A Marathon Legend's Unwavering Commitment to the London Race

Next Sunday, among the thousands of runners at the London Marathon, Chris Finill stands out. He is one of the few members of the "Ever Present" club, having completed all 44 previous marathons held in London. The retired father of three is preparing for his 45th consecutive London Marathon, a record shared by only five other men since the race began in 1981.

Chris, aged 66, joined Harrow Athletic Club 51 years ago and still runs for them despite moving to Surrey. He recalls running the first marathon as a 22-year-old undergraduate. He explains that after completing a few, it became a regular part of his year. The event has evolved significantly since its inception, which saw around 6,500 runners. This year, over 50,000 participants are expected.

Chris's life has also changed. He recently retired after a long career as a school bursar and became a grandfather to one-year-old Jack. Reflecting on the first London Marathon, he notes that it was primarily for club runners and male athletes. Today, it's a celebration of humanity, with people running in memory of loved ones, raising money for charity, or fulfilling personal goals.

Chris has finished 37 of his previous 44 London Marathons in under three hours, including 33 consecutively, earning a Guinness World Record. This year, he will be running for the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice and the Polycystic Kidney Disease Charity. He emphasizes that the event is now about finishing, the emotional experience, and the personal journey, making it special.

Chris also mentors other runners, drawing on his 45 years of experience. He even completed a marathon with a broken arm in 2018. His wife, Julia, has attended all 44 marathons and has run the race twice herself. Their three children have also completed the race, including his daughter Jo, who is running again this year. Chris says he will continue running as long as he is able, as it is an integral part of his identity.