The London Marathon is set to be shaped by more than finishing times, and one of the most unusual entries is drawing attention for what it represents rather than how fast it might go. Richard Mayo will run in a sugar cube costume to raise awareness of MODY, a rare form of diabetes that has affected his family. His effort comes alongside elite returnees and a growing focus on race-day preparation, giving this year’s event a wider human and competitive frame.
A costume run built around awareness
Mayo, from Jersey, will tackle the 26. 2-mile course on 26 April in support of Diabetes Jersey. He has already raised more than £6, 000 and says the aim is to draw attention to Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young, or MODY. Five of his seven siblings have the condition, which can lead to serious complications if it is not correctly diagnosed. Diabetes UK says MODY is caused by a mutation in a single gene, and that children who inherit the mutation will generally develop it before age 25, regardless of weight, lifestyle or ethnic group.
There is symbolism in the choice of outfit, but also a practical cost. Mayo said the costume becomes difficult to handle when the weather turns windy, though he added that the hard work is already done and he is looking forward to the race. That tension between message and mileage gives the London Marathon an added layer: it is not only a test of endurance, but also a platform for a personal health story with direct family consequences.
Elite returners raise the stakes
At the front of the field, Sabastian Sawe and Jacob Kiplimo are returning to renew their rivalry, while Tigst Assefa will defend her title. Sawe won last year in 2: 02: 27, the second-fastest time in London Marathon history, and said the course is one of the most beautiful and fastest in the world. He also suggested the winner this time may need to break the course record of 2: 01: 25 set in 2023. Kiplimo, runner-up on his marathon debut in London, has since lowered his Ugandan record to 2: 02: 23 in Chicago and recently set a world half marathon record pending ratification.
The men’s field also brings depth. Joshua Cheptegei will make his London Marathon debut, while Tamirat Tola returns for a fifth appearance. Yomif Kejelcha is set for his marathon debut, and the line-up also includes Amos Kipruto, Geoffrey Kamworor, Deresa Geleta and Amanal Petros. British runners Patrick Dever, Philip Sesemann and Mahamed Mahamed will have home support on the course. In practical terms, that depth means pace pressure from the start, with little room for hesitation in a race where course history suggests fast times are possible.
Ben Shephard’s fuel plan shows the modern marathon mindset
Ben Shephard’s approach offers a different kind of London Marathon lesson: preparation is now as psychological as it is physical. He said he plans to take 30g of carbs every 20 minutes, with a gel every 30 minutes for the first hour, and he is focused on avoiding the wall that can hit runners in the second half of the race. He also said he is not putting too much pressure on himself, despite wanting to break four hours, because he wants to enjoy the experience.
His comments underline how the modern marathon increasingly rewards small decisions made well before the start line. Shephard said he has trained enough to feel in good shape, but he is still thinking about fuelling, sleep and a high-carb breakfast. He also uses a simple mental approach when the effort becomes difficult: reminding himself that the race will end. That kind of thinking matters because the London Marathon is not only a contest of speed, but a test of discipline under stress.
Why this London Marathon matters beyond the finish line
This year’s race brings together three distinct narratives: Mayo’s awareness campaign, the elite battle at the sharp end, and the careful planning that defines amateur and celebrity running alike. The event’s scale also matters. About 59, 000 charity runners are set to take part in the 46th London Marathon, turning the course into a mass public stage where health stories, sporting prestige and fundraising can coexist.
For Mayo, the point is visibility for MODY and support for Diabetes Jersey, which helps cover the cost of testing in Jersey. For the elite runners, the focus is on speed, titles and records. For everyone else on the start line, the message is more basic: the London Marathon remains a race where endurance, preparation and purpose can meet in one place. The open question now is which story will define the day when the field reaches the final miles?
