London Marathon 2016: Iwan Thomas Q&A - I run like an idiot and like to stop for a beer

Standard Sport22 April 2016

Standard Sport caught up with seven-time 400m gold medal winner Iwan Thomas ahead of Sunday's London Marathon.

You’re becoming a London Marathon veteran…

Yes, this will be my seventh one. I love it. I’m getting slower, though, my fastest time was at the first one I did in 2008, when I got 3:58. My problem is that I always go off too quickly. I’m just too enthusiastic, I’m an idiot and I can’t help myself!

You’ve obviously always been fit but does being a sprinter give you any benefits in a marathon?

People don’t understand that as a sprinter, you’re at a disadvantage to your average semi-fit person. It’s like asking a jogger to run 44.3 in the 400m. Having said that when I ran my first, I was still very fit.

Where to watch the London Marathon

1/18

What are your aims for this year?

I should be able to run 3:40 but I’ll be very happy if I can do 3:55. I’m really going to try and go slowly for those first five miles. I’m quite well prepared this year — I’ve done some half-marathons and big runs.

How do you find the training?

Hideous. I love the race but going out there on your own for hours is the hard part. I did a 17½-mile run in training this time and that was very tedious. I put my music on and try to get through it. A bit of Tinie Tempah, The Jam and Take That.

What has been your favourite marathon moment?

When I was struggling a few years ago, I stopped and had a pint with a stranger on the roadside. It’s become a tradition for me.

Everyone running feels like a celebrity. If you have your name on your shirt, people cheer you on…

Absolutely. Every year someone has helped me when I’m struggling. I try to encourage people to keep going and they do the same for me.

Getting slower: Iwan Thomas is hoping to beat his fastest time of 3:58 this year
(Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)

The feel-good factor is amazing…

It really is. I run it for Macmillan, a great charity and there are just so many good causes benefiting. I’m doing a very big challenge next year for Macmillan — I can’t say what so this won’t be my last marathon!

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