Millionth finisher named as record number apply for 2017

39 year old Shannon Foudy has been named as the millionth finisher in the London Marathon after a week where 253,930 UK applicants registered to run the 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon

The millionth finisher to cross the line in the London Marathon was 39 year old Shannon Foudy from Hemel Hempstead, who was running her first marathon on Sunday 24 April.

Shannon ran to raise money for the Luton & Dunstable Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) that saved the life of her daughter. In January 2010, Shannon gave birth at just 26 weeks and tiny Catrin, who weighed only 2lb 5oz, battled through organ failure and a brain haemorrhage in the NICU. See more on Shannon’s fundraising page here

Catrin, now a thriving 6 year old, her partner Jamie and other members of her family were there to cheer on Shannon as she took on the challenge of the London Marathon. She finished in 5.45:18.

Shannon, a serving police officer who works as a schools and youth engagement sergeant in Barnet, said: “I knew about the #oneinamillion campaign and it’s unbelievable that I am the millionth finisher. I ran to say thank you to the Luton & Dunstable NICU and it is the most worthwhile thing I have ever done.

“Catrin, Jamie and my mum and dad were at the 14 mile mark so I stopped there for a few cuddles. Being surrounded by so many people running for great causes was amazing.”

Hugh Brasher, Event Director of the Virgin Money London Marathon, said: “Shannon epitomises the spirit of the London Marathon. She was a novice runner inspired to take on the challenge of 26.2 miles for a very personal cause and it’s wonderful she is our millionth finisher.”

Shannon was presented with her unique #oneinamillion t-shirt and also receives a guaranteed place for the 2017 event.

A record number of 253,930 UK applicants had registered for a ballot place in the 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon when the application system closed on Friday 6 May. This is more than 6,000 up from the previous record of 247,069 applications for the 2016 event.

Just under 56% of the applications for 2017 were from people who have never run a marathon and more than 43% of the total applicants were women (also a record).

“These numbers reflect the huge success of the 36th London Marathon on 24 April,” said Brasher. “One of our goals is to inspire people to take up sport and more than 142,000 people have been inspired to apply to run a marathon for the first time in 2017. 

“In 1981, less than 300 of the finishers were women. More than 110,000 women have applied to run next year and for first timers to marathon running it is virtually a 50/50 split of men and women.  

“The London Marathon has had an extraordinary impact that has helped to inspire profound social change. It is an iconic event that compels people to take up running and to raise millions for charity. The London Marathon Charitable Trust has enabled thousands more to get active through its funding of a huge range of recreational projects.”

Entrants will be notified of the ballot results in October 2016.