11-05-2025
Teen breaks world record for being youngest ever to run London Marathon barefoot
A SALISBURY teenager broke the world record for the youngest person ever to run the London Marathon barefoot.
Cameron Jacobs, 18, ran the London Marathon on Sunday, April 27, completely barefoot and completed the challenge in four hours and 31 minutes.
Cameron has autism, Tourette's Syndrome and ADHD, so he ran the marathon with his mum, Polly Jacobs, 48, as a support runner.
They ran the event for the National Orchestra for All, which has really helped Cameron over the last seven years.
To break the Guinness World Record, Cameron had to finish the marathon barefoot within five hours, and he smashed it.
Mum, Polly, said: "We started in the very last wave with people expected to finish nearer the seven-hour mark, so we knew we would have to run through the crowd.
"We are just genuinely so overwhelmed by all the support. We have had so many messages and comments from people saying they have been inspired by Cameron."
READ MORE: Teenager aiming to become youngest ever to run the London Marathon barefoot
Cameron was set a target by the charity to raise £2,000, but as of Friday, May 9, he has raised nearly £8,000.
Cameron happy to give his feet a rest (Image: Polly Jacobs) Polly continued: "I can't believe how much we have raised, it's just incredible, and the charity fully deserves it for what they have done for our family.
"The day after, they sent him some hand-iced biscuits with his name and finish time on, which he really appreciated. Also, the artistic director of National Orchestra for All came down to watch and support us."
The duo have recovered well and are already back into running, but Cameron has decided to put his trainers back on for now.
Cameron had trained barefoot around Salisbury on some rough terrain, so running through the streets of London felt smooth for him.
Polly said: "Towards the start of the race, he kept saying it was the happiest day of his life and that the roads were so smooth.
"I am so proud of him, and I know he is really proud of himself. National Orchestra for All have really helped us as a family, and I just hope the work they do gives families like us some hope for the future."
