Famous faces share their 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon experiences
James Cracknell, double Olympic gold medallist (2:55:39)
“I didn’t get the luxury of the celebrity start today, which made me realise how difficult it is for everyone else. It was my fifth marathon and it doesn’t get any easier. I’m not sure if that’s because I’m getting better at running or I’m less unfit. I was hugely motivated today with everyone moving in the same direction and being allowed out to do training. A stag night, wedding and honeymoon are not too great preparation for a marathon though!”Andrew Strauss, former England cricket captain (3:51:16)
“There’s no easy way to do it: the last three miles really hurt. It’s just an amazing event and a special team to run it together. It was very emotional, as I was running for the Ruth Strauss Foundation and I ran with my late wife Ruth the first time we did it. My boys were out in support and I hope they will run it one day too.”
Lucy Charles Barclay, professional triathlete (2:47:53)
“I’m really happy to finish at 2:48, as my target was between 2:45 and 2:50. In triathlon I feel the swim and bike is such a good warm-up. The swim leg is my strongest, but I swapped between the bike and run as my favourite. Eighteen miles was a low point for me, it was really tough. I raced around the world but nothing beats running in your own city.
Dani Rowe, former British road and track cyclist (3:47:02)
“It was absolutely amazing and loved every minute of it. My legs hurt for the last mile but I still think it’s an incredible event. I tried really hard for my time of 3:47, it’s fantastic. My dad really helped me with my training. It’s physically very different to cycling and I tried to run a few years ago and had stress fractures, but I’m very competitive and I would say to my fellow cyclists to come out and try to beat my time!”
Danny Mills, former Leeds United footballer (3:15:31)
“I’m getting too old for this sh*t! Today was really good. After the dreadful weather yesterday, I was really worried. In the last stretch the crowds were incredible. To see so many people out after what everyone has been through and to think about the amount raised for charity so soon after the world was shut down is amazing. I do it because I’m stupid. I’m off to New York next because I want to raise as much money as I can for cancer research.”
Kevin Sinfield, former professional rugby league player (3:22:29)
“It was very tough at the start, I only warmed up halfway round and then it just kept getting warmer and warmer towards the end. We all have a battle otherwise we wouldn’t be here. We are all trying to do our bit for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. The spectators were wonderful. There was such camaraderie – we’ll see if I’m back next year though.”
Shane Williams, Welsh rugby union player (3:32:28)
“It’s very tough as it always is. I have the same game plan every year: to go out as quick as possible and to keep going. This is my fifth marathon in six years and I do it because I miss the big occasions and the feel of the stadium. The support is there every year, and for me it replicates the feeling of playing rugby at the highest level. At the start I was hearing lots of lockdown stories and how many charities have suffered during the pandemic and I’m pleased to be raising money for Velindre Cancer Hospital in Cardiff. I would say to other rugby players… come and have a go if you think you’re hard enough!”
Sophie Raworth, journalist and broadcaster (3:33:44)
“This my ninth London Marathon, it’s so special today. I ran to work every day in 2020 and London was empty, particularly down the embankment. To see so many people out there supporting us was very emotional and at the start we were very supportive of each other, as everyone knows how much work goes in. I didn’t start running until I was 38. Brendan Foster invited me to the Great North Run and I haven’t stop running since. Getting old doesn’t mean you can’t run.”
Chris Finill, one of the London Marathon Ever Presents (3:10:15)
“The two-year gap takes it out of you, the London Marathon is fantastic and it’s great to have it back. The sun has come out today and it’s symbolic as the mood of London is lifted. It just felt like a normal year.”
Liz Nuttall [McColgan], former London Marathon champion (4:23:31)
“It’s a great honour to do it today, it’s bringing life back to the city and I’m enjoying all the opportunities as it’s just been training, training, training. I hope people will see that you can manage large races such as this with the appropriate restrictions keeping everyone safe.
When asked about daughter, Eilish, who was a pacemaker in the women’s elite race:
“Yes I saw her and she was fine. She loves her road running and it suits her down to the ground. She has a natural talent. I think this is where it’s at for her but I can’t force her to move. The Great North Run was a stepping stone. I’m sure my PB will go. She will smash my records but many of the top British girls are coming through this way.”
Chris Evans, radio DJ and TV presenter (4:33:42)
“This was my second time running together with my wife, Natasha. My legs feel like they will fall off and it doesn’t get any easier. We trained harder and harder – why don’t we realise that it doesn’t get easier? You really have to dig deep on the course.”
“It felt extra-special today with more space on the course. The spectators were awesome and the best ever.”
On why he keeps coming back:
“If you find out can you please let me know! They always say that the marathon is a lap of honour for all your hard training. You really have to push yourself.”
Carrie Hope-Fletcher, musical theatre actress (06:12:28)
“Without doubt this is the best day of my life: I’ve had an amazing time. I hit a wall at Mile 16 and again at Mile 21 and the only thing that made me continue was the people. The noise, the signs and the sweets kept me going. I’m raising money for two charities: Papyrus (Prevention of young suicides) and Alzheimer’s Research. My brother Tom Fletcher [of pop band McFly] tweeted that I was running on Saturday night and that really increased the number of donations I received.”
Peter Duncan, actor and former Blue Peter presenter (06:08:55)
“Today was very good, not too much pace and I walked some stages. I did my first marathon 40 years ago. I find it a compulsion and the most special part of our culture is the spectators and the way they support us. I’ve loved everyone.”
Tanya Franks, EastEnders actress (05:56:49)
“It was amazing today, I found it really elating. I last did the event in 2019 and found it so much harder than then. I’ve just got to work my legs out and I’m starting to feel very stiff at the moment but it was great to run with Scott [Mitchell] and continue to raise money for the charity Alzheimer’s Research UK.”
Scott Mitchell, who was married to the late Barbara Windsor (05:56:49)
“Today was such a lovely day and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This time round I had to walk more around the course than before. The London Marathon is the best thing ever and I know Barbara was with me along the way.”
Rajinder Singh, 75, the oldest participant this year
“I had a fantastic time, it helped as I skipped through some of the course and that helped with my knees. I’ve ran a 5K and 10K before, but this was my first-ever marathon and it was wonderful.”
