Wales legend Aaron Ramsey completed the London Marathon in just over three hours only two weeks after announcing his retirement from football
Former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has completed the London Marathon in a remarkable time, crossing the finish line in just over three hours.
The 35-year-old, who announced his retirement from professional football earlier this month, lined up alongside 59,000 fellow runners on Sunday and finished the world-famous race in 3:00:30. He covered the first half in 1:23:11, maintaining a pace of 6mins 53 secs per mile in his final split, reports Wales Online.
Ramsey was taking part in the marathon to raise funds for It’s Never You, a charity established by his close friends Ceri and Frances Menai-Davis following the death of their six-year-old son Hugh, who passed away from rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer.
Speaking to BBC Sport ahead of the race, ex-Gunners star Ramsey described himself as ‘excited’ to trade his football boots for running shoes, adding: “Training’s been difficult, when the rain’s coming down and it’s wet and windy, and it can be quite a lonely place sometimes. But actually, I’ve enjoyed it in a weird way, being in the trenches a little bit.
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“As a charity, [It’s Never You] is really close to my heart,” he continued. “I know Ceri and Fran and their family. I knew Hugh very well. My eldest boy, Sonny, is a similar age and they used to play with each other.”
“I can’t imagine what they went through and what they are going through, but they’ve been an absolute inspiration to me, my family and many others.” Ramsey’s finishing time placed him ahead of the likes of Wicked actress Cynthia Erivo, who crossed the line in 3:21:40, as well as former tennis player Laura Robson (3:28:16) and newsreader Sophie Raworth (3:36:35).
He also edged out former Derby County, Burnley and Manchester United goalkeeper Lee Grant by a mere three seconds, completing the course just moments before him.
Nevertheless, the ex-Juventus midfielder was pipped at the post by ex-Formula One star Sebastian Vettel, who delivered an impressive marathon time of 2:59:08.
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The Welshman’s latest accomplishment comes fewer than three weeks after he confirmed his retirement from football, bringing the curtain down on a distinguished career having not featured in a match for over six months.
Ramsey had previously expressed his desire to represent Wales at this summer’s World Cup should they secure qualification, but following their defeat to Bosnia last month, which extinguished those hopes, he opted to walk away from the game.
“This has not been an easy decision to make,” he said in a statement. “After a lot of consideration, I have decided to retire from football.
“Firstly, I want to start with Wales. It has been my privilege to wear the Welsh shirt and experience so many incredible moments in it. It would not have been possible without the incredible input of all the managers I have played under and all the staff who have helped me in many ways.
“To the Red Wall. You have been there through thick and thin! You have been there through the highs and lows, and you have been an essential and indispensable part of our success. I can’t thank you enough. We’ve been through everything together and it’s been an honour to represent you. Diolch.
“Secondly, thank you to all the clubs I’ve been lucky enough to play for,” Ramsey added. “Thank you to all the managers and staff that have helped me be able to live my dream and play at the highest level.
“And a huge thank you to my wife and children and all my family. Without you by my side throughout, none of this would have been possible.”
During his time at Arsenal, which began in 2008 after a move from boyhood side Cardiff City, Ramsey made 262 appearances.
He brought his time at Emirates Stadium to an end in 2019, signing for Juventus. Ramsey spent time at Rangers, Nice and Cardiff once more before moving to his final team, Pumas UNAM in Mexico, last year.
He made six appearances for the Mexico City-based side before leaving the club in October.
