BRITS BACK THEMSELVES – EVEN IF THEY CAN’T FIND THEIR TRAINERS
Ahead of the 43rd London Marathon, research from Paddy Power Bingo reveals the nation is overflowing with confidence – just not necessarily ability.
Over four million Brits (6%) believe they could beat the world marathon record – clocking 26.2 miles in under two hours. And not after months of prep and protein shakes – they reckon they could do it with zero training.
CAN’T RUN? BECOME THE PM INSTEAD
Of course, running 26.2 miles may not be your thing. No problem. According to the research:
- 4.8 million Brits (7%) think it’d be easier to become Prime Minister than run a marathon
- 2.7 million would rather walk the entire length of England (that’s 556 miles, by the way)
- And over a million believe an Ironman triathlon – which includes a marathon after a 112-mile cycle and 2.4-mile swim – would be an easier option.
MARATHON ROUTE? APPARENTLY JUST A MYSTERY TOUR
When asked which iconic locations you pass on the London Marathon, 11% of Brits said… none. As in, zero London landmarks. No Big Ben, no Tower Bridge, no Buckingham Palace – just a long, anonymous run through who-knows-where.
And some clearly think the event is less capital city, more UK sightseeing tour:
- 12% think it passes Wembley Stadium
- 2% say the Angel of the North (which is 272 miles away)
- 1% expect to get a scenic view of the White Cliffs of Dover on their way to the finish line
TOP FIVE MARATHON MISHAPS: MOST INCORRECT LOCATIONS
| Rank | Landmark | Distance from London | % of Brits |
| 1 | Windsor Castle | 22 miles | 7% |
| 2 | Stonehenge | 84 miles | 2% |
| 3 | Angel of the North | 272 miles | 2% |
| 4 | The White Cliffs of Dover | 75 miles | 1% |
| 5 | Hadrian’s Wall | 300 miles | 1% |
DISTANCE? ANYONE’S GUESS
Despite being one of the world’s most iconic races, 43% of Brits don’t actually know how far a marathon is.
- Only 56% correctly said 26.2 miles
- 53% of women got it wrong compared to 35% of men
- And for those identifying as “Other”, a staggering 71% had no idea
THE MARATHON ‘ICK’ IS REAL
While many Brits cheer on the runners with pride, not everyone’s feeling the love.
- 10% dislike seeing fully grown adults in fancy dress
- 8% moan about the traffic
- 3% say marathon runners give them the ick
- 2% admit they hate pretending to care by clapping for hours on the sidelines
LIE TO ME, MARATHON EDITION
Turns out over five million Brits (7%) have straight-up lied about completing a marathon. Top reasons?
- “It’s easier than admitting I haven’t” – 46%
- “I thought I’d be judged” – 32%
- “I exaggerated a half marathon” – 22%
- And yes, 7% did it to “impress someone they fancy”
LONDONERS LEAD THE PACK… IN FALSE BELIEF
Leading the charge in overconfidence are Londoners, with a full 10% believing they could leg it around the capital’s 26.2-mile route in under two hours without any training and still be home in time for Sunday roast.
Not far behind are the proud people of Manchester, Belfast and Birmingham, with 9% of locals in each city backing themselves to break records, Eliud Kipchoge-style.
WHAT PADDY POWER BINGO HAS TO SAY
On behalf of Paddy Power Bingo, Paddy Power said: “Only in Britain could millions of people believe they can run faster than the actual world record holder – without so much as a warm-up.
“We salute the confidence. But let’s be honest – most would be out of breath halfway through tying their laces.
“That’s why at Paddy Power Bingo, we reward stamina of a different kind – like lasting a full game without needing a nap.”
To test your luck from the comfort of your sofa – no trainers required – head to Paddy Power Bingo.