Special Olympics Great Britain (GB) athlete and fundraiser Lloyd Martin has set a second Guinness World Records title in six months by completing one of the most iconic half marathon events, The AJ Bell Great North Run.

Sponsor Lloyd

Lloyd, who was born with Down Syndrome, was given a place in the event by renowned running brand Brooks, and he went on to complete the distance  in two hours, 39 minutes and nine seconds when aged 19 and 355 days. Following verification, he has been presented with a new Guinness World Records title for the Youngest Person to Complete a Half Marathon (II2) (male).

The accolade follows his Guinness World Records title set in April this year at the TCS London Marathon, which he completed in six hours, 46 minutes and 10 second to become the Youngest Person to Complete a Marathon (II2) (Male).

“I’ve always read the Guinness World Records book so to get two titles in a year and be published in the latest edition is a dream come true,” said Lloyd.

“Playing and competing in sport has always been a big part of my life and I want to prove to everyone that those of us who have an intellectual disability can go on to achieve big things when we’re given the opportunity.”

Lloyd is a member of Special Olympics GB accredited clubs Ascot United Football Club Warriors, and Prime Acrobatics in Woking, but he is also part of the Topgolf Surrey programme. In recent years he has been a regular participant at Park Run events, near to his family home in Camberley and in South Wales, which he visits regularly.

Despite setting two new Guinness World Records titles, Lloyd’s incredible fundraising for the year continues as he works towards a goal of raising more than £30,000 for Special Olympics GB and Stepping Stones DS. He recently completed the Principality Half Marathon in Cardiff, but, next month, Brooks is funding his journey to the USA to complete his second Abbot World Marathon Majors event, the New York City Marathon.

Everyone at Special Olympics GB is very proud of Lloyd’s achievements and wishes him the very best in New York City.