hope everyone’s prep is going well!”
Meanwhile, the marathon is also attracting participants from various walks of life, including Matt Jenkins, a health and safety manager from Bewley Homes. Jenkins will be running in support of Sebastian's Action Trust, a charity that provides crucial support to families of children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions. Bewley Homes has a history of raising substantial funds for the charity, and Jenkins is eager to contribute to this cause.
Jenkins expressed his sentiments about the marathon, saying, “Taking on the London Marathon is a huge personal challenge, but knowing that every step I take will help families facing unimaginable hardships makes it all worthwhile. Sebastian’s Action Trust does incredible work, and I’m honoured to be running in support of them. I hope to raise as much as possible to help them continue providing the vital support these families need.”
The charity, founded in 2004, aims to create a supportive environment for families facing significant challenges. They offer a range of services, including family breaks, outreach support, financial guidance, and therapeutic activities. Andrew Brooks, managing director at Bewley Homes, praised Jenkins for his commitment, stating, “We are immensely proud of Matt for taking on this challenge in support of such a worthy cause. We have supported the charity for a long time and we encourage everyone to support Matt in his fundraising efforts and join us in championing the incredible work of Sebastian's Action Trust.”
In a testament to their commitment, Bewley Homes has pledged to double the total amount Jenkins raises for the charity.
As the marathon date approaches, many participants are focused on their training regimens. One runner shared her experience, revealing that she is only three weeks away from the marathon and has struggled to build her mileage back up after a foot injury. She recently completed a 9.3-mile run and is using the London Landmarks Half Marathon as a test of her fitness ahead of the full marathon.
She noted the importance of recovery, stating, “I’ve spent countless hours with my coach and physio weighing up whether lacing up for a 26.2-mile dance around London’s most iconic landmarks is worth the risk. I’m beyond excited to see how both my mind and body fare, and confident that I’ll be able to tell, come that finish line, whether doing double that distance in just three weeks' time is doable.”
With the marathon drawing near, she emphasized the significance of recovery, sharing tips for fellow runners. From cold showers to post-workout protein intake, she highlighted that proper recovery techniques are vital for performance and injury prevention. “Recovery should be your best friend,” she advised, emphasizing that it’s crucial for replenishing energy stores and allowing muscles to repair after intense training.
As the countdown to the London Marathon continues, excitement is building not just for the elite runners like Yee and Kipchoge, but also for those like Jenkins who are running for a cause. The marathon promises to be a day filled with inspiration, determination, and community spirit as thousands take to the streets to achieve their personal bests while supporting meaningful causes.
With only weeks left to prepare, the atmosphere is electric, and whether it’s a personal challenge or a charitable endeavor, the London Marathon is set to showcase the resilience and dedication of runners from all walks of life.
