Steve Moore says the “real struggle” is running with “restricted airflow through the face mask”, reports Claire Shaw

Steve Moore at Edmonton Fire Station (credit LFB)

An Edmonton firefighter is set to run this Sunday’s London Marathon in his full kit – with breathing apparatus weighing 16kg strapped to his back.

Steve Moore is taking on the 26.2-mile challenge to raise money for the Fire Fighters Charity, which provides lifelong support to firefighters and their families facing challenges with their mental and physical health and transitioning to retirement. They also operate a crisis line for those in need of immediate support.

Steve aims to complete a Guinness World Record for the fastest firefighter to finish the London Marathon in full fire kit, but to claim the record he must cross the finish line in under two hours and 42 minutes.

His kit will be made up of fire boots, personal protective equipment (PPE) and breathing apparatus, weighing approximately 16 kilograms.

Steve said: “The gear is heavy, but us firefighters are used to carrying weight. The real struggle is running with restricted airflow through the face mask. It’s like those altitude training masks, but worse.

“It makes everything harder – your heart rate spikes, your legs feel heavier. Plus, I’ll be changing oxygen tanks at least a dozen times on the course.”

En route, Steve will have twelve breathing apparatus sets to change into and will be supported by a team of brigade staff who will assist him with his equipment changes and ensure the transitions go as quickly and smoothly as possible.

Steve completed the London Marathon in 2023 in normal running gear but was inspired by a fellow competitor and fireman who was running in full fire kit.

However, Steve is no stranger to extreme challenges and long runs. Last May he completed a week-long challenge which entailed running to all of London’s 102 fire stations.

The 2025 London Marathon is set to be the biggest marathon in the world with 56,000 runners expected to take part this year. The event starts in Blackheath and Greenwich Park and the finish line is located on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace.

The weather is predicted to be sunny and will reach 20 degrees celsius.

Steve Moore is aiming to raise £1,000. To help him reach his target:
Visit justgiving.com/page/stephen-moore-11?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

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