Ex Leeds United stars lead region's charge at London Marathon

A host of runners from Leeds lined up for yesterday's London Marathon alongside almost 40,000 other hardy souls.
Former footballer Danny Mills during the 2016 Virgin Money London Marathon. Pic: Jonathan Brady/PA WireFormer footballer Danny Mills during the 2016 Virgin Money London Marathon. Pic: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire
Former footballer Danny Mills during the 2016 Virgin Money London Marathon. Pic: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

Former Leeds United players Danny Mills and Clarke Carlisle were among those flying the flag for the city, both running for the Bobby Moore Fund.

The charity tweeted after the race: “Danny Mills has crossed the #LondonMarathon finish line - congratulations Danny and thanks for your support!”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Carlisle, who was making his debut in the event, said ahead of the start: “I’m suffering first marathon nerves, pure fear and trepidation last night, zero sleep. But I’m looking forward to it.”

Mike and Sarah Lovell with their daughters Izzy, Amelia and Ella.Mike and Sarah Lovell with their daughters Izzy, Amelia and Ella.
Mike and Sarah Lovell with their daughters Izzy, Amelia and Ella.

Meanwhile Harrogate teaching assistant Sarah Lovell, 28, was inspired to run the London Marathon when her husband Mike was diagnosed with the same heart condition which killed Keighley Rugby League player Danny Jones.

Mr Lovell, 32, an accountant, discovered he had cardiomyopathy after months of feeling unwell and being told he was too young to have heart disease.

Mrs Lovell had hoped to raise £1,500 for Cardiomyopathy UK but had already collected more than £2,600.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Before the race she said: “I am nervous but excited about the marathon. It is my first one but I did run a half-marathon, the Great North Run, in 2013. I have been training hard.”

Eliud Kipchoge, from Kenya, retained the men’s title.

But his compatriot Jemima Sumgong was the one making all the headlines, winning praise for picking herself up from a nasty fall and going on to win the women’s race. Astronaut Tim Peake started the London Marathon from space. His good-luck message was shown to fellow runners on a big screen, and ended with a 10-second countdown.