Samantha Harrison and Emile Cairess Crowned 2023 England Marathon Champions

Cool, overcast skies and a gentle breeze made for ideal marathon running weather as Samantha Harrison and Emile Cairess claimed the England and British Marathon Titles at the 2023 TCS London Marathon.

Harrison (Charnwood, Vince Wilson) ran a huge PB of nearly seven minutes to cross the line in 2:25:59 moving to 6th on the GB all time list. Silver medal in the England and British Championships when to Liverpool Harrier Rachel Hodgkinson who also set a PB and broke her club record running 2:34:46. The bronze medal went to Helen Gaunt (Tonbridge) who also set a big PB to run 2:35:38. 

Harrison said:

“I was feeling really good through the first half of the race and had to work hard when the pacers stepped off running solo. I’m delighted to have won the British and England Champs and set a PB.” 

Emile Cairess (Leeds City, Renato Canova) won the England and British Championship with an excellent debut run of 2:08:07, third fastest on the UK all time list and 2nd fastest Englishman. Phil Sesemann (Leeds City, Andrew Henderson) kicked past Sir Mo Farah on the finishing straight to take the England & British silver medal in a excellent new PB of 2:10:23. Farah (Newham Essex Beagles, Gary Lough) led the domestic charge for the first half of the race and finished his final marathon in 2:10:28 to take the British and England bronze medal.

England Athletics Road Running Manager and Marathon Lead, Tom Craggs said:

“The London Marathon is the greatest race in the world. It was fantastic to see some of the best marathon runners in England competing in good racing conditions. Well done to Samantha and Emile and their coaches Vince and Renato and all the other athletes competing today and to London Marathon Events on yet another sensational race.”

One of the ‘major marathons’, the race attracts runners from around the world to run the 26.2 miles from Blackheath to the Mall. In addition to the elite field and the thousands of charity runners the race also hosted the England Marathon Club Championships. The winners will be announced once the results and club vests have been verified with teams of three scoring. 

The race also saw hundreds of volunteers and runners from running clubs across England helping to ensure the festival of running that is the London marathon had another amazing year.