County Durham athlete chases world record in London Marathon

Erica Dixon, 26, from Lartington near Barnard Castle, hopes to become the fastest and youngest female runner with a learning disability (II1) to complete a marathon.

She said: “Running London has always been an ambition of mine, having previously completed the Manchester Marathon twice.

“Sport plays such a huge part in my life and I run, swim, play, and compete in as many Special Olympics GB competitions as I can around the country.”

Ms Dixon, a member of Special Olympics Teesdale, is one of 10 athletes representing Special Olympics GB at this year’s marathon.

The team is raising funds for the movement’s National Summer Games, where Ms Dixon hopes to compete in swimming, golf, and athletics.

She said: “Having been part of Special Olympics GB for more than 10 years, it’s fantastic to join other athletes and be part of the first ever team to run London.

“Hopefully our achievements will inspire other people with learning disabilities to get involved in sport and join a local club.”

Special Olympics GB uses the power of sport to change the lives of children and adults with a learning disability.

This year marks the organisation’s first National Summer Games since the pandemic, featuring eight single-sport competitions and a seven-sport, five-day event in Birmingham at the end of August.

Ms Dixon has been preparing for the London Marathon with other competitive events, including the Olympics Park Series 10K and the Middlesborough Half Marathon.

She will run the marathon with support runner Rhys Foster.

Both are members of Teesdale Athletics Club.

The team is also raising funds to help Special Olympics GB deliver its National Summer Games, which will give up to 1,700 children and adults with intellectual disabilities the chance to compete on a national stage.