With a career as long and diverse as that of Chris Thompson, it is hard to know where to begin. Ahead of the London Marathon on Sunday 23 April, Chris sat down with James Rhodes to talk about his career, favorite memories, and what the future holds.
Chris Thompson has been racing for a long time. He had his first race at the AAAs U20 Championships when he was just fourteen years old. Since then, he has competed in 257 races over the span of twenty-seven years.
There are many highlights to mention, but one that stands out is his European U23 Championship title over 5000m in 2003. He has also won a European silver medal over 10000m in 2010, represented Great Britain in two Olympics, and achieved numerous victories on the road.
But behind the success, there have been struggles as well. Chris has dealt with injury, illness, and administrative errors throughout his career. Speaking at the launch of On’s flagship store in London, he shared stories of both the highs and lows.
London Awaits
Chris is preparing for his fifth London Marathon, which will take place later this month. His first marathon in 2014 remains his fastest, with a time of 2:11:19. He has faced challenges in the subsequent years due to Achilles injuries and finished in 2:15:05 and 2:24:11 in 2016 and 2017 respectively. His most recent appearance in 2020, on the closed loop course around St James Park due to COVID, ended with a time of 2:13:32.
This year, the competition is strong, both internationally and domestically. There are nineteen British men on the elite start line, with eight of them having a lifetime best under 2:13. Emile Cairess, who will be making his marathon debut, adds excitement to the domestic field. Chris sees this competition as inspiring and feels privileged to be part of it.
New Generation
Alongside the heightened competition, a new generation of marathoners has emerged, which has influenced Chris’s mindset. He sees himself as the “guy stood on a plank” while younger runners try to knock him off. He aims to stay balanced, relevant, and competitive with them.
Chris is looking towards the future and contemplating how he wants to finish his career. Although he doesn’t see the London Marathon as his last, he wants to embrace the next chapter and not feel the pressure to perform. He acknowledges the emergence of young British runners who could be the next sub-2:10 marathoners and is excited to stay involved and see what opportunities arise.
Seizing Opportunities
Chris believes in seizing opportunities and making the most of them. Looking ahead, he is focused on the Olympics next year, but he is also open to other exciting races and experiences. He has already ticked off the London Marathon and racing in New York from his bucket list and is now considering some speedy courses like Heuston, Berlin, and Frankfurt.
He wants to explore road races classified as fast and defined as A-grade. His goals have shifted from winning to enjoying the experience and staying involved. Chris is motivated by the challenge and the chance to run with the new generation.
Reflecting on the Journey
As his career reaches its final chapter, Chris reminisces about the highlights and defining moments. The London Olympics in 2012 stands out, despite it being a challenging race. Another significant achievement was his 10,000m race at the Payton Jordan Invitational in California in 2010, where he ran a time of 27:29.61. These moments hold personal pride for him.
One particular memory that stands out is the British Olympic Marathon Trials in 2021. It was a fairytale-like race that unfolded in Kew Gardens, resulting in a win, a personal best time, and the birth of his son a few days earlier. This event justified the struggles he had faced throughout his career and made him feel alive.
Never Quit
Chris acknowledges that he may not have reached the highest heights in his career, but he takes pride in never quitting on himself. He is someone who completes challenges no matter how difficult they may be. He looks forward to the next months and years, knowing that he will find a way to make it an enjoyable experience.
Parting Advice
As Chris reflects on his journey, he fondly remembers racing with friends as a youngster. He advises others to take the time to write down memories and moments every year, as they can easily be forgotten. He plans to do the same, as these memories define who we are.
Whatever comes next for Chris, whether it’s running from John O’Groats to Lands’ End or tackling the Cape Wrath Trail, it will undoubtedly be a worthwhile journey to follow.