Cam Levins says he’s the fittest he’s ever been
Ahead of Sunday's London Marathon, Levins is brimming with confidence
This Sunday is the London Marathon, and Cam Levins is ready. Levins, who’s the Canadian record holder at 2:09:25, says he’s the fittest he has ever been. The Black Creek, B.C. native is currently coached by Jim Finlayson (a Canadian age-group record holder himself) and Levins feels that they make a great team.
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Levins says, “I’m without a doubt the most fit I’ve ever been in my life. This build up was a little accelerated, as I only got into the marathon six weeks ago, but the whole year’s training has been great and I think my coach has got me in fantastic form entering Sunday’s race.”
Levins had a difficult 2019. After his marathon debut in 2018, which was a massive success, last year’s races didn’t reach the same level. Levins ran a disappointing half-marathon in New York in March 2019, finishing in 1:05, and at STWM, he finished 12th in 2:15 – both respectable times, but certainly not what Levins was hoping for. However, just a few weeks ago, he ran a solo 1:02 half-marathon and is confident heading into this weekend.
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Life inside the bubble
The biosecure bubble is located at an undisclosed London hotel. Once the runners enter the bubble, they’re stuck there until the gun goes. While inside the bubble, runners must wear the Bump technology system when outside of their rooms. This nifty little tool (which looks like a stethoscope), is attached to runner’s bags in order to ensure social distancing. It alerts the wearer when someone is getting too close.
Levins says there is a huge number of precautions, but they’re feeling more and more normal. “I guess I’m so used to being careful regarding COVID that none of them surprise me. Though it was an interesting experience going through the process of being drug tested while maintaining social distancing as best as possible.” Organizers are so concerned about keeping the bubble secure that runners aren’t allowed to disclose its location. Olympic qualifier and American marathoner Molly Seidel has been posting about her experience, but was reportedly asked to remove some of her content from Instagram for giving away too much about the location.
The race will go on Sunday morning at 5:15 a.m. ET. When asked if his money is on Eliud Kipchoge or Kenenisa Bekele, Levins said he can’t choose anyone but Kipchoge. We’ll find out if he’s right in under 48 hours.
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