AW Magazine

13 April 2023

With spring marathon season in the air, the April issue of AW celebrates the art of running 26.2 miles. Few have ever done it better than Paula Radcliffe, who created history 20 years ago with a world record-breaking run which rewrote the rules of women’s distance running. In an exclusive interview, she takes Euan Crumley behind the scenes of that unforgettable 2003 day in London. Eamonn Martin also knows what victory in London tastes like. His big moment came 30 years ago and he tells Jason Henderson why he would like to be replaced as the last British male runner to finish first in the showpiece event. Friends and training partners Emile Cairess and Phil Sesemann are two of Britain’s brightest hopes and the pair chat about their aspirations ahead of this year’s London Marathon, while there will also be huge interest in Eilish McColgan making her debut over the classic distance. Her mother and coach Liz – also a former London winner – explains why she is so proud of an athlete who is making great strides. London is not the only marathon major taking place this month, of course, and we also shine the spotlight on Boston, where men’s world record-holder Eliud Kipchoge will be pitting his wits against the famously challenging course. This issue also features an extract from a new book about Kipchoge’s coach, Patrick Sang, while the Kenyan’s fellow NN Running Team member, Nienke Brinkman, explains her rapid marathon rise. Steve Smythe thumbs the history books to look at the evolution of the marathon world records, too, while there is expert advice from Olympian turned elite coach Mark Coogan on how to race the marathon and running shoe guru Paul Freary casts his expert eye over the best super shoes to help you to your own personal best.