Dale athlete Erica Dixon is aiming to set two new Guinness World Records titles next month when she takes on the London Marathon.
The 26-year-old lives in Lartington, near Barnard Castle, and is part of Special Olympics Teesdale, which provides transformational sporting opportunities for people with learning disabilities. She is hoping to become the fastest and youngest female with a learning disability to run a marathon.
She is one of 10 athletes representing Special Olympics GB at the TCS London Marathon, with the team raising funds towards the movement’s upcoming National Summer Games, where Erica hopes to compete in swimming, golf and athletics.
“Running London has always been an ambition of mine, having previously completed the Manchester Marathon twice,” said Erica.
“Sport plays such a huge part in my life and I run, swim play and compete in as many Special Olympics GB competitions as I can around the country.
“Having been part of Special Olympics GB for more than 10 years, it’s fantastic to join other athletes and be part of the first ever team to run London.
“Hopefully our achievements will inspire other people with learning disabilities to get involved in sport and join a local club.”
Special Olympics GB uses the power of sport to change the lives of children and adults with a learning disability.
Its first National Summer Games in nine years, following the pandemic, will comprise eight single-sport national competitions and a seven-sport, five-day event in Birmingham at the end of August.
Erica has warmed up for the London Marathon by running the Park Series 10k last Saturday and the Middlesbrough Half Marathon two weeks earlier.
She is running the London Marathon with support runner Rhys Foster, a member of Teesdale Athletic Club, of which Erica is also a member.
