LONDON MARATHON 2023 - SUB

LONDON MARATHON RACE! Race day footage and analysis of my attempt to run 2:22 in the London Marathon.
My biggest thank you goes to Kelly for being amazing through training and the whole weekend. Check out ‪@KellogsOnTheRun‬ vlog for a real behind the scenes of meeting Kipchoge, London Marathon exclusive welcome event, and all of my race day prep.
• LONDON MARATHON 2023! ...
Thank you to everyone who supported me on the course. You were incredible. It's makes a massive difference.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this vlog. I massively appreciate it and it really made telling the race day story easier. Thank you so much.
Cover photo: @eric__tolentino
Slow Mo in Rainbow Row @runthereels
Slow mo Mile 18: Danny Franks
Current PB is 2:24:19 from Valencia 2022: • CAN I GO SUB 2:29 afte...
Follow Andy: / @thefodrunner
Watch Kelly's Marathon Training: / @kellogsontherun
Trying to run fast, train hard and go ALL IN!
Sub 15 minute 5K Race Vlog: • SUB 15 MINUTE 5K ATTEM...
Music Credits: Epidemic Sound, KZbin Audio Library, and Bensound.com
For coaching or training plans: thewelshrunner...
To follow me:
Strava - / strava
Instagram - / thewelshrunner​
Twitter - / thewelshrunner​
Facebook - / ​
Blog - thewelshrunner...
Get A Thousand Years by christina perri and over 1M + mainstream tracks here go.lickd.co/Music
License ID: JOw6k72J9vQ lickd.lnk.to/f...

[@KellogsOnTheRun]

Emotional. I always ask one thing. Would I be proud if our son behaved in the same manner that his Dad does for you are the one he looks up to. The answer is always one million percent yes. Your attitude, love, passion and raw openness is unrivalled, and you are the best role model. You inspire many, many people by being you and we are all proud of you always ❤ 🦁

[@TheFODRunner]

Bloody brilliant mate!! They dont always go our way but 2:29 on an "off day" is insane... time to smash the summer!!! Lets Go!!!

[@TheWelshRunner]

Cheers for the support as always mate. 👊

[@samknowland1120]

if i could run 1k as fast as he runs 42, id be over the moon!!

[@kofuzi]

honest effort. be proud. we're proud of you.

[@TheWelshRunner]

Thanks Kofuzi. Your Boston vlog was unreal. So good. Congratulations again and thanks for all of the amazing content you make that inspires us all.

[@rosiewaugh1234]

You and Kelly are killing me with these marathon vlogs 😭 I don't think anyone appreciates how hard a marathon is until they've done it, think you just do a bit of training and run but the mental determination it takes is unreal and the support from familt and friends and even strangers on the course means so much! That 2:22 will be yours 💪

[@TheWelshRunner]

Thanks Rosie. The support on the course means everything. I’m proud of my mental resolve and look forward to being in better shape next time and pacing it a bit better. Thanks for your support and glad you enjoyed the video.

[@Stevenc1984]

When things don't go to plan, you have issues that early on and you still get sub 2:30 🤯 incredible running Matt!

[@TheWelshRunner]

Thanks. Yeah I think it shows how far I’ve progressed that I can completely blow up and still run 2:29 but definitely want to get the next one right.

[@CliveWalker]

Man, you trained very hard and ran your fastest at London so I think you should be very proud of that. I certainly found it inspirational!

[@TheWelshRunner]

Cheers Clive. Appreciate that. 👊

[@petergibbs6993]

Matt Rees - Wow, what a vlog - Thank you. I ran it too, my second London and the crowds were unbelievable but my race didn’t go to plan either and I am SO SO with the feelings of this vlog - in all honesty I have just blubbed like a baby - BUT Matt I am going again - that’s it - I WILL achieve my goal and so I strongly believe you will too. Thanks for these vlogs I am not sure you understand how much they mean to me (us) 👍

[@jonathanwatkins447]

Way to finish strong Matt. Was freaking awesome watching you fight all race. Looksl like you were hurting early so a big fucking congratulations. Like you said marathons are hard. You've had some great ones lately but this one shows how bad you want it. Looking forward to seeing you smash another one in the future

[@TheWelshRunner]

Thanks mate. It fires me up for next time.

[@danielstevens8827]

Great video Matt. Not the time you wanted but to still run an unbelievable 2:29 after not feeling it from 25k is incredible. Inspirational stuff. 👍🏼

[@Tonyr2]

2-29 is a great time Matt. Didn't realise what you'd gone through when i stopped you by the baggage reclaim lorrys. Can I say thanks for doing that selfie even though you were disappointed with your run. Shows the mark of a man when he makes time to do something like this 👏👏👏.

[@juliemckie72]

Incredible running Matt, sorry you didn’t hit your A goal but still a run 99.99% of us could only ever aspire to!! I ran too, what a day 🎉

[@mikekarpaty3871]

Bought a tear to my eye 😢. Such an honest performance, thanks for sharing. You must still be happy with a sub 2.5hr time, beat mine by 3hrs but as I tell new runners 26 miles is 26 miles. Well done Matt, you are awesome 👏👏

[@TheWelshRunner]

100%. We all go through the same things no matter what pace you run. I’m happy with my mental strength to stay out there and keep pushing even in a lot of discomfort.

[@trun3149]

Your best ever video Matt. You let nobody down. Massive well done and great guts shown here. Thank you so much for sharing this journey with us.

[@eddiegaul1903]

Some days are like that Matt. I love your perseverance and you got an amazing time. Your dedication to the sport is amazing and I love following you and Kelly's journey. Keep up the great work.

[@TheWelshRunner]

Thanks Eddie for the really kind words. Really appreciate all of the support.

[@brionia9760]

So emotional, well toughed out for a course best. I was running my first marathon in 8 years and even though I took double your time I agree the crowd support was the best ever 🥳, seeing a loved one on the course is ❤️, and .. SORE QUADS 😵‍💫. Rest and recover well, you will be back faster than ever. 💕

[@anyasmith3406]

Wow that was emotional towards the end! I know it wasn’t the day you had planned but it was so motivational to see you pushing through when things got tough so that is defo something to be proud of💪🏼

[@TheWelshRunner]

I’m definitely proud of myself and happy to move on and get it next time. 👊

[@iancollinge1614]

You cannot say you let anyone down ffs, you as well a anyone knows how hard marathons are. You should be so proud of pushing through, I'm sure your family are 👍 that is one of the best running videos I've ever seen... so emotional and raw, absolutely brilliant

[@hels2305]

Amazing effort and what an emotional vlog!!! You and Kelly inspire so many of us with your videos. Goosebumps. I said never again after LM 23 but this has got me in all the feels!!!

[@jawee6144]

I have to compose myself watching you compose yourself 😂🥰

[@TheWelshRunner]

🤣

[@herecomesbod]

I hope Kelly has given you a proper telling off for thinking that you could ever let her down! We train for months and expect to peak on one particular day, but it doesn't always work like that. Congrats on the course PB 👋

[@seanmcfarlane5394]

I ran it too on Sunday, I agree that the crowds were immense. Totally deafening at points. I was lucky enough to get GFA and feel so fortunate to be able to do it again. My family watched me for the first time and when I saw them we all go emotional and it really gave me so much more energy. Well done Matt.

[@TheWelshRunner]

Congratulations Sean. Sounds like you had a great day and well done on the GFA. The crowds were the best I’ve experienced. Hope recovery is going well and thanks for following along.

[@ukmattj]

I’m crying on the train to work - cheers bro. Lots to take from this one, huge congrats on the new London PB. You inspired me to book Valencia as my first marathon - hopefully see you there in December. All the best Matt.

[@mael5026]

You are so incredibly strong. Mentally AND physically. No words.

[@justalilbester]

Credit to you for grinding through mate! I know just how tough it can be once you’re depleted! You hung in well and for that you’ve come out stronger!! Onwards and upwards mate 👊🏻 cracking vlog and thanks for sharing!

[@daniellephillips6184]

You did amazing Matt, fantastic time. You and Kelly are such a lovely couple, so supportive of each other x

[@danielday4725]

What an incredibly inspirational vlog Matt. Thank you. I never made it to my marathon this year because of injury 4 weeks out but watching friends and the likes of yourself taking on Manchester, Boston and London has lit a fire in my belly greater than I ever thought for the marathon. Can wait to see you take on that unfinished business 💪🏻 stay strong 👍🏻

[@TheWelshRunner]

Thanks Daniel. Sorry injury prevented you lining up. I hope you are recovering well and it’s great to hear you are fired up for the next one.

[@phillipjohn821]

Well done Matt🎉

[@TheWelshRunner]

Thanks Phillip.

[@beeds6]

Well done Matt and great video, thanks for taking us along for the ride!

[@TheWelshRunner]

Thanks Brad. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@TheFenwaylaw]

I bawled my eyes out during your video. I am old and slow (I run a half in 2:30) but this year I will run London for the first time. It will be my tenth marathon and my fourth Abbot Major and I could relate to every emotion you and your supporters expressed. Thank you for sharing and thank you for the inspiration. Well done, sir.

[@deshungrant31]

Love the video bro! No matter how hard things get or feel you can always push thru with a great support system and you have that bless you! And love from Atlanta ga ❤️

[@sarahswims]

Stunning vlog, stunning running, absolutely love following your journey. Thank you and well done!! 🏅

[@dsmith8384]

I've watched so many marathon vlogs in the last week and this was my favourite. Love your approach to running, love your relationship with Kel, a really emotional video that captures the running community.

[@Iron_DD]

You're an inspiration Matt... absolute class act 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@thristytothrive]

This vlog has me super emotional. No matter the outcome, this marathon was a special one because of all the incredible support you had and your determination. Thank you for capturing and sharing your story. I'm training for my first marathon (ever!) and this was truly inspirational.

[@TheWelshRunner]

Thanks for the kind comment. Really glad you enjoyed the vlog. I’m proud of the determination, and the support I had was incredible and truly memorable. Good luck with your marathon training and I hope you have a great first marathon.

[@billflu]

Great story telling! Didn’t expect things to get that emotional. After PR’ing in Boston last year, I came up short this year. The marathon is a tough beast and progress isn’t always linear. We’ll still get back out there to test our limits 👊

[@jamiecunningham6798]

Congratulations Matt 🥳 Enjoyed the series looking forward to the next one 👍

[@TheWelshRunner]

Thanks Jamie. Great to hear you enjoyed. Thanks.

[@jamess.5444]

Very emotional watching that. Great time grinding it out. Trust the process, even faster times will come!

[@jackpenfold7067]

Fantastic video Matt, I met you at the end and what an inspiration you are to many (myself being one of those!), Sunday may have not been your day but you've helped hundreds and thousand to their day. Be proud 💚

[@FordyRuns]

Amazing work lad I saw you at 23 and shouted as I went past but you were proper putting a shift in! Good work matey

[@TheWelshRunner]

Well done mate. Fantastic PB. Thanks for the shout too.

[@heeby123]

The most beautiful video. The support in the running community is beyond parallel. There’s no tribal rivalries, just well wishing, respect and love. It’s so pure. I have my first marathon four weeks tomorrow. I know I’ll face some demons later on in the race. If I can have a small part of your grit and determination on the day I know I’ll get through. Well done Matt and Kelly. ❤

[@suzannesheppard7846]

Amazing! I found watching this very emotional 😢 be proud 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 love your Instagram & Channel 🙌🏻

[@michaelwalker1104]

Massive well done for sticking in it, I have watched all your videos on this block and you should be super bloody proud of your amazing achievements. You and Kelly always make me emotional with your race video's. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Always remember, NEVER FORGET YOUR WELSH!!!

[@jumbomills1272]

Be proud!, still a time many will never get near. Your commitment to training means it will payoff in the end. When I used to run a good few runners at the club used to race almost weekly (especially during xc season). Some weeks they would have absolute stinkers, yet others they would run out of their skins. Either way they were happy to do what they enjoyed doing. 👍

[@dokutaaguriin]

WOW! just WOW!

[@51mpson]

superb matthew! you are the epitome of grit and determination, so inspiring.

[@TheWelshRunner]

Thanks Stuart. I appreciate the support and glad you enjoyed.

[@mikehobbs624]

Absolutely loved that Matt! It really captured all the emotions that come with marathon day. And London? Didn't it deliver! On a wet and chilly day the support was incredible! What a privilege to be able to experience it! You ran a phenomenal time, it might not be what you were hoping, but take pride in how hard you worked when the going got tough. You will have 2.22 another day. I was out there too, after a 4 year layoff, for my 8th London in 3.14.30. The last 4 miles were torture, but I still absolutely loved it and don't mind admitting I shed a few tears at the end. Thank you and Kelly for sharing your journey with us. 👍

[@jennysmith8835]

I have been watching lots of the you tubes of London marathon, i found this one the most emotional and powerful, digging so deep, you are an amazing couple and thanks for sharing your journey, the good, the bad and the ugly, well i mean that as a complement !!! you dont edit out the grind , you put it all out there which makes it so relatable whatever pace anyone runs at, and i love the kindness and warmth of other runners at every level too, be mighty proud, best wishes jen

[@Ammerstol]

You suffered but you fought and got through it, well done!! Super coverage of your race, emotions, support....it had everything. The beer, medal and pizza did look good :)

[@TheWelshRunner]

Thanks. Marathons can be brutal but they are also beautiful in their own way. The beer and medal were great. The pizza was only okay 🤣.

[@lizgreen2936]

Absolutely brilliant!!. Loved every minute of that....i came up from Glasgow with my friend to spectate an we were 800 yards from finish line.. The atmosphere was ammmaazzinnng!! 113th out of 47 thousand is just mind blowing!!... Well done.... #keeponkeepingon... 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️x

[@LukePeel-vh5lz]

I don't often comment on video (or swear), but this was F*ing brilliant. On the treadmill in tears. So well done. Running aside, with a supportive wife (also named Kelly) and two young kids (eldest around the same age as yours) this was so relatable and emotional. Fantastic. Love the videos and the training, but also love the heart! Great work.

[@danjonesguitarist]

Beautiful video Matt. As a fellow Welsh runner (in his 50s) this touched me deeply. I live in South West France. There are loads of really interesting races here so if you ever want to do one, let me know. My family have a caravan in the garden! The Marathon des Vins de Blaye is happening mid-May - that's amazing (and weird - fancy dress, wine...) and I'm doing it. I also have a Berlin place. Thank you.

[@WalterHiggins]

Well done Matt! It was my 4th marathon but first time doing London. It was an incredible experience. I loved every minute of it.

[@TheWelshRunner]

Congratulations. Great to hear you loved it. Well done and I hope you’re recovering well.

[@insularuk9266]

I reallly love this recap!! Well done!!

[@nataliehombrado1865]

Oh Matt 🥹. Congratulations! That was some finish in the end. Well done for finding that in you and finishing in under 2.30. You should be hugely proud. Great video.

[@TheWelshRunner]

Thanks Natalie. I really appreciate the amazing support.

[@beverleywillis3457]

Oh gosh I’ve tears in my eyes watching this. I ran london that day in 3.25 not a pb but my first london and it was amazing, but watching this brought back how hard it is . I can’t even imagine how much harder it is at that pace absolutely incredible and what an inspiration you are x

[@clarehazell2097]

I ran also, and that brought back the exact same memories and feelings (stitches and oh my quads!!). What a lovely film and yes it made me cry! Well done.

[@willb-j7335]

Thanks Matt- really enjoyed the whole build up and runs with Andy (FoD runner) - you seemed in great shape- 2.29 is a great time too! Well done and thank you for sharing so much💪👍

[@martingeden1972]

Brilliant and best LM 2023 vlog seen so far , congrats on effort and to you both on sharing the day with everyone 👏👏👏

[@TheWelshRunner]

Thank you so much. Really appreciate it.

[@johnward4299]

Well done Matt on your run. Your vlog certainly underlined how tough a marathon can be when things don't go your way.

[@TheWelshRunner]

Thanks John. Yeah they can turn into a massive slog but it becomes a test of mental resolve as well as the physical challenge.

[@JamesMartin-gl8gg]

Brilliant vlog Matt and Kelly your both brilliant.

[@mgaspar01]

This was beautiful. Thanks for sharing your moment with us. I don't get emotional when I am the one running, but I have my family around whenever possible, and I always bring a picture of my mom with me. You need all support for this distance. We give it our best, but our best is more when we take the ones we love with us on the journey. You will get your next one right.

[@alfredrundqvist7949]

Thanks Matt for sharing what Marathon training and racing is about for you. I enjoy following your running journey. It really inspires. Also, well done!! Cheers from Sweden!

[@EdwardMeinert]

Dude..this was a great video. I know you didn’t get what you were chasing but that was a phenomenal race and is mega inspiring.

[@StevoRuns]

Absolutely brilliant! A really well put together and touching video! Congratulations on a great time 👊🏼

[@TheWelshRunner]

Thanks Stevo. Great that you enjoyed. Thanks for the kind feedback. 👊

[@martindattus7064]

Congratulations!!!!Well done!! Don’t be afraid to fail! I’m sure your next race will be better, keep going!!

[@TheWelshRunner]

Thanks Martin. We all fail. It’s the not trying that really scares me.

[@Ov50-everyotherdayrunner]

Fantastic video - brought a tear to my glass eye watching it (brings back all of the emotions I’ve experienced running marathons too). Bloody well done 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙏🏻🏅

[@RhysSpencer]

Congrats! Your race vlog was my experience all be it i was 2hrs later😂 As a Canadian with near all family in the welsh valleys the 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 support on route was incredible! Keep chipping away Matt. Cheers from 🇨🇦

[@TheWelshRunner]

Well done on gritting it out and glad the Welsh support helped get you through. Hope recovery is going well. Congrats again.

[@benoliver2810]

That was emotional. Wow fantastic video. Well done Matt, might not be the time you aimed for but the effort and determination was first class 👏💪

[@TheWelshRunner]

Cheers Ben. Great that you enjoyed the video. Thanks for the support. 👊

[@kieranberrey4609]

Excellent stuff mate, glad my clip was of some use @7:05. Another amazing race and vid

[@benchandler3220]

Fantastic stuff. I’m about 18mths into my marathon career, and I’ve had some serious ups and downs already! Watching this makes me love them even more. Great video, and a great run. Hopefully I get a chance to run London one day. Good luck in the future

[@Star_Can_Howl]

Ahhh so emotional! Well done Matt you gave it your all and stuck in there. I was cheering at about 17.5 miles, and thought you looked smooth then (I couldn’t tell you were struggling) thank you for the thumbs up! Glad you got your cwtch

[@michaelbloor8965]

Wowsers that tugged at the heart strings mate. Big, big effort for a tough day, don't be too hard on yourself. We go again 🤟🏽

[@TheWelshRunner]

Thanks mate. Absolutely. There’s always another opportunity to go again.

[@ukmattj]

I’m crying on the train to work - cheers bro 😂. Lots to take from this one, huge congrats on the new London PB. You inspired me to book Valencia as my first marathon - hopefully see you there in December. All the best Matt.

[@Marco10021981]

Very emotional while watching your London Marathon Journey 2023 since I were in the same course last week. it's a wonderful experience following you preparing this race and recording the moments during the race. We all know it's not the end and and the marathon is just like our life, the result might not be as we expect, but the most important is how we go through it. Take some good rest and see you on the start line next time.

[@acarpio3]

One of the best marathon recap videos! You're inspiring and you do have the BEST support. Greetings from Texas.

[@JohnBirtchetSharpe]

What a fantastic start of the year!! very well done. Deffo not a negative, you're a bloody hero mate.

[@TheWelshRunner]

Thanks John. Really appreciate the support.

[@theraving90s65]

This video is brilliant everyone who ran London knows exactly what the crowds were like. EPIC. Made me all emotional my missus went through the same aswell London was my first marathon I wanted sub 4hr and finished 4hrs 41secs gutted😭

[@misterbelll]

Well done mate... thanks for a great video 👍👍👍👍🎉❤

[@tonyogrady9028]

Amazing effort Matt, you are an inspiration to many runners who watch your videos every week, thank you .The way you kept going when suffering still smiling and waving, those hard training intervals in your other videos must have helped get you through it.

[@nateo745]

Mate you did amazing. Running at the level. Respect

[@andreafletcher6046]

Gosh so emotional! Well done! 🙌

[@ifinlayson4760]

This is absolutely one of the best recap videos for London Marathon. Well done Matt for seeing it through and coming home strong. Truely inspirational. Fantastic advice at the beginning.

[@peterkisidaj9329]

Hey Matt, my big Congrats, you're amazing! I'm sure you'll smash that 2:22! I cannot imagine run your pace on 42K, my target is to break 3 hrs, my current PB 3:07, and I know how hard is marathon. I'm from Slovakia, and here in Kosice we have a motto for marathon "Try once and love forever" and I think this is special for full marathon race as it's different than half or 10K. Marathon is a challenge that request more than strong legs, it's a strategy, fueling, hydration but finally is about head, especially last 10K. Great race Matt, you were incredible, all my respect. Very inspiring to me. Thanks mate and all the best in your training, 2:22 threshold is "shaking" as it's just a matter of time you smash it 💪💪👍👍

[@craigjones8502]

Loved the video, great job and congrats buddy x

[@teetertotter5787]

Love the sprint finish determined to get sub-2:30 when your original goal was gone. Best London result is something to be proud of. The way you and Kelly wear your hearts on your sleeves cracks my cold dead heart. I love the clarity of your approach. You'll get your 2:22 soon.

[@colinwishart6088]

Really enjoyed watching Kelly & yourself video…not a lump in my throat…honest. Incredible time Matt. We push & strive to be the best we can be. So many positives!! Look forward to seeing you go again.

[@jrochez]

Yes! Congratulations to every aspect of that! I'm super proud of you fighting through it!!!

[@Rusty_Runner]

Brilliant run Matt. So hard to keep pushing when the A goal has gone. Thank you for sharing your experience. I was pleased with a 4 min marathon PB (2:48) helped by finally having a fuelling strategy! A couple of highly concentrated soft flasks worked a treat - sound familiar?! Thank you for the advice 🙏 Keep doing what you’re doing. You’re a quality runner and 2.22 will come!

[@TomSzczepanski]

Thank you Matt for another incredible series. You might have feel like you've failed but it was still an incredible performance. Besides, you've insprired me as always!

[@TheWelshRunner]

Thanks for your support as always. Glad you enjoyed the series.

[@tattylad_running]

Absolutely Raw! Honest head space in the moments straightaway the race in this vlog. In a week or 2 times, hopefully you'll reflect and he able to draw upon the wins. The LM was the victory lap of all the training and effort (and the Portugal training camp) you put in this block. Congrats and now breathe, then on to the next challenge!

[@MarcusJohnsen-r9e]

Amazing performance sir Matt!! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@StaffRoelofse]

You make me want to run and becomes stronger when the goal is not reached. Such a pure vlog. Thanks and good luck with the next one.

[@andyevans6136]

Brilliant video, well done, great time on an off day!

[@robbogsy3469]

Bloody hell mate what a run well done.

[@garethmartin9058]

You have done fantastic Matt love watching your and Kelly blog and you and Kelly inspiration

[@pankaj.parashar]

Loved it! Both of my footages at 11th mile & 25th mile made it into the video. Such an amazing journey!

[@TheWelshRunner]

Thank you for the support and the videos. Really appreciate it. Hope you enjoyed spectating and the support meant so much. 👊

[@whatjamieruns]

Matt that was some marathon vlog! Proper emotional actually! I recently did Manchester albeit a lot slower than you but I also struggled from about the same point. It’s a real grind to the end but getting that medal and seeing your family at the end is all worth it. You and Kelly are a top team and really enjoyed your marathon series! Well done on your 2:29👏

[@TheWelshRunner]

Thanks Jamie and well done on sticking it out at Manchester. I totally agree it’s all worth it. Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed.

[@paudie87]

Inspiring, emotional and encouraging, congrats on a fantastic time and another solid block, keep up the hard work and the 2:22 will come, no doubt 💪🏼🏃🏻‍♂️💨

[@jamiefarmer85]

Huge congrats Matt!!

[@davidrogers5443]

Just blows my mind the pace that you hold over that distance.. or any distance for that matter. I am sure you will get even quicker as well which is crazy! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻