Dad Aims for Marathon World Record on Crutches After Cancer

A father of three who lost his leg to cancer is about to attempt something most people couldn't imagine: running 26.2 miles on crutches.

Peter Lloyd, 44, was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer called high-grade osteosarcoma in 2011. After his leg was amputated in 2018, he could have stepped back from physical challenges. Instead, he's stepping up.

The Glossop resident already completed his first marathon in 2019 using a wheelchair, finishing in just over three hours. But that wasn't enough for Peter. He wanted to push himself further while raising money for the Bone Cancer Research Trust.

Now he's targeting the Guinness World Record for completing a marathon on one leg with crutches. The current record stands at five hours, 37 minutes, and 43 seconds. Peter is aiming to finish in about five hours.

The challenge ahead is enormous. Unlike other runners who can grab water or snacks on the move, Peter has to stop completely because both hands are occupied holding his crutches. He can't rest his hands or stand without the crutches supporting him the entire time.

"It's going to be a bit of a nightmare but a fun one," Peter said with characteristic optimism. His attitude captures exactly why he's doing this monumental challenge.

Why This Inspires

Peter's journey isn't just about breaking a record. It's about showing others what's possible after life-changing diagnoses and surgeries.

"My purpose is to say there is a life. You can do this," he explained. "Barriers are there for you to either go around them, go through them, go under them, or however you want to get past that barrier, you can do it."

His message resonates especially powerfully for the bone cancer community. By attempting this record, Peter is providing living proof that amputation isn't an ending. It can be the beginning of new chapters and achievements that seemed impossible.

Peter is joining 42,000 other participants in the Manchester Marathon, making it the second largest marathon in the UK. Each runner has their own story, their own reason for taking on 26.2 miles. But Peter's journey stands out as a testament to human determination.

One thing is certain: watching a father of three tackle a marathon on crutches will remind everyone lining the Manchester streets that our limits are often just illusions waiting to be shattered.