Download our Free 8-Week Plan here →
News

A Fridge-Carrying Runner’s Journey to the Finish Line of the London Marathon

February 1, 2025
By

This guy didn’t just run the 2024 London Marathon, he carried a 26kg fridge named Tallulah on his back, aiming for a Guinness World Record. Read his story!

The Marathon and the Record Attempt

Fairbrother crossed the London Marathon finish line in 5 hours, 59 minutes—well beyond the current record of 4 hours, 52 minutes, and 10 seconds set in 2023 by Royal Marine Sam Hammond, who also ran with a fridge. Despite missing the Guinness World Record, Fairbrother described the experience as “unforgettable.”

His determination to tackle 42 kilometers of London’s streets with Tallulah, inspired by the film Cool Runnings, was sparked during a night at the pub with a friend. The fridge’s nickname is a nod to the Jamaican bobsled team’s sled in the iconic movie.

“I knew from the moment I signed up for the London Marathon that I would cross the finish line—record or no record,” said Fairbrother.

A Proposal at the Finish Line

@bbc What a magical moment at the London Marathon 🥹 Daniel Fairbrother, from Stevenage, proposed to his girlfriend outside Big Ben as he tried to break the world record for the fastest marathon while carrying a fridge. #LondonMarathon #Marathon #Running #Proposal ♬ original sound - BBC

As Fairbrother approached the final stretch, the marathon became even more unforgettable. Spotting his girlfriend, Hayley Holden, among the cheering crowd, he made an impromptu pause. With Tallulah still strapped to his back, he knelt down, pulled out a ring, and asked her to marry him.

Her answer? A resounding yes.

The proposal had been part of Fairbrother’s plan all along. “We celebrated our anniversary four days before the marathon, and I thought this would be the perfect moment to propose,” he shared after the race.

What’s Next for Daniel and Tallulah?

Mr Fairbrother was stopped during marathon training in Stevenage by police officers who mistook him for a thief

While most runners might retire their quirky gimmick after such a grueling effort, Fairbrother is not ready to say goodbye to Tallulah just yet. He has already signed up for a 100-kilometer ultramarathon in the Peak District this July.

“One of my problems is that I never know when to stop,” he joked.

A Celebration of Determination and Love

Daniel Fairbrother’s marathon story is about more than running. It’s a testament to perseverance, a tribute to creativity, and a celebration of love. Whether it’s breaking records, carrying a fridge named Tallulah, or proposing to his girlfriend, Fairbrother embodies the spirit of pushing boundaries and living life to its fullest.

One thing’s for sure—July’s ultramarathon is bound to deliver more memorable moments for Daniel and his trusty fridge.

‍

You Might Also Like

I Missed One Run and Immediately Thought My Running Season Was Over

Missing one run rarely costs you fitness in any meaningful way. What it does cost (if you let it) is momentum in your head...

Ethan Shuley Runs 2:07 in Osaka, Becomes Sixth-Fastest American Marathoner Ever

Unknown a week ago, Ethan Shuley just ran 2:07:14 at the Osaka Marathon on February 22, finishing 14th and becoming the sixth-fastest U.S. marathoner ever on a record-eligible course despite having no sponsor, no agent, and an unconventional path back to elite running.

17-Year-Old Brody Chisholm Finishes 12th at Cocodona 250, Emerging as a Rising Ultrarunning Talen

At just 17, Brody Chisholm delivered a breakout performance at the 2024 Cocodona 250, placing 12th overall and finishing the brutal 250-mile Arizona traverse in 75:42:42 to become the youngest finisher in race history.

Yann Schrub Breaks European 10K Record with 26:43 in Castellon

Yann Schrub stunned the field at the Facsa Castellon 10K, clocking 26:43 to break the European record. With Andreas Almgren matching his previous mark, four men dipped under 27 minutes as Europe’s road scene lit up.

Ashley Paulson Breaks Women’s World Record at USATF Championships, Runs 12:19:34 for 100 Miles

Ashley Paulson stunned the ultrarunning world at the Jackpot 100 in Henderson, Nevada, clocking 12:19:34 to break the women’s 100-mile world record and cut 17 minutes off the previous mark.

Runner A.J. Swann, 74, Dies After Vehicle Enters Florida Half Marathon Course

A 74-year-old runner, Albert Jernigan “A.J.” Swann of St. Simons Island, Georgia, died after a vehicle entered the Florida Half Marathon course in Melbourne and struck him less than a mile into the race on February 8.