Press Release - London Marathon - 4/21/23

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                       Flash quotes - past champions

Previous London Marathon champions Paula Radcliffe, Liz McColgan, Ingrid 
Kristiansen and Catherina McKiernan share their thoughts on this year's 
event

What does the London Marathon mean to you?

Kristiansen: I have a great memory from my time in London. It is very well 
known in Norway. It brings a great atmosphere and is always competitive.

McColgan: It is one of those iconic races that is held in the UK. The 
exposure it receives is fantastic, for elite athletes and those who are in 
the mass participation races. To be British and to win here is a double 
whammy as it is in front of the home crowd. That emotion is impossible to 
find elsewhere. It is one of my favourites, whether I ran well or badly! 
When I won, I felt as though I was sharing something very special with 
those I was running with, and those watching on from the streets.

Radcliffe: It is part of running culture in this country. I grew up. I 
stood by the side of the road and watched Ingrid set the world record while 
waiting for my dad to come past - he was a long time after! Being bitten by 
the bug of being part of this carnival is so special. It became a serious 
part of my April schedule when I was an athlete and even then I wanted to 
get my runs done in time so I could watch the races afterwards. Then I took 
part, and then being able to start the mass participation in 2015 was very 
special. It is a global coming together of the running community and we are 
privileged to have that.

McKiernan: It is a fantastic race and coming from Ireland we always watched 
it, despite not being a huge athletics family. We all gathered around the 
TV to watch it in April. I never dreamed when I was running around the 
fields of wheat on my family farm that I would grow up to compete, let 
alone win. Running this is a big deal and something to cherish.

What do you think of this year's elite fields?

Radcliffe: Trying to pick a winner from the calibre and quality of this 
field is so difficult. I don't think the London Marathon has ever made it 
easy for home talent making a debut. It will be a fascinating race - I am 
not sure if the weather will be conducive to fast times or more cagey 
racing but the quality is undeniable. Sifan has the speed, Bridgid is the 
world record holder and Peres will need to make it fast at the start. It is 
a strong field.

McColgan: At this level, it is about giving it your best. The London 
Marathon never makes it easy as the field is the best in the world. I 
expect fireworks and fantastic racing. When you get the opportunity to 
stand on that Start Line, anything is possible when the gun goes.

What is your advice for mass participants?

Kristiansen: Go out and believe in your preparation. Have fun and don't 
push too hard in the beginning.

McColgan: Stick to your game plan. Now is not the time to try anything new. 
Deliver the race you have prepared for.

Radcliffe: When I ran for the first time, my dad told me: “The marathon is 
something you have to respect but not be afraid of”. Don't be stressed by 
those people in front of you - the race will open up, so stick to that 
preparation.

What are your thoughts on Trees for Tees?

Radcliffe: It is a brilliant initiative. The running community has a lot 
more perspective now and can put a lot more value on the importance of the 
environment and the world we live in. the marathon makes a difference - the 
fact people are running and there are fewer cars on the road brings cleaner 
air. There are only a certain number of T-shirts you can fit in the 
cupboard or medals you can hang somewhere, so planting a tree to make a 
difference for the future is something we can all get behind. We want our 
children and grandchildren to be able to breathe in clean air and compete 
in events like this for many years to come.

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