DUNTON, UK – More than 56,000 runners will be hitting the streets at the TCS London Marathon this coming Sunday, including Dunton-based Ford Product Manager Mike Laird.
Check out this video of Mike training for the 26.2-mile race and get to know what drives him to compete in endurance sports.
Aside from running, fitness fanatic Mike is a keen swimmer and this year he’s running the London Marathon to raise money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI).
“My main sport is swimming, for Hoddesdon Swim Club Masters,” he explains. “As I do open water and sea swims, this is part of the reason I chose RNLI to run and fundraise for. I fully respect what they do.”
As the official electric vehicle supplier to the TCS London Marathon, Ford is providing a fleet of electric cars and vans across the Marathon Day route, from the elite lead timing vehicle all the way through to the back of the pack support vehicles.
The fleet comprises a range of Ford’s new all-electric offerings, including Explorer, Capri, E-Tourneo Custom, Mustang Mach-E, and E-Transit.
London Marathon Trivia
Did you know that The London Marathon was first held on 29th March 1981, with 7,741 entrants and 6,255 finishers? It was founded by former Olympic champion Chris Brasher and athlete John Disley. Back then, the Ford Cortina was the UK’s best-selling passenger car.
This year more than 56,000 runners will tackle the 26.2-mile course making it the largest field in the event’s history.
Over the years, The London Marathon has raised more than £1.3 billion for charity, and it is now recognised as the largest annual fundraising event globally.
During COVID-19 pandemic, the London Marathon introduced a virtual edition, allowing participants to run the marathon remotely, anywhere in the world. This virtual format enabled runners to still take part and raise funds for charity while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
In case you’re wondering, the current men’s record of 2:01:25 was set by Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum in 2023, while the women’s record of 2:15:25 was set by Britain’s Paula Radcliffe in 2003.
