The 2024 London Marathon achieved a record-breaking fundraising total of £73.5 million ($98.28 million) for charity, surpassing the previous world record set in 2019. Over 53,000 runners participated in the 44th edition of the race, contributing to the impressive total. The event has now raised over £1.3 billion for charities since its inception in 1981.
In a remarkable turn of events, a man who suffered a cardiac arrest while on the toilet was saved thanks to his girlfriend hearing his phone fall. Chris Rowell, now 52, collapsed in January 2021 and his heart stopped. But his partner, Becka, heard the noise and rushed to his aid. With the help of their nurse neighbor, they performed CPR for 20 minutes until paramedics arrived. Rowell was rushed to the hospital and spent three days in a coma before undergoing a balloon angioplasty. Fast forward to 2023, Rowell has now completed the London Marathon to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation. He ran the 26.2-mile course in just under five hours, raising an incredible £2,500 for the charity.
Manchester’s Co-op Live arena faced challenges during its opening week, echoing the problematic opening of Manchester Arena in 1995. Meanwhile, a Tameside man’s incredible marathon journey after a cardiac arrest inspires, and Manchester’s Michelin-starred Mana restaurant expands its hours and lowers prices. Concerns arise over cancer diagnosis delays in Greater Manchester hospitals, prompting calls for action. A new walking trail highlights the city’s green spaces, offering a refreshing way to explore. Stay tuned for updates on the Benidorm manhunt, a tragic bridge fall, Carlos Tevez’s hospitalization, and a father’s disappointment over defibrillator rejection.
Chris Rowell, who suffered a cardiac arrest in 2021, has completed the London Marathon to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation. Despite being in a coma for three days, Chris made an incredible recovery and finished the race in just over four hours, raising over £2,500 for the charity.
BBC Sports presenter Gabby Logan has expressed her delight after making a surprise cameo appearance in EastEnders following the London Marathon. Logan’s name appeared in the credits of the soap opera after real-life footage of actors Jamie Borthwick and Emma Barton running the marathon in character was edited into the show. Borthwick and Barton’s characters, Jay Brown and Honey Mitchell, paid tribute to Danielle Harold’s character, Lola, Jay’s wife, who passed away from cancer last year.
In a captivating feat of endurance and fundraising, wine connoisseur Tom Gilbey, also known as ‘the wine guy,’ embarked on an unprecedented challenge during the London Marathon. Carrying out a viral TikTok challenge, Gilbey indulged in 25 glasses of wine throughout the demanding 26.2-mile course. At each mile stop, he showcased his expertise by identifying the grape variety, country of origin, and vintage of each wine with remarkable accuracy. His audacious endeavor was not only an expression of his passion for wine but also a heartfelt tribute to his late mother, who found comfort in the care of Sobell House hospice. Gilbey’s unwavering determination propelled him to not only complete the marathon in an impressive time of 4 hours and 41 minutes but also to surpass his initial fundraising goal of £2,000, amassing an extraordinary £13,000 for the esteemed charity. With his inspiring journey, Gilbey not only pushed the boundaries of human endurance but also raised significant awareness and funds for a cause close to his heart.
Tom Gilbey, a wine enthusiast, completed the London Marathon while blind-tasting a different glass of wine after each mile. His social media challenge went viral, garnering over three million views and raising over £13,000 for the palliative care center Sobell House.
EastEnders producers pulled off an impressive feat by filming clips at the real London Marathon for an upcoming episode. Production Manager Steve Roberts meticulously planned the project for months, coordinating with various teams to ensure the scenes were shot and incorporated into the show within 24 hours. A support runner motivated actors Jamie Borthwick and Emma Barton to complete the race within the required time frame. The episode’s storyline focuses on Jay running in honor of his late wife Lola while supported by Honey. The footage of Honey and Jay’s marathon journey was flawlessly integrated into the episode, showcasing the emotional support they received from the cheering crowd during the 26-mile endeavor.
Preparing for the London Marathon requires a significant commitment of time and resources. Expect to dedicate several hours per week to training, factoring in warm-up, cooldown, and meal planning. Invest in quality running gear, including comfortable leggings or shorts, a running vest or belt, and a GPS watch. Listen to your body and don’t ignore injuries; seek professional help if necessary. Fuel your training with a nutritious diet high in carbohydrates and protein. Stick to your training plan as much as possible, but don’t be afraid to adjust based on unforeseen circumstances. Break in new shoes thoroughly before race day, and avoid introducing any other changes to your routine. Remember your motivation and draw strength from your support system when the going gets tough. Embrace the incredible atmosphere of the London Marathon and soak up the support of the crowds. Tears of joy are well-earned at the finish line.
A TikTok star and wine enthusiast made the London Marathon even more challenging for himself by stopping every mile to taste a different wine. Tom Gilbey, who has over 90,000 followers on TikTok, set himself the goal of tasting 25 wines throughout the 26.2-mile course. Despite the added difficulty, Gilbey managed to cross the finish line in an impressive time of four hours, 41 minutes, and 12 seconds. His journey earned him over 250,000 likes on TikTok and praise from fans who were amazed by his endurance and determination.
