Horsham runner attempts London Marathon world record in memory of mum

Rachel Talbot, from Horsham, will attempt to become a Guinness World Record Holder for the fastest female marathon runner dressed as a tennis player.

Rachel Talbot works at The Institute of Cancer Research, London (ICR) in Sutton – and will be raising money for the world-leading research institute and charity.

"Last year I ran the London Marathon, and I have a Guinness World Record from participating in that, because it was the biggest marathon ever held. I’ve got the certificate sitting on my sideboard. And when I got a place to run for the ICR, I suddenly thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be good to have a record for myself!’

"I thought it would boost publicity for my fundraising, make it challenging and fun—and most importantly, it would be a tribute to my mum.

“Whilst I've only ever played socially and had some lessons as a kid, my Mum was an excellent tennis player, winning many accolades in both ladies matches and partnering with my Dad in mixed doubles. So, I’ll be honouring her in full whites, carrying a tennis racket in one hand, a tennis ball in the other, and a tennis bag containing four further rackets.”

Rachel’s mum, Jane Burrows, died in August last year at the age of 81, after her ovarian cancer spread.

“The ICR helped pioneer olaparib, one of the first targeted treatments for BRCA‑related ovarian cancer, and part of a wider move away from a blunt, one‑size‑fits‑all chemotherapy approach,” Rachel says.

Rachel joined the research institute in 2018 as a scientist in the labs at the Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, the ICR’s pioneering facility which aims to overcome cancer’s ability to evolve resistance to treatments. She now works as Online Content Lead in the ICR’s in the Learning and Organisational Development team, building training resources for scientists.

"The record was set by a male runner a couple of years ago, and they ran it in about three hours. But it’s never been set by a woman. And when I saw that, I thought, that’s possible. They want four hours 30 to set the record, and if everything goes absolutely according to plan and I run very fast, I might be able to make four hours 30. It’s going to be a real challenge. I might not do it, but that’s part of the thrill.

"The bag is two kilos. Not too heavy, just bulky. It gets in the way and moves about. It has to be one strap across the body, and it has to have four rackets in it. And then I have to have a racket in one hand and a ball in the other.

“It’ll be my second time fundraising for The Institute of Cancer Research – the amazing organisation I work for and am very proud to support again. Every donation helps the ICR continue their research to make the discoveries that defeat cancer.

“Mum was so kind, loving and selfless - she always had time for me and my brother and her five grandchildren. We all love her and miss her beyond words every day. This run, fundraising and record attempt is for her, and for everyone affected by cancer, whatever their age and wherever they are on their journey.”

Rachael Potter, ICR Sports and Challenge Events Officer, said: “We’re incredibly grateful for the support of Rachel and all of our #teamICR runners taking part in this year’s London Marathon. Training for a marathon while fundraising is a huge commitment, and we continue to be inspired by the determination and passion shown by our supporters.

“We hope Rachel and all our runners feel motivated knowing they are helping to make a real difference for people affected by cancer. Every pound raised helps drive our research forward, and every mile brings us closer to a future where cancer can be defeated.”

To support Rachel’s fundraising visit https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/rachel-talbot