PC: Cornish Times
How did two runners set a marathon world record in an inflatable elephant
Jo Robinson and Emma Langstaff finished the race in 4:15:40, recording the fastest marathon time ever recorded in a two-person inflatable costume. Their run also followed Jo’s failed attempt to set a record dressed as a lobster in 2023. Both runners are turning 50 this year, but said their plans were not the result of a midlife crisis.
Because of the crowd support, jo had previously taken part in the Paris and Berlin marathons, but said neither compared with London.
Emma works as a doctor and treats patients with type one diabetes, while both of Jo’s daughters live with type one diabetes, according to the Cornish Times. Jo said, “It was physically demanding, especially starting further back, but we spent much of the race overtaking people, which gave us a real lift psychologically. Jo Robinson said, “You’ve got to completely change your stride” Jo said, “The costume got soaked and it was like running with a wet towel wrapped round my legs”. She said the cheers from strangers gave the runners a boost and kept them going throughout the race. Instead, they said their motivation came from their love of running, sense of humour and desire to do something different.
Two runners from Looe have set a world record after completing the London Marathon inside a giant inflatable elephant. As members of the Looe Pioneers running club, they took on the challenge to raise money and awareness for type one diabetes. The pair had trained only twice in the costume before race day, but worked together to manage shorter steps and a matching cadence. They are members of the Looe Pioneers running club, but the challenge was about more than the novelty of running as an elephant. They also wanted to raise money and awareness for type one diabetes. Emma is a doctor who works with patients living with the condition. Both of Jo’s daughters are also suffering from type one diabetes. I’m not sure those being passed by an elephant enjoyed it quite as much, but it certainly kept us going. The shared inflatable costume meant the pair had to change their usual running style. The London Marathon also left a strong impression on the runners. The Cornish Times reports they now have a certificate of sorts, but the official one still needs to be ordered.