Alex Yee set for marathon debut in London one year after Olympic triathlon gold - ‘An itch I've wanted to scratch’
Published 16/12/2024 at 17:24 GMT
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Olympic triathlon champion Alex Yee will race in the 2025 London Marathon in April, his debut marathon. Yee stormed to a stunning individual gold at the 2024 Paris Games in the summer, before sealing a maiden world title two months later. Yee said the decision to race in London was "a no-brainer" and that it had "always been an itch I've wanted to scratch" as he outlined his targets for the event.
‘Back in British hands’ – Yee musters stunning comeback to win triathlon gold
Video credit: TNT Sports
Alex Yee said that running a marathon has "always been an itch I've wanted to scratch" as he confirmed he will compete in the 2025 London Marathon.
Yee won gold in the individual triathlon at the 2024 Paris Games during the summer, as well as bronze in the mixed relay to bring his Olympic tally up to four medals.
The London Marathon, held in April, will be the first time the 26-year-old has competed over the 26.2-mile distance.
"Committing to the London Marathon for me was a no-brainer," Yee said. "It is an event that has given me so many memories.
"Taking part in a full marathon has always been an itch I've wanted to scratch and there isn't any other place than London that I would want to start that journey."
Speaking to The Guardian, Yee revealed his target time for his debut marathon.
"I want to give it a real go," he said. "I know it’s a challenge doing it in a six-month window. But if the planets align, I’d love to run in the ballpark of two hours and seven [minutes] to 2:10."
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‘Does it get any better than that?!’ - Yee sprints to supertri success in Neom
Video credit: TNT Sports
In the French capital, Yee ousted New Zealand’s Hayden Wilde in a dramatic finale to claim his first Olympic title in August, finishing the race in 1:43.33 – six seconds quicker than Wilde.
Five days later, his dream summer continued when he helped Great Britain win bronze in the mixed relay triathlon, alongside Georgia Taylor-Brown, Samuel Dickinson and Beth Potter.
In October, Yee added a maiden world title to his Olympic success, as he finished third in the final in Spain to beat Frenchman Leo Bergere.
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After sealing the world title, where he only needed a top-six finish in the final race following a dominant campaign, he said: "I'm world champion and couldn't be prouder of this season.
"It shows people at home with hard work anything can happen. Pressure makes diamonds, so hopefully I showed that today."
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