Nineteen-year-old Lloyd Martin, a teenage runner with Down’s syndrome from Cardiff, has made history by becoming the youngest person in his learning disability category to finish a marathon.
Accompanied by his mother as his guide, Lloyd completed the London Marathon, a remarkable achievement recognized by Guinness World Records with a certificate at the finish line.
His mother, Ceri Hooper, expressed Lloyd’s accomplishment as “achieving his dream,” emphasizing the message that anything is achievable with determination and effort.
Congratulations Lloyd Martin 👏
Lloyd is the youngest person to complete a marathon (II2) (male) ✨ #LondonMarathon pic.twitter.com/C3P9htKPgz— Guinness World Records (@GWR) April 21, 2024
Lloyd’s marathon completion is particularly significant within the intellectual impairment category (II2), where he stands as the youngest record holder.
Ceri, an experienced runner herself, guided Lloyd through a rigorous training regimen over five months to prepare him for the marathon. Lloyd, previously accustomed to 5km Parkruns, steadily increased his endurance under Ceri’s coaching, culminating in a marathon debut that saw him running continuously for 14 miles before finishing with overwhelming support from the crowd.
Ceri highlighted the emotional impact of Lloyd’s achievement, underscoring its importance for individuals with Down’s syndrome. Lloyd’s participation in the marathon was facilitated by Special Olympics GB, where he also engages in gymnastics and football. Lloyd’s journey exemplifies resilience, determination, and the power of familial support in overcoming challenges and breaking barriers.
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