Special Olympics City of Hull athlete Angus Leckonby was amongst the headline makers at Sunday’s TCS London Marathon, after he walked away with two Guinness World Records titles and inspired runners around the world.
Angus, who was attempting his first ever marathon, set new records as the Fastest and Youngest person to run a marathon (II1) (Male) after completing the 26.2-mile event in three hours, 36 minutes and 38 seconds.
His achievements were celebrated beyond the finish line in London, with Special Olympics GB partner Ocean Outdoor showcasing his success on their giant digital screen in Leicester Square.
Speaking after his record-breaking run, Angus said: “Running the London Marathon and achieving these Guinness World Records means the world to me. I hope it shows other athletes with intellectual disabilities that anything is possible if you believe in yourself and work hard.”
Angus was one of five members of the Special Olympics GB family who took on the TCS London Marathon on Sunday. His fundraising for the charity has already gone past the initial £10,000 target.
Ascot United Warriors Football Club and Prime Acrobatics athlete Lloyd Martin participated again after setting his own Guinness World Record Title last year in the II2 Male category. Lloyd, who also ran the New York City Marathon and the AJ Bell Great North Run last year, completed the event in seven hours, 50 minutes and 57 seconds alongside Special Olympics GB volunteer Josie Rice, who supports him at Prime Acrobatics.
He has now raised more than £8,000 for Special Olympics GB, through Just Giving, since he started fundraising ahead of his first TCS London Marathon in 2024.
Those achievements motivated Amanda Dube to enter and successfully secure a place through the TCS London Marathon ballot in 2025. Amanda, who lives in central London and has a daughter with Down Syndrome, has now raised more than £500 for Special Olympics GB through Enthuse.
Additionally, Special Olympics GB celebrates the performance of its Athletics Ambassador Eilish McColgan, who set a new Scottish record in London by finishing in two hours, 24 minutes and 25 seconds. The time beat the previous record, of two hours, 26 minutes and 40 seconds, held by Steph Twell and what her Mum Liz achieved in 1996, when she won the event.
Laura Baxter MBE, Chief Executive of Special Olympics GB, said: “We are incredibly proud of all of our five members of the Special Olympics GB family for completing such a demanding, high-profile event as the TCS London Marathon.
“Having athletes, in Angus and Lloyd, competing and setting new Guinness World Records titles is amazing for them, and it brings more awareness to what we do and the challenges that people face. However, the fundraising efforts from all have been incredible. These funds enable us to change the lives of more people from local communities with an intellectual disability, through sport.
“A special mention as well goes to Eilish, having joined us as Athletics Ambassador earlier this year. Setting a new Scottish record and finishing eighth overall is a great effort in her first marathon. She’s been brilliant in her support for Angus and our athletes and we’re very excited to be working with her.”