19 April 2018
Weir gunning for eighth title as London Marathon approaches
David Weir whizzing past cheering spectators leaving the chasing pack in his wake is a staple of London Marathon day.
And with the capital set to bask in warm, sunny conditions on Sunday, the record-breaking wheelchair racer is predicting a quick event, hinting that the course record could be in danger.
Australian Kurt Fearnley’s lightning effort of 1:28.57 in 2009 still stands as the quickest a wheelchair racer has negotiated the 26.2-mile course.
Six-time Paralympic champion Weir’s own list of records is nothing short of astonishing – he is formerly the British record holder over every track distance up to 5000m, as well as 10km, half-marathon and marathon distances on the road.
He raced in the Paris Marathon on April 7 – his only race at marathon distance since his 2017 London victory – but suffered a puncture during the closing stages.
Despite this robbing him of a charge for victory, seven-time London Marathon champion Weir revealed he was feeling fresh and strong ahead of Sunday’s race.
Because of the weather it’s going to be very intense and fast
“I’ve had a good couple of weeks preparation,” said the 38-year-old. “Paris was not what I wanted but I can’t help a puncture.
“I felt comfortable through the race, I felt strong and fit and afterwards I went straight back training the next day and shows I was more prepared than this time last year.
“It depends on how everyone’s mindset is on the day – it could be a course record but it also depends on the road surface.
“It can be pretty quick but it depends how tactical it is as well.”
Weir will bid for an eight title after a 26.2 mile race through London's landmarks
Weir will line-up against Swiss superstar Marcel Hug as his major competition. Hug won the 2014 and 2016 titles, while Weir pipped the ‘Silver Bullet’ in a dramatic sprint for the line last year.
Weir won his first London Marathon in 2002 and is gunning for an unprecedented eighth title on the roads of his home city.
He also waxed lyrical about the trailblazing levels of support, success and exposure the race and its organisers do for para athletes.
“I just love the whole thing about it,” added the Weir-wolf. “The atmosphere, the crowds, the organisation – what the London Marathon has done for years to improve the wheelchair division and the para side in general is truly amazing.
It puts a smile on my face to see we’re being recognised for what we do and it’s only going to get better and better
“The wheelchair racers love coming to this race now.
“We used to have discussions and what we could improve on and take time and things wouldn’t happen and then all of a sudden it would all come together.
“The athletes are happier and they just seem to want to improve it all the time. Throwing ideas around – it’s great to see the enthusiasm the guys have in the boardroom and it’s not a one off. It’s great to be a part of.
“A lot of world marathons are recognising that’s what they have to do now. For years it used to be New York but now it seems London has taken over as one of the best para marathons in the world.
“They’re all following suit and all trying to improve which is great to see.”
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