Runner, 26, Eyes Two Marathon World Records in London

Erica Dixon isn't just running the London Marathon. She's chasing two Guinness World Records while inspiring thousands of athletes with learning disabilities to lace up their own shoes.

The 26-year-old from Lartington has been preparing for this moment her entire athletic career. On race day, she'll attempt to become the fastest and youngest female runner with a learning disability to complete a marathon.

"Running London has always been an ambition of mine," Dixon said. She's already conquered the Manchester Marathon twice, proving she has the grit for the distance.

Sport isn't just a hobby for Dixon. It's her life. She runs, swims, plays golf, and competes in Special Olympics GB competitions across the country whenever she can.

Dixon is one of 10 athletes representing Special Olympics GB at this year's London Marathon. It's the organization's first team to ever run the world-famous race together.

The team is raising money for the National Summer Games, where Dixon hopes to compete in swimming, golf, and athletics. The games will give up to 1,700 children and adults with intellectual disabilities the chance to compete on a national stage.

Why This Inspires

Dixon has been part of Special Olympics GB for more than a decade. Now she's helping blaze a trail for the next generation.

"Hopefully our achievements will inspire other people with learning disabilities to get involved in sport and join a local club," she said. Her message is simple: if she can chase world records, others can chase their dreams too.

She won't run alone. Rhys Foster, her teammate from Teesdale Athletics Club, will support her every step of the way. Together, they've been training through races like the Olympics Park Series 10K and the Middlesborough Half Marathon.

This year's National Summer Games mark the organization's first major event since the pandemic. The celebration includes eight single-sport competitions and a seven-sport, five-day event in Birmingham at the end of August.

Dixon's journey shows that records are made to be broken, and barriers are made to be shattered.