'I finished last in the 2024 London Marathon. I can't do any worse this year'

Fred Tomlinson has run 33 consecutive London Marathons

"I can't do any worse than last year."

These are the words of the man who finished last in the 2024 London Marathon and hopes to avoid the same fate this year - despite not being able to train.

Fred Tomlinson, from Doncaster, made headlines when he crossed the line in 13 hours and 23 minutes, finishing after midnight.

The 76-year-old will take on his 33rd consecutive London Marathon on 27 April to raise money for the Rainbow Trust Children's Charity in memory of his daughter Claire, who died just before her 15th birthday.

Discussing his race strategy, Mr Tomlinson said he planned to "just put my head down", adding: "I can't do any worse than last year."

The former police officer said his marathon preparations had been hampered by knee replacement surgery in November.

With one week to go, his training had so far consisted of "just walking up and down" but he hoped any pain on the day would be temporary.

"When you are in the hospital ward and there's children dying it hits home - it still does now," said Mr Tomlinson.

"What you do is over and done with in a few hours, they just carry on and can't have a day off."

The repeat marathon runner has raised thousands for the Rainbow Trust, which supports families that have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness.

His main goal remains fundraising for the organisation but he also hopes to finish this year's event in under eight hours - and avoid the alternative finish line for slower runners.

"Helping the families and the children, that's my motivation," said the grandfather of six.

"I'll be doing it until [the Rainbow Trust] get fed up of me."

The charity's chief executive Zillah Bingley said Mr Tomlinson's dedication was "truly remarkable".

"[It] reflects his deep, personal understanding of the challenges families face when a child is seriously ill," she said.

Mr Tomlinson has run the London marathon in a variety of fancy dress outfits over the last 32 years, cheered on by his wife, Vanessa.

"It's a brilliant event and it seems to get better every year," said Mr Tomlinson. "The crowds are phenomenal."

He said he planned to take a bath after crossing the finish line, adding: "I might get a breakfast because it will be breakfast by the time I have done."

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