The oldest athlete in the 2025 London Marathon is 88-year-old Harry Newton, who started running at age 57 after a chance meeting. According to The Guardian - Main UK, Newton described how a representative from Mars confectionery spoke about the marathon and offered an entry form for charity fundraising. Newton has completed 31 marathons, including 21 at London, and his personal best is 3 hours, 52 minutes and 30 seconds, set when he was 70. During lockdown, he ran 461 laps around his garden to complete a marathon, as he told The Guardian - Main UK. Newton advised runners to keep a steady pace and ensure their bowels are empty, according to the same source.
David Walker, another 'Ever Present', will complete the 2025 London Marathon virtually due to a suspected fractured rib. According to Daily Mirror - UK News, Walker described last year's decision to run from home due to calf and hamstring strain, and said he needed walking poles at the end. The London Marathon may become a two-day event in 2027 to allow over 100,000 runners. In 1981, only 300 women took part; now 49% of runners are women.
Last year I had recurring calf and hamstring strain so made the decision to run from home. I was a bit wobbly at the end and needed my walking poles so they will be there.