Ascot United Warriors and Prime Acrobatics athlete Lloyd Martin ran his way into the Guinness World Record Books yesterday by completing the TCS London Marathon.
Sponsor Lloyd
Nineteen-year-old Lloyd, who has Down Syndrome, ran the TCS London Marathon in six hours, 46 minutes and 10 second, setting a new Guinness World Records title for the youngest person to complete a marathon (II2).
Lloyd, from Camberley in Surrey, set his new World Record with the support of his Mum Ceri, who has run six marathons previously, including setting a Welsh national record in the 2021 London Marathon in the Masters W50 category.
“It was an incredible performance from Lloyd and we were very emotional at the finish line,” said Ceri.
“He fed off the cheering and support from the crowd so much, high fiving lots of people along the way and he even performed a cartwheel or two. Whilst it was tough at the 18-mile mark, he powered through and the noise from the crowd boosted him in the final section of the race.
“He’s come such a long way by getting involved in sport and yesterday was further proof that people with an intellectual disability can achieve amazing things if given the opportunity.”
Lloyd has always been an active sportsman, taking up gymnastics at an early age and he trains regularly with Prime Acrobatics in Woking. He also plays football for Ascot United Warriors and took part in the pilot programme at Topgolf Surrey in the autumn of last year.
Despite previously completing many Park Runs, the TCS London Marathon is his first event above the usual 5km distance and his place was secured through Special Olympics Great Britain’s relationship with the Activity Alliance and London Marathon Events.
“Moving from three-mile runs to a 26.2-mile marathon inside five months is a remarkable achievement and we’re so proud of what Lloyd has achieved,” said Special Olympics GB Chief Executive Laura Baxter.
“Being able to participate in events like this can be transformational for our athletes and we’re really excited to develop this relationship moving forwards, and hopefully give more athletes this opportunity in the future.”
Alongside Lloyd, Special Olympics Derbyshire athlete and Athlete Leadership Team member James Wyatt completed the TCS London Marathon in four hours, 28 minutes and 52 seconds. Additionally, Special Olympics North East Wales athlete Michael Beynon ran the virtual London Marathon from home in seven hours, 31 minutes and 11 seconds.