British runner with Down Syndrome becomes youngest to complete a marathon

On Sunday, 19-year-old Lloyd Martin became the youngest known person in his intellectual disability category to complete a marathon. In a video from the London Marathon, the teen can be celebrating his win as he crosses the finish line and proudly accepts his official Guinness World Record:

Today 19 year old Lloyd Martin became the youngest known person with Down syndrome to complete a marathon.

Thank you for showing us what’s possible, Lloyd. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/9jwWATtgCM

— TCS London Marathon (@LondonMarathon) April 21, 2024

According to the Daily Mail, Martin had begun marathon training in December for the race. The teen had not attempted the marathon distance before and had limited distance running experience, but has reportedly completed more than 30 parkruns. Martin comes from a soccer and gymnastics background and has competed with Special Olympics in Britain. Last October, he won gold at the British Disability Championships in the gymnastics vault event.

Lloyd Martin, a 19 year-old runner with Down’s syndrome is hoping to make history on Sunday.

This is his incredible story… pic.twitter.com/xauS8QCd9Z

— TCS London Marathon (@LondonMarathon) April 19, 2024

Coached by his mother (herself an accomplished marathoner), Martin finished in a time of 6:46:10, achieving his “life dream” and breaking barriers for people with Down Syndrome around the world.

B.C. runner with Down Syndrome runs 100 miles for his late teacher

Martin was born with a hole in his heart and was diagnosed with Down Syndrome at birth. He underwent surgery on his knees in 2021 and began running 5 km at a time, increasing his running volume after Christmas to prepare for London with some treadmill speed work and weekly long runs.