Alex Yee started Sunday’s 2025 London Marathon thinking that a personal best was his ultimate goal, but he finished the race with a very different one.
The 27-year-old Olympic and World Triathlon champion created huge interest when he ‘crossed over’ into running for the first part of 2025, with Sunday’s London spectacular as his main target.
His aim, he thought, was to run somewhere between 2:08 and 2:10 – pretty spectacular for a first attempt. But as the race progressed, he knew there were greater forces at play.
Alex Yee on a very special day
Writing on his Instagram account, he spoke of the amazing feelings which had washed over him as he stood on the start line, ready to take on the iconic challenge.
“After 48hrs to digest the London Marathon.. I still have the same feelings.
“I stood on the start line the most emotional I’d ever been.. alongside 56,500 people (the most ever) all with a story, a purpose and a why. Some to run a pb but many to grow to be better people for themselves and others. I thought I was here for the first but throughout the race I realised I was here for the latter.
“The crowds during the race were like nothing I had ever experienced. The wall of noise lasted the whole 26.2miles, thanks so much to those who made banners and called my name it really made a difference.”
Yee’s London Marathon debrief
Alex would eventually miss that time goal, but he did finish 14th overall in the Elite men’s race – the second British athlete home – in a terrific time of 2:11:08. While he does expect to be back here one day, this memory will though always remain special
“I felt great through the first 28/9km of the race, pacing through the half in 64:19 but at about 32km I realised this was going to be a tough task and I quickly stepped into the unknown. The last 10km was raced with all heart, my legs wanted to give way every step but I made it round the mall and home with what felt like my last step in just over 2:11.
“I came in with a small goal to run between 2:08-2:10 and fell short of that but the big one was to learn and do that in the most enjoyable way possible. Thanks to everyone out there I was able to do that.
“I’m sure this won’t be the last time for the marathon and London specifically but this one will always be special. Thanks! X”
