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The London Marathon returns this weekend with 50,000 runners set to take on the iconic course through the capital, and they'll be following in the footsteps of some footballing greats. Michael Owen, Gary Speed and Kevin Kilbane are just some household names that have tackled the course with some respectable times.
Across the globe, many a former football star has taken on a marathon after retiring. Earlier this month former Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben took on the Rotterdam Marathon and just last weekend Joey Barton ran the Manchester Marathon.
Currently managing Bristol Rovers, Barton ran the 26.2 miles for his player Nick Anderton, who today announced his retirement from football following a battle with bone cancer. With a number of Manchester United legends featuring, ManchesterWorld looks at some of those marathon times posted by footballing figures over the years.
Best of luck to all London Marathon participants this weekend whether you might be eyeing up a time even quicker than these football stars or simply hoping to make it round in one piece.
5. Joey Barton - 4:00:23
Bristol Rovers manager and ex Premier League star Joey Barton ran the Manchester Marathon last weekend for Gashead player Nick Anderton after his cancer diagnosis. Photo: Dan Mullan
6. Gary Speed - 3:49:22
Gary Speed ran the London Marathon in 2010 for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. | Getty Images
7. Michael Owen - 3:45:43
Former Newcastle United and Liverpool man Michael Owen found the London Marathon in 2014 “a challenge”. | Getty Images
8. Dwight Yorke - 3:31:56
Dwight Yorke ran the London Marathon on his birthday in 2011. | Getty Images