EMILE CAIRESS is Britain’s second-fastest marathon runner of all time after he stormed to a third place finish at London 2024 Marathon.
This Marathon star is now set to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Here’s what we know about Britain’s long-distance runner.
Emile Cairness is a British long-distance runner.
Born December 1997 the Bradford boy grew up in Saltaire and took up the sport as a young child alongside his mother Alison, an art teacher with a passion for running.
He won a bursary to attend Bradford Grammar School, completing his A Levels in 2016.
He then went on to study at St Mary’s University, Twickenham.
Cairness showed a talent for long-distance running early on, winning 10,000m bronze at the 2019 European Under-23 Championships.
In the European Cross Country Championships he won his first team silver medal despite falling over at the half-mile stage he moved up 59 places to finish eighth.
The athlete set five other personal bests in 2022.
With his most impressive feat that year being the moment he matched Mo Farah‘s legendary 10 kilometres record with his time of 27:44.
The Yorkshireman made his London Marathon debut in 2023, making headlines for overtaking Mo Farah and finishing in sixth place.
During the London Marathon 2024 Cairness earned a third place finish, with a new personal best time of 2:06:46.
Speaking at a press conference he said: “It’s not all about the time and performance. It’s how much you can give it and inspire. I’m really proud of myself.”
“I felt good. It was windy. I stuck to my race plan. Luckily I managed to move up into third place.
“It pretty much means I’m selected for Paris. I’m in the team.
Emile Cairess is now the second-fastest British marathon runner of all time and has qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Cairness will be competing in the Olympic Marathon.
The Paris 2024 Olympic Marathon is scheduled for August 10 for the men’s event and the following day for the women’s race.
Cairness and other contestants will follow a 42km route that links Hôtel de Ville in Paris to Versailles, following a loop packed with history.
With a route that will include a 436m climb and 438m descent, this marathon will be particularly challenging for the qualifiers.
