Runner walks final mile of London Marathon six months after cardiac arrest

Gareth Hopkins, a 43-year-old paramedic from Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, walked the final mile of the London Marathon six months after his heart stopped during the race.

Hopkins collapsed at the 25th mile of the event on 26 April due to severe rhabdomyolysis caused by overheating. He spent six months in intensive care at St Thomas' Hospital before returning home in September. Hopkins completed the unofficial final mile on Sunday along Buckingham Place and The Mall.

He walked the stretch with family, friends, and approximately 200 supporters who cheered him on. Hopkins, who had never run a marathon before, originally participated to raise money for Age UK in memory of his grandmother, Tricia Petts. The runner stated he had to relearn basic functions like walking, talking, and eating during his recovery.

While his brother Chris, who finished the race on the day of the collapse, plans to run in 2027 to support St John Ambulance, Hopkins said he will never run another marathon. A fundraising page for his family has gathered nearly £36,000 to support his ongoing recovery.