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

February 1, 2025
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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.

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