Bow runner sets ‘world record’ in marathon
Victoria Park Harriers & Tower Hamlets AC’s own superhero Paul Martelletti claimed a world record of a difference at the Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday.
‘Spiderman’ is more known for climbing surfaces and fighting crime than running marathons, but ultra-runner specialist Martelletti fully-dressed himself as the iconic American comic book character to pound the capital’s streets.
And he clocked a fine time of 2hrs 30mins 12secs to break the world’s best for the fastest marathon dressed as a superhero!
The previous record of 2:33:58 was set by Canada’s Stephane Hetherington who was dressed as ‘The Flash’ at the 2012 Toronto Waterfront Marathon.
Bow-based Martelletti, who went into the London race fresh from winning the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon in 2:17:47 two weekends ago, was absolutely delighted with his achievement.
He said: “I’m really happy that I broke the world record for the fastest person to run in a super hero custom!
“It was so amazing. The crowd support was unbelievable. It was deafening at times, I was like having to unblock my ears because I couldn’t hear.
“I had a plan at running at 2:28, so I ran at that pace. I think I enjoyed it a bit too much in the first half because having the camera with me I was having real fun with it going around, getting the crowd going.
“I probably expended a bit too much energy early on. The whole idea was to enjoy it and I damn well enjoyed that first half, so it was well worth it.”
And New Zealand-born Martelletti, who helped Team GB to third place at IAU 100km World Championships in Doha last November, revealed it was a late decision to run the London Marathon in a Spiderman costume.
“It was really a last-minute decision,” he said. “I ran in the Manchester marathon last weekend and somehow it got into my head ‘I’ll run this in fancy dress’.
“I quite like the idea of running as Spiderman. It’s an iconic well-known superhero. Everyone throughout the course was shouting ‘Spiderman, Spidey’ which was great.”
The 36-year-old Martelletti, who has a marathon best of 2:16.49 set at Berlin in 2011, admits time is against him at this stage in his career, but he would love to compete in any of major championships if the opportunity arises.
He added: “Going forward I would love to go to the Olympics or a major championships, but I’m getting on. I’m 36 so time is ticking.
“But I ran a minute off my PB last week in Manchester, so I’m getting pretty close and need to knock off a few more minutes.
“I’d definitely like to be part of any of the major championships with a Great Britain team.”
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