This spring saw record-breaking numbers take to the streets of London and Manchester, with 56,640 runners crossing the iconic London Marathon finish line and 36,000 completing the Manchester Marathon. Among them were members of our inspiring VOOM community, each with their own story of training, perseverance, and personal triumph.

 

London Marathon 2025: More Than a Race

 

Held on Sunday, April 27, the 2025 TCS London Marathon once again proved why it's one of the world’s most iconic marathons. With over 50,000 runners taking to the streets of the capital, from elite athletes to charity champions and first-time marathoners, the city was alive with energy, determination, and emotion.

 

Highlights:

• Eliud Kipchoge returned for his final competitive London Marathon appearance, delivering an inspiring performance.

• Charlotte Purdue smashed her personal best, continuing her rise in British distance running.

• As always, the costumed runners, heartwarming charity stories, and sheer crowd volume across Tower Bridge and The Mall made this a celebration of human spirit.

 

Manchester Marathon 2025: The People’s Marathon

 

The Adidas Manchester Marathon showed why it's growing in stature year on year. Known for its flat course, friendly northern atmosphere, and rapid finish times, Manchester welcomed over 32,000 runners, making it the UK’s second-largest marathon.

 

Why runners love Manchester:

• Fast course: With fewer twists and a flatter profile than London, Manchester is a top choice for PB hunters.

• Vibrant support: Crowds in Sale, Altrincham, and Chorlton brought the noise and encouragement throughout the 26.2 miles.

• Local pride: From Mancunian music on the route to local volunteers, the community spirit was unbeatable.

 

We caught up with a few of these dedicated runners to hear first-hand what fuelled their journeys, how they tackled the big day, and what advice they have for those dreaming of doing the same.

 

 

How did you use VOOM to support your run?

 

 

Matt (Insta Profile) - Pocket rockets alongside electrolytes in dual water pouches on hydro pack. Topped up along water stations throughout. Simply would not have made it without this essential fuel in tough hot conditions.

 

Faye (Insta Profile) - I used VOOM as the only source of nutrition, every 20 minutes.

 

James (Insta Profile) - I packed 5 pocket rocket bars. 3 Electro Energy (Lemon & Lime), 2 Caffeine kick (Berry). Every 25 minutes I had half of a bar. Saving the Berry ones for when I needed the extra boost of caffeine.

 

Andy (Insta Profile) - I used Voom bars before and during to help fuel me, based on what worked best in training I took a square every 30 minutes as that worked best for me. I used the electrolytes drink during and prior to the race (supplementing this from the water stations through out).

 

Lisa (Insta Profile) - I trained with VOOM Bars after being recommended by a fellow runner to get a taster pack. Really enjoyed the Lemon & Lime ones as well as the Raspberry ones so decided this would be my go to. With the help of Gemini at work, they wrote an intake plan for the day. It was recommended one bar every hour, so every 15 minutes eat a square. This was roughly around every 2 miles, I switched between the Lemon & Lime, Raspberry & the Orange ones. Normally after the third gel I’d be feeling sick and not wanting anything, whereas I took my last square with 2 miles to go. It was the first race I’ve finished without a headache straight after.

 

Shamira (Insta Profile) - I had a piece of the Lemon Pocket Rocket Electro Energy before starting and then used it in combination with gels to keep my electrolytes and energy topped up.

 

Keiron (Insta Profile) - I first found Voom at the National Running show back in January and knew it was the answer, I just don't get on with gels, I like the fact I can spread a VOOM bar out as well as one block is half a gel.

 

Victor (Insta Profile) - Has to be helping a fellow runner cross the line, she was in a bad way at mile 25, we locked arms, rallied to the end and pushed, it was the most memorable moment out of the whole 26.2 miles for me.

 

G (Insta Profile)  - I used the VOOM Hydrate Electrolyte drink, the Pocket Rockets and a RecoverFudge at the end.

 

Rick (Insta Profile) - I used the beetroot bar 2 hours prior and the beta alanine blocks pre and during in between my gels, and the a RecoverFudge at the end. 

 

Tina  (Insta Profile) - The finish, coming down the last 200 metre straight and the crowds were just amazing and I knowing I'd just finished the marathon.

 

Amelia - About 5 steps over the finish line when all the emotions hit me at once.

 

What Was Your Highlight of the day?

 

 

Matt - Crossing the finish line in one piece (just)!

 

Faye - The crowd support with their cheering, clapping and ice lollies/hope pipes on such a hot day.

 

James - It has to be bumping in to my sister at mile 6, and running over tower bridge together. An experience I’ll never forget!

 

Andy - Best moment of the day was crossing the finish line and meeting my girlfriend at the end (it had been such an experience I couldn’t wait to get to her).

 

Lisa - This one is a hard one, I had a few best moments. The sheer amount of people who shout your name is incredible as well as overwhelming, at around mile 12 Gordon Ramsey shouted mine which made my day. Finishing the race and being presented with your medal. Walking into the after party for the charity Children with Cancer UK who I ran for was such a moving experience, all the cheers, bells and whistle was a special moment.

 

Shamira - Running over Tower Bridge and then getting to run past the Elite Men and cheer them on while running.

 

Keiron - Tower Bridge was pretty amazing, but the level of support around the course was something else!!! It was a 26.2 mile party from beginning to the end.

 

Victor - Definitely the heat, it’s difficult we you train all winter only to run in one of the hottest days . After mile 15 it got incredibly difficult and to avoid risk of overheating, It meant my target needed to be amended and adjustments made to finish in one piece.

 

G - Knowing my partner finished! way ahead of me and getting the time she wanted, I was hit really bad with the heat so had to drop my pace. And the the crowds, there’s no vibe like it with hundreds of people you don’t know cheering you on shouting your name.

 

Rick - I was having my perfect race, everything was on target for 2:50 but at 200m from the finish I stopped to help another runner assist someone who was struggling.

 

Tina - Probably around 20 miles when I knew I had about an hour to go and my legs were feeling tired whilst seeing people sitting down on the side of the road or walking.

 

Amelia - The heat! We all know we are not used to it in the UK and all of our training is generally in the colder months so it was managing my output as well as fuelling and hydration.

The Toughest Aspect to A Marathon

 

Matt - Cramping tweaks starting on Tower Bridge (half way point) and then wheels falling clean off at 38-39K and collapsing with severe heat exhaustion just off the Mall. Hardest to date due to extreme heat post Winter training period.

 

Faye - Without a doubt, the weather and heat. Training in winter does not ever prepare you to run 26.2 miles in 20 degrees.

 

James - I have a stoma (had my colon removed 2 years ago due to Crohn’s disease), so dehydration is a bigger risk to me than most. So lining up at the start line to run 26.2 miles in 20+ degrees heat was a daunting prospect. However with some careful planning, I managed my nutrition & hydration perfectly and finished the race strongly.

 

Andy - The heat, it was unbearable.

 

Lisa - At around mile 17 when it really did hit peak heat, seeing other runners on the side of the road and making that decision to take the foot off the pedal to reduce the risk of this happening to me. When things got tough I’d look down at my feet and seeing the Bead of Courage I’d been given from the charity. One of the beads I get to keep and the other goes to a child fighting cancer. This really kept me going.

 

Shamira - Running through Canary Wharf when my GPS went haywire and the heat!

 

Keiron - Spotting your support team, especially if they haven't manage to make it to the agreed place due to the difficulties in travelling around as a spectator, but on the flip side - the best moments are when they pop up where you least expect them, that feeling is amazing! It was a warm one too, far warmer than we'd trained in and a lot of people weren't ready for that.

 

Victor - This was road marathon number 4 and chances are a number 5 in the cards in the future.

 

G - We trained to 20 mile running and a 26 mile hike but all in single digit temperatures!

 

Tina - It was my 4th marathon.

 

Amelia - First one, won’t be the last.

What number marathon was this for you?

 

Matt - Third marathon - second London marathon plus Edinburgh last year.

 

Faye - My first marathon!

 

James - First ever marathon for me. London has always been on my bucket list, so I jumped at the opportunity when it was presented to me.

 

Andy - This was number 1, I only stared running last January as apart of a couch to 5K (many miles and 4 1/2 stone later).

 

Lisa - This was Marathon number two, I did Manchester last year and London this year. 

 

Shamira - This was number 8 for me!

 

Keiron - It was my first, I won the place through my running club and I'd love to do it again, I feel like I've got unfinished business with London now.

 

Victor - My strategy was simple for my fueling, I took a fusion fuel energy drink an hour before the start, with 10 mins to start took a VOOM pocket rocket (beta blast) for that caffeine kick. And from then every 4 miles I took a VOOM Electro Energy bar with one VOOM caffeine kick at Mile 20 to help power me to the end.

 

Rick - This was my 17th marathon and I managed a PB of 2:52:12.

 

Tina - I used VOOM, pretty much every 2 miles I would take two squares of a Pocket Rocket and I found it sat really well and had no stomach issues.

 

Amelia - The pocket rocket bars were a lifesaver. Despite the heat, and it being my first marathon, I suffered with no cramping, stomach distress or serious levels of fatigue.

Top tip to a first time marathoner?

 

Matt - Respect the distance, pace yourself at your comfortable zone especially if hot or different conditions than you're used to. Fuel well and monitor HR to ensure any spikes are calmed quickly to avoid overheating or risking your health and preventing possible injuries.

 

Faye - Listen to your body and prioritise rest/nutrition during your training period.

 

James - Treat your nutrition/hydration strategy as critically important. Planning exactly how many carbs I was consuming throughout the event and when to take them, allowed me to avoid the dreaded ‘wall’.

 

Andy - Trust in your training, this will prepare you as best as possible for the day, the marathon isn’t the race, it’s the training, the race is the celebration of everything you’ve achieved.

 

Lisa - Enjoy every moment, soak in the atmosphere and fuel before you need it.

 

Shamira - Enjoy it - you only get one first marathon!

 

Kerion - Enjoy every minute, this is the victory lap for the training you've already put in.

 

Victor - Don’t put too much pressure on yourself in terms of time goals, thee first one will always be a benchmark for future attempts so just focus on enjoying the day and reaping the benefits of all your hard work training. During the marathon itself, just focus on the mile you are in.

 

G - Top tip would be be prepared and practice in the same conditions you're likely to run in, including nutrition and kit.

 

Rick - Hydrate prior to the marathon, get good sleep, and remember that you have done all the hard work, this is where everyone comes to celebrate what you have achieved.

 

Tina - Don't set off too quick, set off just below your goal pace or even slower and ease into it. Too many set off too fast and thats where it often goes wrong.

 

Amelia - Just SMILE and enjoy every moment because it will be over before you know it.

Top 3 Essential pieces of kit

 

 

Matt - Hydro pack (if hot day), white breathable cap and preferred VOOM Nutrition of course!

 

Faye - A comfortable belt or vest, proper fitting trainers for your gait and good quality sunglasses or hat.

 

I 100% recommend the marathon running belt from decathlon, small and discrete enough to not feel restricted. However loads of storage to hold VOOM bars, phone & even a 500ml soft flask!

 

Vaseline! I saw enough bleeding nipples to last a lifetime.

 

James - A trusty pair of trainers. I saw a quote to consider when choosing your shoes for the big day, it was something along the lines of “choose the trainers that will allow you to be quicker on mile 26 rather than mile 1”.

 

Andy - My Apple Watch, my Shokz headphones and my VOOM bars.

 

Lisa - Obviously VOOM Bars, Salt Sticks and your phone to take photos along the route.

 

Shamira - Good shorts with lots of pockets, a hat (great for sun or rain) and VOOM.

 

Keiron - Trainers (no question), your Voom bars and anti-chafing (whichever way you choose!)

 

Victor - For me Sunglasses , comfortable running shoes for the occasion and gps watch . Most importantly bring a smile, it’s very essential

 

G - Water or electrolyte for hydration, VOOM bars, RecoverFudge and comfy footwear for after - something fleece lined! - G

 

Rick - Kit wise, a good running belt, good socks, and a comfy vest!

 

Tina - My chafe barm that I use, my Oakley sunglasses I can't run without them and in warmer weather a white cap.

 

Amelia - Comfortable shoes, a stock of pocket rocket bars and a cute outfit.