In an unexpected yet impressive turn of events, pop icon Harry Styles has joined the ranks of elite marathon runners by completing a marathon in under three hours. On a sweltering Sunday morning, Styles, running under the alias Sted Sarandos, crossed the finish line with a time of 2 hours, 59 minutes, and 13 seconds, securing the coveted sub-three-hour marathon—a benchmark that many amateur runners only dream of achieving.
Styles’ remarkable feat was witnessed by fellow runner Fry, 28, who had an amusing encounter with the star just before the race. “I was surprised that there wasn’t more security,” Fry noted, recalling how Styles emerged from a Portaloo wearing tiny black hot pants and a headband, looking focused and ready to tackle the challenge ahead.
Breaking Barriers in Sweltering Heat
The marathon took place under challenging conditions, with temperatures reaching 25°C by 11 a.m. Styles ran in a long-sleeved black top, a choice that many would consider a “death wish” in such heat. Yet, he managed to maintain perfect splits throughout the race, a testament to his endurance and strategy.
Fry, who finished the race in 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 46 seconds, expressed admiration for Styles’ performance. “It’s very impressive to get a PB in those conditions,” he said, acknowledging the difficulty of maintaining pace as temperatures soared.
The Mythical Sub-Three
Running a marathon in under three hours is a significant achievement in the running community. The “sub-three” marathon has reached mythical status, akin to other running milestones such as the sub-20-minute 5km or completing all seven World Marathon Majors. For many, joining the sub-three club is a lifetime achievement that commands respect and admiration.
Historically, men under 40 needed a qualifying time of just under three hours for most marathons to secure a place in prestigious events like the London Marathon. However, as competition increases and runners get faster, these times are becoming more stringent. Currently, the “good for age” time for men aged 18-39 at the London Marathon is under 2 hours and 52 minutes.
Training and Dedication
Achieving a sub-three-hour marathon requires immense dedication, involving months of rigorous training and lifestyle adjustments. According to Fry, “You’ve got to be running between 80 and 100km a week.” Styles’ commitment to his training regimen is evident, especially considering his busy schedule as a global music star.
Running coach Tommy Trees, whose marathon personal best is 2 hours and 29 minutes, praised Styles’ rapid improvement. “To improve by 15 percent is insane,” Trees remarked, highlighting the difficulty of shaving 25 minutes off a marathon time in just six months.
Looking Ahead
With two World Marathon Majors under his belt, Styles appears to be setting his sights on further achievements in the running world. His ability to maintain consistent pacing over multiple races suggests that he may continue to improve his times in the future.
For fans hoping to catch a glimpse of Styles, there are two options: attempt to match his running prowess or stake out a spot near the Portaloos at the start of major marathons. As Styles continues to balance his music career with his newfound passion for running, his journey serves as an inspiration to both fans and fellow runners alike.
