Emotional London Marathon star dedicates run to family member hurt in horror crash after second best British time ever
EMOTIONAL Emile Cairess dedicated his London Marathon podium spot to a family member who has endured a horror car crash.
The Leeds runner ran a personal best of 2:06:46 to finish third in his second-ever race over 26.2 miles.
Before, during and after the race, Cairess had his cousin Oliver – “like a little brother to me” – firmly in his thoughts.
A couple of months ago, Oliver was involved in a traffic incident and was placed in a coma as he fought for his life.
Only this month was he moved out of Intensive Care Unit but still remains in hospital.
Cairess, 26, said: “In my preparation, I had a really stressful couple of months.
“My cousin Oliver, he was in a car crash. It was a really tough time.
“He has come through it. This was for him. I was emotional this morning.
“I remembered him as I was running. I’m so proud to do it for him.
“It’s not all about the time and performance. It’s how much you can give it and inspire. I’m really proud of myself.”
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Bradford-born Cairess wanted to break Mo Farah’s 2018 British record of 2:05:11 on the streets of Chicago but that will be a target for another day.
Britain’s Mahamed Mahamed was fourth in a PB of 2:07:05 and the two guys have booked their spots on the Eurostar for Team GB at the Paris Olympics.
Victory went to Kenyan Alexander Mutiso Munyao in 2:04:01 while 41-year-old Ethiopian Kenenisa Bekele was second in 2:04:15.
Cairess added: “I felt good. It was windy. I stuck to my race plan. Luckily I managed to move up into third place.
“It pretty much means I’m selected for Paris. I’m in the team. The selection meeting, I think, is on Monday. I’ll definitely be there.
“It was a risk to run here. But I have prepared really well. I needed to run the London Marathon before the Olympics. It’s a risk that has paid off.
“I don’t think I had the fitness for the British record. But I think I could have gone under 2:06.”
Kenyan Peres Jepchirchir crossed the line in 2:16:16, which is a women’s-only world record – when female pacemakers are used.
The top British woman was Scottish long-distance star Mhairi MacLennan, was who 11th in 2:29:15 on her debut appearance.
David Weir came third in the men’s wheelchair race, which was won by Swiss Silver Bullet Marcel Hug for a fourth successive time.
A 30-second applause took place before the start of the mass race in tribute to Kenyan marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum, who died in a car crash aged 24 in February.