Jasmin Paris and ‘Hardest Geezer’ help inspire the next generation at London Marathon

Ultrarunning stars Jasmin Paris and Russ Cook‘s marathon journeys almost came full circle at the London Marathon on Sunday.

Both have inspired tens of thousands with their exploits recently – Paris becoming the first woman to finish the notorious Barkley Marathons while Cook completed an epic 352-day run across the entire length of Africa.

‘Their own stories of triumph’

And they had key roles to play in London, Paris starting the elite women in what proved to be a record-breaking race, while Cook was helping those at the less-experienced end of the spectrum by pacing some of the younger runners in the mass-participation event.

Both clearly have a strong connection with London, Jasmin saying beforehand: “I’ve watched the London Marathon for many years and have been inspired by the thousands of people who take part every year, all of whom have their own stories of triumph playing out on the day.”

And what unfolded in the women’s race added another magical moment to the history of the race as Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir broke the women-only world record with a time of 2:16:16, with three others – including Tigst Assefa – also dipping under the old record mark of 2:17:01.

‘United in overcoming the struggle’

Meanwhile out on the course for a little longer was Russ Cook who was pacing some youngsters for The Running Charity, one of the two causes for which his African adventure has so far helped raise just under £1million.

And he too underlined the life-changing potential of events such as London, saying: “I really do love the marathon. My dad first ran one when I was a young lad and I thought he was superman.

Running my first one changed my life.

“Thousands of people gathered together for a 1v1 battle vs themselves. Each with their own stories. Often running for more than just them. United in overcoming the struggle.”