A Briton with Down’s Syndrome aged 19 yesterday conquered the London Marathon – and in the process became a Guinness World Record holder.
Lloyd Martin completed the gruelling 26.2-mile course across the capital with his mother cheering him on after just five months of training.
The 19-year-old, of Cardiff, was awarded a certificate from Guinness World Records after crossing the finish line – thereby becoming the youngest person in his learning disability category to finish a marathon.
‘In Lloyd’s words, it’s achieving his dream,’ his proud mother Ceri Hooper told the BBC.
Lloyd Martin has become the youngest person in the intellectual impairment category to complete a marathon
‘In Lloyd’s words, it’s achieving his dream,’ his mother and running partner Ceri said (pictured: Lloyd with a representative from Guinness World Records)
‘Really anything is possible if you put your mind to it. With a bit of work, you can achieve it.’
Detailing the ‘absolutely amazing’ experience, the proud mother, 54, said: ‘He ran continuously for 14 miles which is the longest he’s ever run before.’
Although there was some walking after his 14-mile-long streak, the crowd were firmly behind Lloyd cheering him along every step of the way.
Even though the challenge was arduous, the mother-and-son duo had ‘a ball’ according to Ceri.
But the pair were lost for words when they crossed the finish line, as they both ‘burst into tears,’ Ceri said.
Lloyd is also now the third Welsh Special Olympics athlete to compete in the world-famous London Marathon.
She explained that her son’s achievement was an important feat for individuals with Down’s Syndrome.
Prior to taking on the huge feat of the London marathon, Lloyd had already completed an astonishing 30 Parkruns.
However, with only five months to go to the staggering 26-mile run, the teenager had never run further than three miles until around Christmas time.
Ceri and Lloyd both ‘burst into tears’ after finishing the arduous 26.2-mile run, with the mother affirming how important her son’s accomplishment was for others with Down’s Syndrome (pictured: Ceri and Lloyd)
Prior to the challenge, Lloyd had only been training for five months and had not run further than three miles on the trot until Christmas
But his mother, who flew the flag for Wales in track and cross-country races since she was a teenager, was determined to help get him marathon ready.
Ceri, who has taken on the London Marathon four times and has also raced across the pond in Boston and Chicago, created a specialised training regime for her son which included lengthy weekly runs.
The Special Olympics GB aided the young athlete in getting a spot in the world-famous race.
Lloyd is also a footballer and a gymnast with the Special Olympics GB.
