Mum aims to break quirky record at London Marathon for air ambulance charity
A mother from Leicestershire is set to attempt a unique world record during the London Marathon while raising funds for the UK Air Ambulance Service. Fiona Betts plans to run the race dressed as a large yellow helicopter, reports BritPanorama.
Ms Betts, who has completed 27 marathons to date, took up running nearly a decade ago, drawn by the mental health benefits of outdoor exercise. The idea of pursuing a world record emerged when she noticed a lack of records for female runners in helicopter costumes. “I couldn’t find a costume that I could run fast enough in,” she recalled.
Inspired after witnessing an air ambulance helicopter land, she attempted to establish the Guinness World Record for the fastest 3D aircraft three years ago. Since then, she has become a familiar face in her themed costume, supporting 21 air ambulance charities across the country. As she prepares for the London Marathon, she expresses optimism about setting a new record.
“The main thing is I don’t want to be the person that they need to call the air ambulance out for, so safety first,” she stated. Betts acknowledged the fantastic support from her community, which has included cheers and waves during her training runs. “I’m out there to enjoy it and just raise awareness,” she added.
Currently, Ms Betts has raised nearly £10,000 for her charity efforts and remains confident about coping with the warm weather on marathon day. She has previously run marathons in hot conditions and remarked, “I’ve run marathons in heat before. I ran in Hawaii last year, in 29C, not in a costume in my runner’s outfit.”
Reflecting on her journey, she noted, “It’s one of those things you train for. I trained in it. So I do know that it gets warm. I’ve done marathons in the heat, so it’s not my first rodeo.” Betts conveys that through her many races, she developed an eagerness to sign up for new challenges, capturing the spirit of endurance that defines marathon runners.
As the event approaches, excitement builds not only for her personal achievement but also for the cause she champions — a poignant reminder of the impact that individual endeavours can have on community health services.
