London Marathon: Record Number of MPs and Peers Participating
As a record 20 MPs and peers from various parties gear up to run the London Marathon, the event is set to witness the highest number of serving politicians ever to participate. The participants include 12 Conservative MPs, three Labour MPs, two SNP MPs, one independent MP, and two peers.
Notable Participants
- Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and former health secretary, now independent MP Matt Hancock
- Tory MP Dehenna Davison, a first-time marathon runner
- Tory MP Alun Cairns, running for the 12th time and holding the record for the highest number of London Marathons completed as an MP
Various MPs shared insights on how running a marathon helps them excel in their roles as Members of Parliament.
Benefits of Running for MPs
MPs highlighted the following advantages of marathon running:
- Enhanced discipline and task prioritization
- Time for introspection and problem-solving
- Mindfulness and stress relief
- Fundraising for charitable causes
Running a marathon provides MPs with a structured approach to their busy lives, enabling them to focus better on their responsibilities and challenges.
Moreover, fundraising efforts have allowed MPs to engage more closely with charitable organizations and causes.
Raising Awareness and Funds for Charitable Causes
Several MPs are running for notable causes:
- Dan Jarvis runs for Cancer Research UK in memory of his late wife
- Alun Cairns supports Children with Cancer UK
- Paul Scully fundraises for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity
- Dehenna Davison raises funds for the National Migraine Centre
- Thangam Debbonaire supports Bristol Refugee Rights
Personal Goals and Challenges
MPs set personal goals for the marathon, aiming to challenge themselves and achieve new milestones:
- Alun Cairns aims to maintain his title as the fastest MP
- Dan Jarvis focuses on improving his personal best time
- Paul Scully targets a significant time improvement
- Thangam Debbonaire aspires to enhance her marathon performance
- Dehenna Davison prioritizes completing the marathon and enjoying the experience
Music and Podcasts for Motivation
MPs find motivation in music and podcasts during their training sessions:
- Paul Scully enjoys political podcasts and upbeat playlists
- Alun Cairns tunes into various podcasts and radio shows
- Dan Jarvis listens to political podcasts and audiobooks
- Dehenna Davison runs to a mix of Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Olivia Rodrigo
- Thangam Debbonaire curates playlists with classical and electronic music for marathon training
Running the London Marathon not only challenges MPs physically but also provides them with valuable insights and opportunities to support charitable causes.