Ex-Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey sets incredible London Marathon time just weeks after retiring

Former Wales captain and Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has completed the London Marathon in an impressive time, just weeks after announcing his retirement from football

Arsenal legend Aaron Ramsey has completed the London Marathon in a remarkable time, crossing the finish line in just over three hours.

The 35-year-old former Wales captain, who announced his retirement from football earlier this month, lined up alongside 59,000 fellow runners on Sunday and finished the world-famous race in 3:00:30. He completed the first half in 1:23:11, while still maintaining a pace of 6mins 53 secs per mile in his final split.

Ramsey was taking part in the marathon to raise money for It’s Never You, a charity set up by his friends Ceri and Frances Menai-Davis following the death of their six-year-old son Hugh, who passed away from rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer, reports Wales Online.

Speaking to BBC Sport ahead of the race, Ramsey said he was “excited” to swap his football boots for running shoes, adding: “Training’s been difficult, when the rain’s coming down and it’s wet and windy, and it can be quite a lonely place sometimes. But actually, I’ve enjoyed it in a weird way, being in the trenches a little bit.

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“As a charity, [It’s Never You] is really close to my heart. I know Ceri and Fran and their family. I knew Hugh very well. My eldest boy, Sonny, is a similar age and they used to play with each other.

“I can’t imagine what they went through and what they are going through, but they’ve been an absolute inspiration to me, my family and many others.”

Ramsey’s time saw him finish ahead of the likes of Wicked actress Cynthia Erivo, who crossed the line in 3:21:40, as well as former tennis player Laura Robson (3:28:16) and newsreader Sophie Raworth (3:36:35). He also pipped ex-Derby County, Burnley and Manchester United goalkeeper Lee Grant by just three seconds, crossing the line moments behind him.

However, the former Juventus midfielder was narrowly beaten by ex-Formula One star Sebastian Vettel, who completed the marathon in an impressive 2:59:08.

The Welshman’s latest feat comes less than three weeks after he announced his retirement from football, bringing the curtain down on his distinguished career having not kicked a ball in over six months.

Ramsey had previously expressed his desire to represent Wales at this summer’s World Cup should they qualify, but following their defeat to Bosnia last month, which extinguished those hopes, he opted to walk away from the game.

“This has not been an easy decision to make,” he said in a statement. “After a lot of consideration, I have decided to retire from football.

“Firstly, I want to start with Wales. It has been my privilege to wear the Welsh shirt and experience so many incredible moments in it. It would not have been possible without the incredible input of all the managers I have played under and all the staff who have helped me in many ways.

“To the Red Wall. You have been there through thick and thin! You have been there through the highs and lows, and you have been an essential and indispensable part of our success. I can’t thank you enough. We’ve been through everything together and it’s been an honour to represent you. Diolch.”

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