Runner with Down's syndrome invited to New York race

A teenage runner with Down's syndrome has been invited to take part in races across the globe.

Lloyd Martin, 19, made history as the youngest person with a learning disability to complete a marathon when he took part in the London event in April, setting a Guinness World Record.

Since then, he’s received invitations to run the New York Marathon, the Paris Marathon, and the Great North Run in Newcastle.

But Lloyd was disappointed to miss out on competing in his family’s hometown event, the Cardiff Half Marathon in October, due to a late application.

Everything changed on Thursday morning when Lloyd and his mother received a surprise invitation, live on BBC Radio Wales, to participate.

“Wow, my hometown,” said Lloyd.

Ceri and Lloyd at the start of the London Half Marathon in April

His mother and running guide, Ceri Hooper, 54, added: “How amazing is that. Thank you so much.

"He’s speechless, grinning from ear to ear.”

Ceri, who represented Wales in cross-country running as a teenager and has completed the London Marathon four times, said: “We got our applications in too late.

"Lloyd’s aunties and uncles are running it too, so it was gutting."

The family, originally from Cardiff but now living in Surrey, said the response to Lloyd setting a record has been overwhelmingly positive.

“It’s just mad. We’ve been recognised in airports, locally, or just walking down the road," said Ceri.

“Everyone comes up to Lloyd to shake his hand and ask for selfies.

“I’ve become his full-time PA overnight, it makes him so happy."

Lloyd will take part in the Great North Run in August, followed by the Paris Marathon in November, and the New York Marathon in April 2025.

“We are very excited,” said Ceri. “We’ve started planning our trips and booking flights. We can’t wait to go.”

Training is in full swing for Lloyd, who increased his running regimen to three times a week in July.

When asked for advice for aspiring marathon runners, Lloyd said: “Anything is possible. Look after people, your loved ones, and people with disabilities.”