Teen becomes youngest ever to run London Marathon barefoot

By George Jones

A teenager broke the world record for the youngest person ever to run the London Marathon barefoot.

Cameron Jacobs, 18, ran the London Marathon on Sunday, April 27, completely barefoot in four hours and 31 minutes.

Cameron has autism, Tourette's syndrome and ADHD, and ran the marathon with his mum, Polly Jacobs, a 48-year-old GP, as a support runner, who celebrated her own feat after crossing the finish line as a long-COVID sufferer.

The pair ran for the National Orchestra for All, which has supported Cameron with his needs over the last seven years.

To break the Guinness World Record, Cameron had to finish the 26.2-mile-long marathon barefoot within five hours.

The sixth-form student took almost half an hour off the original time and has since raised £8,000.

The teen's feet, despite being dirty, did not have a single cut, blister, or bruise after the marathon - and he has since met His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh this month for his achievement.

Mum, Polly, from Salisbury, Wiltshire said: "We started in the very last wave with people expected to finish nearer the seven-hour mark.

"To avoid running through the crowd.

"We have had so many messages and comments from people saying they have been inspired by Cameron.

"And we are just genuinely so overwhelmed by all the support.

"I was there as his support runner – there was nothing about it being a race for me.

"I lost track of the number of times he said - it was the happiest day of his life.”

Cameron struggled with his health diagnosis' until Orchestras for All came along

He became a trumpet player and sang which helped him feel "accepted".

"Music and running are two things that have always helped him," Polly said.

The pair have completed many running challenges together.

But the London Marathon was their third mum and son charity run - and Cameron's his first long run barefoot.

"He asked his dad if he thought he would be able to run one kilometre barefoot one day," Polly added.

"But he said no.

"So that evening he went out and ran two kilometres.

"He has increased his distance ever since.

"And then applied to Guinness World Records to be the youngest ever barefoot runner."

Polly and Cameron entered the London Marathon in 2024.

The teen would run around trails in Salisbury barefoot to condition his feet so they were prepared for the challenge.

"Cameron has very tough but beautiful feet, and they are really strong," Polly said.

"So I knew he was going to smash it.

"I was just thinking about how I was going to try and keep up.

"But I made sure I was there with my ‘mom hat’ on to support Cam and make sure he was safe."

Cameron had to complete the run within five hours to qualify for the record - which he shaved nearly half an hour off.

His mum said he ran the first 10k very quickly and that they "were both aware of the risks."

"We were cautious of people stepping on his feet or injuring his feet on something sharp," she added.

"But at the end, his feet - other than being very dirty - were perfect with no blisters or cuts.

"Whereas I had three large blisters.

"After running on the terrain around Salisbury, he really enjoyed the smooth road surfaces."

The pair have since raised over $8,000 for the National Orchestra for All - a cause they "both feel passionate about."

And earlier in May, Cameron met with the Duke of Edinburgh to discuss his achievements.

The duo are "forever grateful" to the support of the National Orchestra for All and the Help for Heroes charity, which offered the family counselling and sport opportunities throughout their journey.

Polly continued: "I can't believe how much we have raised.

"It's just incredible, and the charity fully deserves it for what they have done for our family.

"The day after, they sent him some hand-iced biscuits with his name and finish time on, which he really appreciated.

"Also, the artistic director of the National Orchestra for All came down to watch and support us."

The duo have recovered well and are already back into running.

But Cameron has decided to put his trainers back on for now.

After their London marathon success, more running goals are in sight, including the six world major marathons.

"I am so proud of him, and I know he is really proud of himself," Polly added.

"National Orchestra for All have really helped us as a family.

"And I just hope the work they do gives families like us some hope for the future."