Ahead of the 43rd London Marathon, research from Paddy Power Bingo reveals the nation is overflowing with confidence – just not necessarily ability.

Over four million Brits (6%) believe they could beat the world marathon record – clocking 26.2 miles in under two hours. And not after months of prep and protein shakes – they reckon they could do it with zero training.

CAN’T RUN? BECOME THE PM INSTEAD

Of course, running 26.2 miles may not be your thing. No problem. According to the research:

• 4.8 million Brits (7%) think it’d be easier to become Prime Minister than run a marathon
• 2.7 million would rather walk the entire length of England (that’s 556 miles, by the way)
• And over a million believe an Ironman triathlon – which includes a marathon after a 112-mile cycle and 2.4-mile swim – would be an easier option.

MARATHON ROUTE? APPARENTLY JUST A MYSTERY TOUR

When asked which iconic locations you pass on the London Marathon, 11% of Brits said… none. As in, zero London landmarks. No Big Ben, no Tower Bridge, no Buckingham Palace – just a long, anonymous run through who-knows-where.

And some clearly think the event is less capital city, more UK sightseeing tour:

• 12% think it passes Wembley Stadium
• 2% say the Angel of the North (which is 272 miles away)
• 1% expect to get a scenic view of the White Cliffs of Dover on their way to the finish line

TOP FIVE MARATHON MISHAPS: MOST INCORRECT LOCATIONS

DISTANCE? ANYONE’S GUESS

Despite being one of the world’s most iconic races, 43% of Brits don’t actually know how far a marathon is.

• Only 56% correctly said 26.2 miles
• 53% of women got it wrong compared to 35% of men
• And for those identifying as “Other”, a staggering 71% had no idea

THE MARATHON ‘ICK’ IS REAL

While many Brits cheer on the runners with pride, not everyone’s feeling the love.

• 10% dislike seeing fully grown adults in fancy dress
• 8% moan about the traffic
• 3% say marathon runners give them the ick
• 2% admit they hate pretending to care by clapping for hours on the sidelines

LIE TO ME, MARATHON EDITION 

Turns out over five million Brits (7%) have straight-up lied about completing a marathon. Top reasons?

• “It’s easier than admitting I haven’t” – 46%
• “I thought I’d be judged” – 32%
• “I exaggerated a half marathon” – 22%
• And yes, 7% did it to “impress someone they fancy”

LONDONERS LEAD THE PACK… IN FALSE BELIEF 

Leading the charge in overconfidence are Londoners, with a full 10% believing they could leg it around the capital’s 26.2-mile route in under two hours without any training and still be home in time for Sunday roast.

Not far behind are the proud people of Manchester, Belfast and Birmingham, with 9% of locals in each city backing themselves to break records, Eliud Kipchoge-style.

WHAT PADDY POWER BINGO HAS TO SAY

On behalf of Paddy Power Bingo, Paddy Power said: “Only in Britain could millions of people believe they can run faster than the actual world record holder – without so much as a warm-up.

“We salute the confidence. But let’s be honest – most would be out of breath halfway through tying their laces.

“That’s why at Paddy Power Bingo, we reward stamina of a different kind – like lasting a full game without needing a nap.”

To test your luck from the comfort of your sofa – no trainers required – head to Paddy Power Bingo.

Dakar Rally 2025: Approaching the Finish Line

The 2025 Dakar Rally has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, with competitors showcasing incredible determination and skill across challenging terrains. With Stage 11 concluded on January 16, the race is set to finish with a shortened 61 km timed section on January 17. Here are the key highlights:

Motorcycle Category

• Stage 11 Triumph: Spanish rider Tosha Schareina secured his first stage victory, completing the stage in 2 hours, 12 minutes, and 4 seconds. His impressive performance placed him ahead of Argentina’s Luciano Benavides and France’s Adrien Van Beveren.

• Overall Standings: Australia’s Daniel Sanders remains in the lead with a total time of 52 hours, 13 minutes, and 34 seconds. Schareina is 9 minutes behind in second place, while Van Beveren sits third, trailing by 15 minutes and 50 seconds.

Car Category

• Stage 11 Performance: Sweden’s Mattias Ekström, driving for Ford, claimed the stage win, edging out Qatar’s Nasser Al-Attiyah by 41 seconds. Yazeed Al-Rajhi from Saudi Arabia finished third in the stage.

• Overall Standings: Yazeed Al-Rajhi leads the category with a cumulative time of 51 hours, 53 minutes, and 36 seconds. South Africa’s Henk Lategan follows, 6 minutes and 11 seconds behind, with Ekström in third place, 22 minutes and 34 seconds adrift.

Notable Incidents

• Laia Sanz’s Withdrawal: Spanish competitor Laia Sanz, alongside co-driver Maurizio Gerini, had to withdraw after overturning their vehicle in Stage 1. This incident marked the end of her remarkable streak of 14 consecutive Dakar completions.

The Dakar Rally’s final stage promises intense action, as the leaders aim to maintain their positions while others strive to make last-minute gains.

Formula 1: Rwanda’s Historic Bid to Host a Grand Prix

Rwanda has taken a significant step towards making history by launching a bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix. President Paul Kagame unveiled plans for a state-of-the-art racetrack near a new international airport in Kigali, with the aim of bringing F1 back to Africa for the first time since 1993. This move aligns with the sport’s push for innovation and sustainability while highlighting the growing interest in motorsport on the African continent. If successful, Rwanda’s Grand Prix would mark a milestone for F1 and African motorsport.

Formula E: A Return to Free-to-Air Television

In a major broadcasting shift, Formula E will return to free-to-air television for the 2024/25 season. ITV has secured the rights to broadcast live races and highlights, with coverage available on ITV4 and the ITVX app. This new partnership also introduces Nicki Shields as the series’ first female lead presenter, joined by a team of experts including Billy Monger and Catie Munnings. The move is expected to significantly broaden Formula E’s audience and showcase its exciting electric racing to a wider demographic.

Max Verstappen’s Heartwarming Charitable Gesture

Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 World Champion, has demonstrated his commitment to giving back. After winning the 2024 championship, Verstappen fulfilled a bet with Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds, resulting in a $250,000 charitable donation. The funds were split between Wings For Life, a charity focused on curing spinal cord injuries, and initiatives aimed at promoting women’s participation in motorsport. Verstappen’s gesture underscores the positive impact that high-profile athletes can have beyond their sport.

Australian Speedway: Rising Stars to Watch

Australia’s motorsport scene is abuzz with emerging talent in the speedway arena. South Australia, in particular, is witnessing the rise of young stars such as the Pitcher Sisters from Murray Bridge, 20-year-old Brad Vaughan from Angaston, and 16-year-old Demi Jennings from Mount Gambier. These promising racers are making waves in their respective divisions and contributing to the vibrant future of Australian motorsport.

Looking Ahead

This week’s updates highlight the diversity and dynamism of motorsport. From the resilience shown in the Dakar Rally to innovative developments in Formula 1 and Formula E, and the rising talent in Australia, the world of motorsport continues to captivate fans around the globe. As we look forward to upcoming races and announcements, the excitement and passion for the sport remain as strong as ever.

The English Premier League, widely regarded as one of the most exciting football leagues in the world, attracts millions of fans each season. The stadiums that host these thrilling matches are not only a symbol of pride for the clubs but also a reflection of the passion and support of their loyal fans. In this article, we present a list of the highest stadiums in the Premier League, showcasing their majestic structures and their ability to create an electrifying atmosphere.

1. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – With a towering height of 48 meters, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium stands proudly as the tallest stadium in the Premier League. This state-of-the-art arena, completed in 2019, is home to Tottenham Hotspur Football Club and can accommodate up to 62,850 spectators. Its impressive single-tiered South Stand, often referred to as “The Wall,” boasts a seating capacity of 17,500, making it the largest single-tier stand in the United Kingdom. The breathtaking architecture of the stadium, combined with its cutting-edge facilities, ensures an unforgettable matchday experience for fans.

2. Arsenal Emirates Stadium – Located in North London, the Emirates Stadium is the second tallest stadium in the Premier League, standing at an impressive height of 42 meters. This iconic venue, inaugurated in 2006, is the home ground of Arsenal Football Club and has a seating capacity of 60,704. The stadium’s design incorporates a unique, steel-wrapped bowl structure, offering excellent visibility from every seat. With its vibrant atmosphere and chanting fans, the Emirates Stadium is renowned for creating a powerful atmosphere that pushes the players to perform at their best.

3. Old Trafford – While it may not match the height of the previous two stadiums, Old Trafford, the legendary home ground of Manchester United, still deserves a place on this list. Known as “The Theatre of Dreams,” Old Trafford has been a cornerstone of English football since its opening in 1910. With a seating capacity of 74,140, it is the largest club stadium in the United Kingdom. The stadium has witnessed countless historic moments, including Manchester United’s famous comebacks and title-clinching victories, all contributing to its iconic status and the spine-tingling atmosphere generated by its passionate fans.