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.

Milton Keynes, 30 January 2023 – Škoda UK has been awarded a place on the government’s new Framework agreement, following a successful tender with the Crown Commercial Service (CCS).

The CCS is the largest public sector procurement organisation in the UK and procures £22.7 billion of goods and services every year. Škoda has secured a place on the new vehicle purchase framework, which is available for use by public sector bodies in key sectors such as central government, health and local government as well as the UK emergency services. 

Škoda has a proud tradition of supporting the emergency services that dates back more than 117 years. From the groundbreaking Voiturette Ambulance of 1906 to  today’s high quality fleet of Police, Ambulance, and Fire and Rescue services models, Škoda has long been the brand of choice for emergency services across Europe.

Škoda UK’s emergency services sales have increased 40% since 2018. The brand expects to deliver around 6,000 + cars to government bodies under the new agreement thanks to its reliability, value and aftersales service.

Nick O’Neill, Škoda Head of Direct Sales, said: “There is a focus for frontline public services to drive efficiencies for both time and cost. We have worked effectively with government bodies over the past decade to ensure that we meet their requirements and provide a reliable service. I look forward to continuing this partnership over the next four years.”

Bespoke conversions for emergency service fleets can be provided through Škoda’s ‘one-stop’ shop package. Alongside hassle-free finance solutions, Škoda fleet can provide the vehicles fully converted to suit specific requirements, and fleet managers have the peace of mind that the conversion, breakdown recovery, service, maintenance and repair requirements are built into one package.

Milton Keynes, 30 January 2023 – Škoda UK has been awarded a place on the government’s new Framework agreement, following a successful tender with the Crown Commercial Service (CCS).

The CCS is the largest public sector procurement organisation in the UK and procures £22.7 billion of goods and services every year. Škoda has secured a place on the new vehicle purchase framework, which is available for use by public sector bodies in key sectors such as central government, health and local government as well as the UK emergency services. 

Škoda has a proud tradition of supporting the emergency services that dates back more than 117 years. From the groundbreaking Voiturette Ambulance of 1906 to  today’s high quality fleet of Police, Ambulance, and Fire and Rescue services models, Škoda has long been the brand of choice for emergency services across Europe.

Škoda UK’s emergency services sales have increased 40% since 2018. The brand expects to deliver around 6,000 + cars to government bodies under the new agreement thanks to its reliability, value and aftersales service.

Nick O’Neill, Škoda Head of Direct Sales, said: “There is a focus for frontline public services to drive efficiencies for both time and cost. We have worked effectively with government bodies over the past decade to ensure that we meet their requirements and provide a reliable service. I look forward to continuing this partnership over the next four years.”

Bespoke conversions for emergency service fleets can be provided through Škoda’s ‘one-stop’ shop package. Alongside hassle-free finance solutions, Škoda fleet can provide the vehicles fully converted to suit specific requirements, and fleet managers have the peace of mind that the conversion, breakdown recovery, service, maintenance and repair requirements are built into one package.

This spectacular car registration number ‘P2 WRC’ was originally mounted to Chassis 3 and started life as a works Subaru entry in the 1997 Monte Carlo Rally to be driven by the late, great Colin McRae alongside his co-driver Nicky Grist. Sadly, Colin had an accident at the event resulting in a DNF. ‘P2 WRC’ was then mated to Prodrive Chassis 21 and was subsequently privately campaigned in Europe during the 1998 to 2000 seasons with a number of wins including the Hungarian Championship in 1998 and 1999.

Harry Whale of Silverstone Auctions, comments: “‘P2 WRC’ represents a fascinating piece of rallying history and we’re honoured here at Silverstone Auctions to be asked to offer it to the open market.”

Ownership then moved from continental Europe to the UK with Mark Slater and Steven Fleck during 2001 and 2002 for a few events prior to seeing competition in 2003 with Noel Redmond. The car’s current owner bought ‘P2 WRC’ in 2004 and has owned it ever since using it as intended competing in a number of rallies during 2005,’06 and’07 with some excellent results against newer machinery.

It then enjoyed a quieter life, safely stored until 2015 when the decision was made to bring it out of retirement and use it for shows and events with the owner’s son doing most of the driving. Highlights of more recent outings include a 1st overall at the 2016 and 2017 Wethersfield Stages Rally and its most recent public appearance was at Race Retro in 2020. Full details of the illustrious career of P2 WRC can be found here: https://www.ewrc-results.com/carinfo/22-subaru-impreza-wrc-97-98/?spz=1150.

Our vendor informs us that marque experts, Autosportif, rebuilt the engine and gearbox only a few hundred miles ago. The car was professionally converted to right-hand drive by Stan Harper in order to better handle the Irish stages prior to our vendor’s long-term ownership. For the past seven years, the car has been prepared by run by Edward at EJM Preparations. We’re informed that it could be converted back to left-hand drive should the new owner wish to. P2 WRC is a well known car having been featured in many videos and press activities and a quick visit to YouTube will show some incredible footage of this famous car.

‘P2 WRC’ is a real car. It’s been used as originally intended and some of the results achieved in recent years against modern machinery really show how well ahead of the times these special cars really were. This also represents a rare opportunity to either leave the car as it is, and carry on using it on events and shows, or, with a little time and effort, convert it back to its original specification as a showpiece of a significant period in motorsport, having been originally driven by one of the most respected drivers in motorsport.

Many in the motorsport community still see this 2-door Subaru as one of WRC’s all-time legends, as it was piloted by some of the best crews on the planet at the time whilst being managed by one of the best motorsport outfits of all time.

Harry Whale adds: “P2 WRC is a well-known 2-door Subaru WRC car and very desirable in its own right. It has certainly lived a busy and fascinating life and in our opinion is all the better for it. It’s been well cared-for in private ownership for almost 20 years and combined with its links to the great Colin McRae, this really is a very rare opportunity to continue the fascinating story of P2 WRC.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT
Harry Whale
00 44 (0) 7919 887374
harry@silverstoneauctions.com