LONDON (UK) – For some of Britain’s lesser lights, it would be the happiest news to have 37-year-old Britain’s most celebrated track and field athlete, Mo Farah, leading them in October’s London Marathon.
Farah said he would be lending his service in the marathon and confirmed his role as ‘helper’. He said, “The London Marathon has been so important to me since I was a schoolboy and when they asked me to do this I thought it would be great to help.”
“I am in good shape, I’ll be in London that week, and it fits in with my training,” he said in a statement from the organisers.
“I know just how special it is just to compete for your country at an Olympic Games, and it would be great to help other athletes achieve this.”
Farah won the 5,000m and 10,000m double at London and Rio de Janeiro and is focused on retaining his 10,000m crown at next year’s delayed Tokyo Games.
London Marathon director Hugh Brasher praised Farah’s decision to act as pacemaker as a “wonderful gesture”.
“This is the greatest Olympian in British track and field history coming to run as a pacemaker to help others achieve their dreams of making the Tokyo Olympic Games,” he said.
“I’m sure his presence and support will inspire the athletes chasing that qualifying time.”
Only two British athletes, Callum Hawkins and Jonny Mellor, other than Farah have run inside the qualifying time for Tokyo.
The London Marathon, which was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, will take place on October 4 and will feature a stellar line-up.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.
