LONDON MARATHON 2024! Running THE BEST marathon in the WORLD?

[@renatotatu]

Three years ago, I could barely move, and my blood tests showed catastrophic results. That's when I made the decision to change my lifestyle, and this channel became my starting point when I had no idea where to begin. A week ago, I completed my first London Marathon. While my time wasn't remarkable (4 and a half hours), it holds little significance to me compared to the multitude of other benefits I've gained from running. Thank you Ben for your work in this channel, you are changing lives.

[@Alex-sv1tt]

i understand perfectly everything you say, I can honestly feel it. in 2019 I went to a doctor with some back pain, they told me the pain will stick with me forever and medication to make it easier is my only option. I could not stand for more than 2 hours and I had to lay down because of the pain. I asked if starting running or going to the gym will help, they say it will be dangerous and kineto is the only thing allowed. at the beginning of 2020 I decided to give running a chance. I went out on a rainy day for a easy run, after 3 minutes of running I was hardly breathing and almost fainted (i was running very slow at a pace of 8:00 min/km. I decided not to give up, 9 months later I ran my first half marathon, 2 years later I ran my first marathon and now I try to decide on my first ultra. also I have more than 2 years without a pill taken for my back and I'm in the best shape I ever been in my life. although Ben wasn't my main source of inspiration it helped me many times. his videos and his energy many times kicked me out of the house. I like to hope that other couch potatoes will come across these comments and will give them hope and a new perspective. Good luck and keep up the good work! :)

[@enkidu2562]

One of the kindest most genuine people on this platform, thank you Ben!

[@chapchappington2475]

The fact you essentially ran 8 back to back sub 20 minute park runs is wild to me, you’re a true inspiration.

[@James-Henderson]

Thanks to you and Sarah for taking the time to chat to me at the expo. I was the one with the old and faded Ben Parkes cap. I love my new cap.

[@BenParkes]

Lovely to meet you James! Hope you had a good day 🙌

[@ariungalindev7426]

I said this before and will say it again. No one runs marathon like you do Ben Parkes. You’re amazing and congratulations!! Meeting Sarah and you were highlight of the week. You both were just as lovely and ordinary as I though you would be. Appreciate you both.

[@derekmarshall6332]

Hi Ben, I’m 54, can only jog in bits and have disk and hip problems, but I was one of those 50,000 people taking part at London this year. I did it for charity, and to complete a lifes ambition. I had to walk the event and finished in 7 hrs 59. But I finished. Greatest day and achievement of my life. Your channel always gives me inspiration to keep getting out there and doing what I can, when I can (which is intermittent at best”). Thank you, for your part in helping me achieve my real lifes ambition. Its not often you get to do that. 🥰

[@bigadventuresonaveragetale1563]

Love how you capture not just the atmosphere of the event but also the emotion of running it!! Meeting you and Sarah at the expo was great, and then running across tower Bridge realising I was running across with you was crazy!! Loved London, will be back for sure. Such a great race. Can't wait to see your Comrades content!!

[@patxtx_runs]

All the feels!!!!! You truly are the best ambassador to this race and your City! Can't wait to follow your Comrades journey 🎉.

[@tonyuk928]

Thanks Ben for showing the true emotion of being a runner and being a truly inspiring person in so many ways.

[@debrascott8775]

It's so wonderful to see you running happy again! I've watched your prior London vid SO many times. Totally inspiring and uplifting. Thank you!

[@Jetblast84]

I think this video encapsulates why I am out pounding pavements 7hrs a week, bring up a young family and work a full time shift work job. I volunteered at London marshalling this year but need to run it again. Incredible video. Thank you Ben and Sarah for sharing. Sean. x

[@Demiduivenvoorden]

Ben - you are an absolute LEGEND!!! Your energy is unbelievably awesome!!!

[@MrRunner10]

I’ve never seen a happier person run a FAST marathon. That was amazing and so inspiring

[@paulvymeris425]

Great video Ben. Lovely chatting to you guys at the expo and it was a privilege to see you out on the course at London. You made 2:48 look like a breeze 😂 Keep gettin it done!!! 💪 ❤

[@fabricioteixeira]

You're an awesome human being. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

[@Hando855]

Ah this hit hard. You could feel the emotions. Well done Ben. You are a legend

[@gwunolley8847]

Made me well up!!! It was amazing meeting you at the Expo and my first London marathon experience was AMAZING - you’ve got it spot on, London at its absolute best. 🎉

[@bh4560]

Thanks!! What an inspiration you are. That raw emotion is felt by us all. An amazing time while captururing it all too. I am 4 weeks out from Edinburgh and using your 3.30 plan so fingers crossed I can get in that region. 🤞❤

[@na1582]

Ben I’ve said this to you about 20 times over the last few years, but we have so much to thank you for … you’ve changed many of our lives, and so there is nothing better to see you so so happy after another incredible achievement. It was great to see you again at the expo, you are a legend, Sarah is a legend, thank you for everything, we love you! … Nik 🙂❤️

[@tamsinthompson832]

Ahhh this is incredible and gave me all the feels again. There's nothing quite like London! I saw you and Sarah at the expo but was too shy to say hello. I also ran London for JDRF and have type 1 diabetes myself! I hope your sister enjoyed it, too!

[@danb9012]

Ben you’ve brought the tears right back to me a week after finishing this incredible race!! Thanks so much for documenting it. You hit the nail on the head with regards to atmosphere and your hears had me too. Chapeau my friend 😊

[@karlbratby4349]

Such a humble and honest chap… well done Ben 🎉

[@OliRudd-dh1sv]

Superb video-encapsulates the incredible atmosphere last Sunday perfectly. Awesome running Ben and such a pleasure to meet you at the expo. Got around in 3:02 but more limportantly, we raised loads for the children’s unit and still buzzing-thank you so much Sarah & Ben.

[@jaynecooper7505]

Well done Ben and Sarah. Thanks for always including us in your marathon adventures and being real. Congratulations to your sister too, I'm sure you have been a big inspiration to her as you have to us all.

[@keithleon6538]

Well done Ben. Smashed it. I met you at the expo, I was wearing the cast. I ran the marathon too and did it in 4hrs 25 mins, I was a bit disappointed in my time, it was tough going from 30km. I had missed about a week's worth of training due to my fall. But the crowds were phenomenal and so encouraging. I got it done in the end. I even followed one of your training plans. 👍🏻

[@andyh8625]

4:25 with a cast is very good going! Don't be disappointed!

[@AndreasKriswanto1989]

Great video, Ben as always! This adds to my favorite list which includes your "UTMB start line", "Valencia finish" and that "Big Ben and little Ben" moment from previous London marathon.

[@StefanSager]

Emotional Ben is the BEST Ben 🙌

[@ingagade951]

Hey Ben. You really are an emotionel guy and I must say its appriciated. Many men dont show feelings ......but you do when you do you greatest passion---you run and you get it done. And then its in London-your hometown. You may say you are a homeboy....congrates with the run and the wel earned medal.. Inga DK.

[@kennyosborne5835]

Thanks for referring to us as legends! I was the Scottish guy who got a photo with you on Saturday morning. The advice on your videos helped me to sub 3 in Edinburgh last year. I managed to sneak in just under 2.45 this time so was delighted. You helped me qualify(GFA) so it was great to thank you in person. Best wishes and congratulations on a quick turn around from Boston!

[@lenkaontherun]

What a great time! You looked like you really enjoyed it, the crowds are sooo epic in London! What an experience it must be!

[@muralichandran4833]

Hi Ben, you are my MOTIVATION. I watched your London Marathon 2023 video because of that I ran my first marathon this year London 2024 and successfully reached the finish line Thank you for lifting my spirit. You're awesome as always ❤

[@BenSpencer39]

Fantastic video Ben! It was so nice to meet you on the Saturday. Thanks for taking the time to talk to me and my family. They saw you on Tower Bridge and gave you a big shout. Don't know if you remember (I imagine you met a lot of people over those few days!), but I mentioned that I finished 7 seconds over 4 hours last year. I was determined to get under 4 this year. Well I somehow managed to finish in 03:48:02! Just couldn't believe it. One of the best weekends of my life. Keep up the great work and hopefully see you next year!!

[@legendsofmyself]

This is what it's all about!!!!. I had done the London marathon thrice virtually as i had issues with the ballot and then got lucky and had issues with visa and finally did it with the Class of 2024 just 7 days after Rotterdam. It was one of the best days of my life. I feel you Ben.... It's a truly wonderful experience. Keep inspiring us

[@ourchannelofthisandthat]

Awww you're so happy I love it!! Well done Ben, fab running :) x

[@indyrunnerii]

What an AMAZING duo, Boston Marathon and a few days later, a 2:48 @ London. Unless you have done this, one cannot appreciate the difficulty. I ran Boston (6) times. After Boston, I could hardly walk, let alone running another Marathon in a few days. Boston just beats up MOST people. We have a 1/2 Marathon two weeks after Boston. I couldn't run it after Boston and Ben does a full in 2:48...Ben, congratulations and thanks for taking us along!🎉

[@kalpeshintwala3002]

Awesome video Ben! You really get a sense of how brilliant the London Marathon is. Also great to see you at the Expo. As a middle of the pack runner I don’t get the pleasure of seeing you on the course but it was great to chat to you. 👊🏽

[@jonniesharpy]

Ran a 10k PB today in my Ben Parkes running hat, first one back after illness etc. Got it absolutely done and couldn't have without these videos - thanks Ben xxx

[@benwharton4181]

It genuinely made my London marathon weekend experience 10 x better getting to meet you at the expo! Legend!

[@sammy_lu552]

Great video and congratulations!!! Well done! London is just a beautiful city and one can feel the energy through the video :)

[@Bijits2510]

You are our inspiration Ben, it was great to get a feature in a Ben parkes video

[@matthewpotter8491]

Great video Ben. Love these marathon weekend/recap videos. Have seen a few drop from the community in the last few days. Seeing them makes me want to get back to London even more. Been 8 long years since I’d the opportunity to run London. Here’s hoping for 2025 🤞

[@connorstewart508]

Brings back memories! Completed my first marathon last week in 3.14, after getting a place in the ballot. Atmosphere and crowd was incredible. Hopefully it won't be my last here. Defintely got the bug now! Love the content as always

[@BenParkes]

Well done Connor!!

[@connorstewart508]

@@BenParkes Thank you! 🤝

[@jamesadamson7821]

Legend! Your vids got me through LDN 2019. I was successful in this years ballot but had to defer my place this year due to family commitments and injury but will be back for LDN 2025! First 5k in the bag yesterday! Thank you Ben & Sarah for all you do!!!!!!

[@albe404]

Great vid Ben, I was volunteering at the water station at mile 6 and handed you a drink!

[@BenParkes]

thank you very much!!

[@laural9436]

Wow the number of people calling out your name! The wonderful thing is, everyone smiles when they see you because you bring us all so much joy. And not because of the fast running or the caps or training plans, but because we find something of ourselves in you and in your journey.

[@Stewartuk73]

Completing a FM in back to back weekends is incredible. I loved seeing the smile on your face throughout the video. 2.48 is an unreal achievement Ben, so pleased for you

[@Anni127]

I said I would never run a road marathon because it's busy and boring, but my god.. This video might have light a little fire in me! The energy from you Ben, the biggest smile in the world, filming whilst casually running a 2:48 is absolutely crazy! The crowds were amazing to see aswell. awesome video!

[@nrjonesy]

wow.. that was emotional to watch. amazing meeting you at expo and joining the crowds the following day to cheer the runners on.. never run the London Marathon.. but had a similar emotional experience running in the London Landmarks after lockdown raising money for Harefield hospital after my son was treated there for heart failure.. I dont know how I held it together.. all the more special when it's in your home city!

[@sharonelliott7481]

BEN THAT WAS A FABUOUS VLOG !! YOUR ENERGY AND ENTHUSIASM IS INFECTIOUS. WELL DONE AND KEEP THEM COMING. THANKS FOR SHARING WITH US ALL.

[@vickieherd]

Amazing as always Ben. Love to you and Sarah. I hope her calf is better.

[@joegerhard7022]

Congrats Ben, was amazing meeting you at the expo! Got a PB myself at London! Keep up all the brilliant work, you deserve all the support you get. Thanks for making this community a better place.

[@kenknepper5226]

Most genuine person who happens to run awesome and still cares and encourages everyone. Thank you Ben and Sarah for your time and effort.

[@ClubmanGT1971]

That was so inspiring, Ben! Congratulations. An incredible time, especially with what you went through in Boston a week ago. Your genuine passion for running and being proudly English is very emotional to watch. My wife is English and we’ve visited many times from Australia. I’m currently training for my first marathon in October in Melbourne. I had spine surgery last August and I thought I’d never run again. I’ve spent months going through rehab with my physio and your videos have made a huge impact on my physical and mental health getting back to running. I’ve finally pushed my half marathon time under 2hrs again and will now start aiming for Melbourne. It’s my home town and it’s a very special place for me. My ultimate dream would be to be able to do London one day. Those crowds are simply incredible. Thanks, Ben.

[@SantaCruzRunner]

So special to see the emotion and what it means to you. We all feel the same way about the sport and the community. People like you and Sarah are the glue that hold us all together. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@katesmiles4208]

Congrats on a great run, smiling and full of beans to the end 👍👍. The crowds were insane! Fantastic to watch 😁

[@KevinH1738]

Total legend. Thank you for the inspiration 🙏🏼

[@JohnO66]

10 minutes of pure enjoyment and happiness. Such a wonderful video with almost whole of London on it´s feet cheering you along. And it´s almost hard to believe that you finish your second marathon in 7 days after what must have been an extremely busy week. Absolutely fantastic!!!👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@dardevle]

So inspiring! Thank you!!!! Congrats! Your content has helped me a ton when I started running a year ago. I ran my first full marathon, last Sunday. I used your content, even up to the last minute (what to do with the taper, and last 24 hours). You are so uplifting. I am 54 turning 55 soon and posted a 3:28.30. That is 6:30 better than the BQ time...my goal was to qualify. Fingers crossed that this will be good enough to qualify in 2025! Thanks again!!!

[@paulstarr6001]

Just amazing. Thank you Ben and Sarah for continually producing such heart felt and emotional footage. Running for me is all about encouraging and helping others. You guys do this with spades. Well done. Keep on, getting it done. X

[@terryfurlong518]

Cheers! Lovely to meet you and Sarah. I PB'd in my own small way following one of your plans. 😊

[@Feanaro5503]

Amazing effort for a 2nd marathon in 6 days. Hope Sarah is feeling better!

[@mathieusimard6645]

Damn you got me crying there Ben. Good job on your run. I’ve been following you for years now and even subscribed to one of your 10k sub 40 plans. You’re a true inspiration. Cheers, from Quebec City Canada :)

[@ChristophMittendorf]

Amazing video!! I especially like the new slow motion mix. Thanks for making epic content and being positive

[@eleanorbrown9717]

It has been such a pleasure and privilege to follow your running journey. Thank you for being so real, and for sharing the highs and lows. What an incredible run! xx

[@bartzunga]

Thank you for these videos, your London 2023 video made all the difference. Just ran London this year and was able to enjoy every KM thanks to your video. Keep doing these. P.S. We dropped by the expo to say Hi.

[@mikehobbs624]

Fantastic run Ben!! Great to see the emotions coming out. I did London too, and absolutely loved it as always! Fantastic atmosphere and crowds. I only have to think of Tower Bridge and I feel emotional 👍

[@severiner7168]

Thank you. That was really moving and I was so pleased you enjoyed the marathon. What a week! Enjoy the recovery

[@carolreid6999]

Awesome Ben, you are such an inspiration by keeping it real; thanks

[@VoodooToad.]

Your passion is contagious. Legend. Thank you for being so authentic.

[@simonhodgson4941]

Wow Been and Sarah what an amazing video. Your excitement was off the scale during the race Ben, a absolute pleasure to watch and then you nearly have us all in a flood of tears at the end. I love your channel and you are both bloody brilliant. I wish you continued success. Xx

[@tonymayall5039]

Congratulations Ben. Awesome video. London was my first marathon and watching this bought it all back. I'm in tears again now. Thanked you at the expo for all the training and race days tips. Awesome video, awesome day, awesome channel. Lon - Done.

[@Carrottoprunner]

Such a great vibe !!!! Love the happiness!! You reminded me of how exciting it is to race! We are all so lucky to even get to the start line. Beautiful filming! Looked like the perfect day, it was great seeing people wearing your kit! Keep inspiring, keep getting it done!

[@PAIRLIE]

Awesome Ben great to meet you at the Expo! You videos helped me so much for my first Marathon London 2024 did it in 3:48 at aged 52 running for Spinal Research. Thanks!

[@pierre-yvesdantec3802]

You're making this tough race looking liké a party! Great vidéo, thanks👍💪🤴 Especially After thé hard day you had in Boston. That's Amazing. Great motivation, thank you.

[@RarerDonkey]

Love seeing how emotional these runs make you. Special ❤

[@god_of_myself9301]

you moved us all Ben , keep it going and share your beautiful stories , you inspire us and motivate us to fight for what we love . much love to you !

[@dabascom]

Great run, Ben!! Thank you and Sarah for all you do for the running community and for the programs you support globally ❤😊

[@dinopaizes3071]

Hope to meet you at Comrades, Ben. Good luck. It’s definitely one that will stick with you for life.

[@FastMode-on5jf]

Amazing video Ben! Met you at the Expo, and was so inspired to pick up the camera and film the runs! Thank you so much! You give such amazing stories!

[@andrewonmyway8184]

What a great emotional race Ben. So glad you was able to get it together after Boston! Keep up the great work,

[@Fiona_tries_it]

Thank you Ben for being such a wonderful legend!!! 🤗 This made me tear up a little and gave me such a boost of motivation - to get it done. Which in my case is recovering from a pretty bad injury but can't wait to come to the expo next year!

[@mad8298]

Your enthusiasm is infectious and I was crying with you at the end. Sadly, as a middle to back of pack runner, my experience was not positive, due to the massive overcrowding at the 4:30 and slower paces with all of the walkers (many who were allowed to start before our waves due to their predicted times) spread out across the very narrow roads. The course was really only manageable for us before the merge and then again in the last couple of miles. What was a planned run, turned in to a walk run because of the bottlenecks. 53k is just way too many people for that course. But, I will say, the race was well organized, the volunteers were awesome, and the spectators were over the top enthusiastic.

[@SteveRuns111]

Well done Ben 🙌🏻 London was incredible!

[@Mark-bf2ro]

I've got a work call starting in 2 minutes. Need to stop crying quite quickly. What an inspiration you are, sir

[@marcwilding4804]

I was due to run but had a stroke on the Weds beforehand. Diagnosed with two tumours before the weekend was out but one now removed. Chemo and radiation therapy now ongoing and I remain positive that I will be at the 2025 London Marathon! Thanks for all your vids Ben, they are excellent and your enthusiasm is so inspiring!

[@rendy5092]

All but love for you Ben, thank you for inspiring runners out there!

[@AimeeandApollo]

Ben!! Brilliant vlog as always and what a great time less than a week after Boston! 🎉

[@matthewsenior4208]

Excellent consistency and after the week you had, that is amazing. Love the passion and emotion you have for running, it truly is a gift. 👏

[@D_Mal_Music]

Thank you Ben!!! I just run the London marathon virtual with you...watching this video!!!!

[@sophiebennettdiplcm8236]

It was lovely meeting you at the expo Ben! Congratulations on an amazing time. It was truly a spectacular event and i'm so pleased it got to be my first marathon!

[@koproinsias]

When I think ur vids can’t get better, u drop this. Beyond excellent. Beyond inspirational. I am in a massive running slump at the moment but booted up and got out for a run after this. 👍👍👍👍

[@edrios3668]

What an amazing Video, well done Ben, I was tearing up at the end with you - keep inspiring people with your positive attitude and down to earth demeanour.

[@MrChickyLew]

Great video ! Thank you for expressing your real emotions with us all

[@308bar]

Love the raw emotions, such joy! What a journey to get back there. Congrats on an Amazing weekend.

[@TheDanami]

Aw Ben I can see how much that means to you 🥰🥰 Well done, great work 💪💪

[@lucneree2270]

Congrats Ben! Thanks for taking us along on your race. I can't wait to run it next year.

[@jeanines_channel3246]

Boston looks too crazy and hectic. This was enjoyable to watch. I like my half marathons lol. 🎉❤

[@LuisBecerra79]

Thanks for bringing us along Ben. Congrats on an amazing London Marathon video 👍🏼

[@runningwithstephen]

You had me in bits at the end Ben! You smashed it! Such a great cause your sister ran it for also. My son got diagnosed with type 1diabetes, 2 years ago(aged 6) and that raw emotion you showed at the end when you spoke about it....I could feel it man! Big Love mate you done so well!! Say congrats to your sister also.

[@bombadildieente6232]

Thank you for your motivational videos. Especially the Boston Marathon helped me to see, that even an experienced runner like you can have really bad days… Although it might be hard for you, It's helpful for us