We talk to the top athletes and famous faces who’ve conquered the course this year
Men’s wheelchair race
First place: Marcel Hug, 1:26:27
On the race:
“Fantastic course, which means a lot to me especially after thus incredible year. Fantastic that it I have set the new course record especially now that I’m going into the busy period of racing. I’m going home for two or three days, and then both Chicago and Boston, which I’m looking forward to.”
When asked about his chair:
“I’ve been riding in it since Tokyo and it felt very good today. It’s a new position and its very comfortable for me. I’ve been involved in this project for the last four years and I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s been a pleasure to be involved with some great engineers.
When asked about inspiring young people:
“My advice to them would be to just keep enjoying it and not take on too much pressure. It’s great that young athletes have been racing here today.”
Second place: Daniel Romanchuk, 1:29:27
On the race:
“It was much quicker than expected and I was much faster than my usual pace. We excelled down Tower Bridge and it was all over after that. I had set myself on other points for overtaking. Marcel is racing in an incredibly designed racing chair right now. I’m working really well with my coach and looking forward to both Boston and New York.”
When asked about preparing at Windsor:
“What a beautiful area to train in. The deer were great too. I was relaxed coming into London.”
When asked about inspiring young people:
“My best advice would be to have fun. At that age there’s no reason for it to be super serious.”
When asked about who inspires him:
“I am self-motivated and I always do what my coaches tell me to do.”
Third place: David Weir, 1:31:34
On the race:
“I felt I could be very strong and get ahead in the sprint. I didn’t stiffen and it felt good. I started well but was a bit cold – I felt like I warmed up halfway round, then I started to feel very strong. Just being back on the road is very good for me, I need to stay on the road the intensity of it works for me.
On going back to his old wheelchair:
“After Tokyo, I had three weeks off the road and also I’ve gone back to my old wheelchair. It’s made all the difference and I feel like I’m back to my old self. In 2012, I said I’d carry on until someone was coming up right behind me as I want to see young wheelchair athletes progress. I thought it would be much shorter in terms of time, maybe next year it might be my last, but then I’ve said that a number of times. “
Women’s wheelchair race
First place: Manuela Schär, 1:39:52
On the race: “It felt great being ahead all the way – it gave me confidence and I love it in London. Coming second last year was a real motivation to come back and do better this year. I really felt the cold and rain last year and I wanted to return and do the usual course. On her tactics:
“It wasn’t really a tactical race, my only plan is to get away as far as I could and I achieved that and felt very comfortable. I’m doing Boston and then New York next and I hope I can win all four, but the conditions need to be right: preferably dry and warm. If this is the case, I feel it’s possible.”
Second place: Menje Merle, 1:44:51
On coming second in her debut:
“I feel amazing. To race against amazing and inspirational women such as Tatyana McFadden. I love long distance and really want to continue this. I love London, the city and the people. This is where I want to be and enjoyed it thoroughly.”
Third place: Tatyana McFadden, 1:44:51
On the finish:
“Wow that was quite a sprint finish. It’s amazing after 889 days since I was last in front of the palace. It’s nice to be back but I’d forgotten how much the course hurt. I feel like the three of us were working really well with each other. Manuela got ahead first and was hitting the turns really well and I lost her there. Since Berlin I’m feeling like myself again.
Talking about Merle:
“I’m really proud of the progress she’s made. She’s smart and had a good finish in all the series and she reminded me of my younger self today.”
On her next races:
“I feel relaxed and confident going into my next races and I try not to think of them as a whole. I’m hopeful of a podium finish in all of my races and it feel so good to be back here today.”
Elite men’s quotes
First place: Sisay Lemma, 2:04:01
On his win:
“Today was the biggest win of my career and a dream come true for me. I came third last year here in London and to return 12 months later and to win this great race is an incredible and proud moment.
“Of course, I would have loved to have celebrated my win by standing on top of the podium, but I completely understand why this was not possible. We are living in challenging times and I am just grateful I could run today and experience the greatest moment of my career.
“I hope I will have plenty of future opportunities to stand on top of a podium and I look forward to coming back to London next year.”
Second place: Vincent Kipchumba, 2:04:28
“Everything went to plan today, this course is very good. I am very happy with my time, very happy. To achieve my personal best is something I was aiming for today.”
Third place: Mosinet Geremew, 2:04:41
“Today was not bad and not good. The route was not what I expected and I’m not happy with my time.”
First British man: Philip Seseman, 2:12:58
On the race:
“Felt really great today, especially at the first half of the race. Tower Bridge was just stunning. It was so special to have family and friends on the course cheering me on. The last six miles was a death march. It was just really difficult to get the pain out of my head. The headwind was really strong and on was just employing damage limitation at a solid pace. Disappointed to miss World Championship time and I had a disappointing track season.
On his job in the NHS:
“I work in A&E St James’s Hospital in Leeds and my colleagues have been incredible in supporting me in the build-up. Today has been special to share it with my friends, family and colleagues, they have enabled me to reduce my hours, reduce my risk to Covid and for me to continue with my training. It’s also my birthday today so it’s been a 10/10 result for me!
“I’m really looking forward to seeing my family, friends, my girlfriend Jess and my dog called Kipchoge.”
Elite women’s quotes
First place: Joyciline Jepkosgei, 2:17:43
“I’m so happy to be the winner, I didn’t realise it was a personal best for me. A one-minute improvement is huge, but I was feeling great when I was training and I really thought I could do well here.”
“I’m very excited, but for me it was about my goal of self-achievement by improving my time this year.”
Second place: Degitu Azimeraw, 2:17:58
“This is a big personal best for me, I’m very happy with second place. I can’t explain how I feel. When Jepkosgei broke away I tried to follow her, but it was too hard.”
Third place: Ashete Bekere, 2:18:18
“Competition was very high this year. I had a problem in my leg. After 35K it gave me a lot of problems. I’m happy with the results, but I will always try to do much better. It is such a big difference from last year. Last year was so boring but I enjoyed the spectators this year.”
First British woman: Charlotte Purdue, 2:23:26
On the race:
“Really happy with my run today, I did miss my A goal, which was 2.23. My pace dropped a bit, but I carried on and I ground it out. The last 6 miles where very tough with my quads cramping but then I felt good again. It was great to execute my plan on the day.
When asked about not being selected for Tokyo:
“Yeah, I feel like I did deserve a place but put it behind me and focused on today’s race.”
When asked about safety:
“I never run outside by myself at night, my mum always waits in the car and follows me on a loop run.”
On the future:
“Going forward all is looking good for next summer and qualifying time for the World Championships. I don’t plan to run any more marathons this year.”
Asked about support on the course:
“So good today, I could hear my friends and family cheer me on at Cutty Sark and what was really special was my aunt and uncle cheering me on.”
On inspiring young people:
“I won the Mini London Marathon here in 2006 and since then I’ve had some really good races and bad races. Not all have been as good as today, so it can take a long time. My advice is to stick it out and all will come good.”
