A marathon runner is lacing up her trainers with a world record in sight.
Rachel Talbot, who lives in Horsham, will attempt to become the fastest female to complete a marathon dressed as a tennis player during the London Marathon on Sunday, April 26.
She hopes to break the Guinness World Record while raising money for The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), where she works.
Ms Talbot said: “Last year I ran the London Marathon, and I have a Guinness World Record from participating in that, because it was the biggest marathon ever held.
“I’ve got the certificate sitting on my sideboard.
“And when I got a place to run for the ICR, I suddenly thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be good to have a record for myself’.”
The challenge is a tribute to her late mother, Jane Burrows, an accomplished tennis player who died in August last year, aged 81, after her ovarian cancer spread.
To donate to her fundraising efforts, visit 2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/rachel-talbot.
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Rachel’s mum, Jane Burrows, died in August last year at the age of 81, after her ovarian cancer spread (Image: ICR)
Ms Talbot said: “I thought it would boost publicity for my fundraising, make it challenging and fun—and most importantly, it would be a tribute to my mum.
“Whilst I’ve only ever played socially and had some lessons as a kid, my Mum was an excellent tennis player, winning many accolades in both ladies matches and partnering with my Dad in mixed doubles.”
The Guinness World Record attempt requires Ms Talbot to complete the marathon in full tennis whites, carrying a racket in one hand, a tennis ball in the other, and wearing a bag with four additional rackets.
She said: “The bag is two kilos. Not too heavy, just bulky.
“It gets in the way and moves about.
“It has to be one strap across the body, and it has to have four rackets in it.”
Rachael Potter, sports and challenge events officer at ICR, said: “We’re incredibly grateful for the support of Rachel and all of our runners taking part in this year’s London Marathon.
“Training for a marathon while fundraising is a huge commitment, and we continue to be inspired by the determination and passion shown by our supporters.