London Marathon's youngest runner will take on the challenge on her 18th birthday

Youngest runner: Rebecca Manners
Virgin Money London Marathon
Hannah Al-Othman11 April 2016

The youngest competitor in this year's Virgin Money London Marathon will be taking on the challenge on her 18th birthday.

Rebecca Manners will be celebrating the landmark date by running her first London Marathon on Sunday, April 24.

And she won't be left to run the 26.2 miles around the capital alone - as both of her parents are set to join her on the Start Line.

Rebecca, from Manningtree, near Colchester said: “It’s not your usual 18th birthday celebration, that’s true.

“I think some of my friends think I’m crazy but it’s something I’ve wanted to do ever since watching my mum and dad run the marathon. Then, when I saw this year’s event was on the day of my birthday, I thought I had to do it.”

Her parents, Warren and Jackie, are London Marathon veterans and they will be running again this year to make it a real family celebration.

“My dad’s a bit too fast for us so he will be up the road,” added Rebecca who is studying for A-Levels at Colchester Sixth Form College.

“But my mum and I are planning to run together and we are both doing it for the same charity, VICTA, which supports blind and visually impaired children.”

Oldest runner: Iva Barr
Virgin Money London Marathon

Seventy years separate Rebecca and Iva Barr – who, at the other end of the age spectrum, is the oldest runner due to line up on race day.

Ms Barr, 88, has run more London Marathons than Rebecca has seen birthdays, as she prepares for her 20th this year.

“I’m a lucky lady,” said Iva, who is a member of Bedford Harriers. “I just love doing the London Marathon. It’s like being at the centre of a big street party.

“Training has not been so good this year. I had a fall and hurt my shoulder and then got that injured shoulder bumped again by someone when I was on a run. But one way or another I will get round again.”

MS Barr was awarded a Point Of Light award by David Cameron, given to individuals who make a change in their community and inspire others through voluntary work and fundraising.

“It was an unbelievable honour,” said Ms Barr, who is once again running for the disabled children’s charity Whizz-Kidz.

“I’m so grateful for the support I have from everyone, from those at home when I’m out on training runs to the spectators on the day. There are always so many people wishing me well on the road-side and I always make a point of stopping to talk to the children from the Whizz-Kidz charity who are usually watching at mile 22. I love running for them.”

Youngest male: Jake Smerdon
Virgin Money London Marathon

The youngest male in this year’s London Marathon is Jake Smerdon, from York who will be 18 years and 18 days old on Race Day.

Jake, a student at Ampleforth College in North Yorkshire, says his training has been spurred on by a desire to become the fastest marathon runner in his family.

His father Adrian, who is the head of pastoral care at Ampleforth College, ran the London Marathon 20 years ago, aged 30, and clocked 5:10:58.

Oldest male: John Starbrook
Virgin Money London Marathon

The oldest male in the race is 85-year-old John Starbrook who is 85 years young. Last year John lined up for the London Marathon alongside his granddaughter Yarna, who was then 18, and completed the course in 7:01:44.

Marathon veteran John is once again running to raise money for Age UK, for whom he has raised about £40,000 over the course of his previous London Marathons.

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