Olympic and World Triathlon Champion Alex Yee is gearing up for his marathon debut at the London Marathon on April 27, 2025. Embracing what he refers to as the “discomfort zone,” Yee is diving headfirst into this new challenge after an impressive 2024 season where he secured victories in both major triathlon championships.
A Long-Held Ambition
Yee, at just 27 years of age, has set his sights on a distance he has yet to race: the marathon. His journey in long-distance running began when he finished on the podium of the Mini Marathon in London at the age of 15. Now, as he makes his official marathon debut, Yee’s ambition is to run the full 26.2 miles, reflecting a significant shift in his training focus for the early part of the year.
Setting Challenging Goals
With a projected finish time between two hours and seven minutes to two hours and ten minutes, Yee aims to position himself among the fastest British marathon runners. Although he acknowledges the challenge of stepping into uncharted territory—having never raced beyond a 10K on the roads before—his focus on target times reveals a committed mental approach to his preparation.
Finding Growth in Discomfort
Yee’s mindset is rooted in overcoming challenges. He recently shared on Instagram about the hurdles he faced in early 2025, dealing with illness and uncertainties in his preparation. Yet, he sees this season as an opportunity for growth, stating, “This is the discomfort zone—and that’s where growth happens.” His positive outlook and resilience are crucial factors as he embarks on this next chapter of his athletic career.
Training and Speed Workouts
In preparation for the marathon, Yee’s training regimen has included speed workouts designed to enhance his endurance. Notably, he participated in the Valencia 10K in January, clocking an impressive 28:07. His plans to compete in a half marathon were interrupted by health issues, but he is now back on track, refining his training with insights gleaned from recent sessions. The Yasso 800s, a popular speed workout that proposes a correlation between 800m repeat times and marathon performance, have been integral to his routine.
Consistency Brings Results
As the London Marathon approaches, Yee’s training sessions have shown consistency that bodes well for his goal. During a recent session at the Loughborough track, he maintained a pace of two minutes and 14 seconds for each of his 800m repeats, which suggests he may be in the two-hour and 14-minute marathon range. Coupled with his own mental fortitude and training methodology, Yee’s predictive performance indicates readiness, despite the challenges faced so far in his training cycle.
Excitement Surrounding the London Marathon
The London Marathon is steeped in tradition and prestige, and Yee’s debut adds yet another layer of excitement for fans and participants alike. As the date nears, both Yee and his supporters are eagerly anticipating what is sure to be an exhilarating experience. His sponsorships, including a recent partnership with New Balance for a new race shoe, highlight the professional commitments and collaborations that accompany his transition to marathon racing.
Conclusion
Overall, Alex Yee’s intent to navigate the discomfort zone with a marathon debut marks a significant evolution in his athletic journey. With a strong training regimen and the goal of establishing himself within the ranks of elite marathon runners, Yee is a compelling athlete to watch in the lead-up to the London Marathon. As he steps into this new arena, his story reflects not only his personal ambitions but also the potential for growth in the world of triathlon and athletics at large.
