"Fizcopter" ready for take-off: Leicestershire woman aims to beat own world record in London Marathon
Fiona Betts attempts fastest female marathon time in 3D aircraft suit while boosting funds for UK air ambulance services
Guinness World Record holder Fiona Betts is set to attempt a new record at today's London Marathon, as she looks to become the fastest woman to complete the race wearing a 3D aircraft costume.
The Leicestershire runner, who previously set the record in 2023, will take on the challenge dressed as “The Fizcopter.”
The current time to beat stands at 4 hours, 33 minutes and 32 seconds.
Betts, now preparing for her 27th marathon, has combined her record attempts with fundraising efforts, generating thousands of pounds for air ambulance charities across the UK.
Her latest run will continue that effort, with a focus on supporting London’s Air Ambulance Charity.
Speaking ahead of the race, Betts said she hopes to surpass her previous performance while drawing further attention to the work of emergency air services:
“My costume is quite unmissable and it’s a great way of being able to raise awareness of the vital role played by AAUK, at the same time as raising many a smile in training."
She continued:
"I came to running quite late in life (I’m 54 now) and it has shown me how, as an ordinary person, I can sometimes do extraordinary things.”
The attempt is expected to attract attention along the marathon route, where costumed runners are a familiar feature but rarely compete at record-breaking pace.