Seb battles illness and race injury to complete the London Marathon for Blue Apple

Seb Longman's Marathon of Triumph

Seb Longman was inspired to run the London Marathon after volunteering at Blue Apple Theatre in 2019. He had seen first hand how the performing arts benefit learning disabled people, and he wanted to do something to help.

Seb had no previous running experience, and his studies keep him very busy but he trained hard for the marathon. He ran a practice half marathon in 2 hours and 12 minutes, and another practice run in London in 2 hours and 25 minutes.

Then, three weeks before the race, Seb came down with a nasty virus. He was bedridden for two weeks and lost weight and muscle. He thought he would have to withdraw from the marathon, but he kept training and managed a half marathon the week before the race.

The Big Day
On the day of the marathon, Seb started off strong. But at mile three, he developed breathing problems and had to stop at the medical tent. He rested for a while and then started running again, but he was now an hour behind schedule.

Seb continued to run, but at mile twelve, his knee gave out. He was in pain, but he refused to give up. He dug deep and kept running, and he finally crossed the finish line in 5 hours, 56 minutes, and 31 seconds.

Seb's marathon was a triumph of the human spirit. He overcame adversity and achieved his goal, all while raising money to make a real difference to people with a learning disability. He is an inspiration to us all and we are enormously grateful for his effort.

Seb has now raised £1,741 for Blue Apple
This will help create more performing opportunities, reduce isolation and build on the strengths and skills of Blue Apple participants. The JustGiving page is still open if you'd like to donate.

Right: Seb Longman with his medal after the finish at the London Marathon.
Centre: Seb with his mum at the end of the race.
Left : Seb's final time displaying on the TCS app.