Despite being a football superstar, John Terry admits that running a marathon is harder.

Former legendary defender John Terry shared about his marathon training journey (running 42.195km) after retiring from football.

John Terry proudly displays his medal after crossing the finish line - Photo: LM

Last weekend, Chelsea and England legend John Terry officially completed the 42.195 km London Marathon 2025, marking a memorable milestone in his post-retirement sporting journey.

'Tense in all the places where it shouldn't be tense'

John Terry, 44 years old, completed the marathon challenge with a time of 5 hours, 0 minutes, and 43 seconds. This was the first time the former Chelsea captain participated in an official long-distance race. He was not alone on this journey, as his close friend Jody Morris, another former Chelsea player, accompanied him throughout the race.

Although he didn't achieve outstanding results on the track, for Terry, this was a "great victory of willpower."

Terry participated in the London Marathon with a noble purpose: to raise funds for Rays of Sunshine, a charity that supports children with life-threatening illnesses in the UK.

Ahead of the tournament, he appealed to fans to contribute on his personal fundraising page, with the message: "I fought for titles, now I run for the children who are fighting for life."

Despite being a football superstar, Terry encountered problems like anyone else when he stepped onto the marathon track.

Even the incident Terry experienced at the London Marathon was quite common among long-distance runners: bleeding nipples due to constant friction with their t-shirts.

This left two distinct bloodstains on his white shirt, causing many spectators along the way to feel both worried and... unable to suppress their laughter.

On his personal Instagram after the race, Terry posted a photo of his wife, Toni Terry, massaging his legs, with the humorous caption: "Stiff in all the wrong places."

Is running a marathon harder than playing football?

After completing the London Marathon 2025, John Terry shared his experience, comparing running a marathon to playing football. He said:

"Running a marathon is a completely different challenge compared to football. In football, you can stop, change direction, and have support from teammates. But in a marathon, you face yourself for 42.195 km. Fatigue and pain are inevitable, but the feeling of accomplishment is incredible."

Terry (left) during the London Marathon 2025 - Photo: DM

Terry also emphasized that although he has experienced many intense matches throughout his career, the marathon presents a different challenge, requiring greater perseverance and mental endurance.

He further shared: "In football, you can rely on teammates, you have tactical support. But in a marathon, you're alone. Every step is a battle with yourself."

Terry also stated that even though he has retired from football, he is always looking for new challenges to test himself and contribute to the community. He said:

"The marathon isn't just about physical strength, it's also about spirit. I hope that this journey will inspire many others, especially children facing illness, to know that nothing is impossible."

John George Terry (born 1980) is a former English professional footballer and football manager who played as a central defender. He captained Chelsea, Aston Villa, and the England national football team.

John Terry is considered one of the best defenders in England and the Premier League of all time. During his playing career, John Terry won the UEFA Defender of the Year award in 2005, 2008, and 2009.

He was the only England player named in the FIFA World Cup 2006 All-Star team. As the most successful captain in Chelsea's history, John Terry helped the club win 5 Premier League titles, 5 FA Cups, 1 UEFA Europa League, and 1 UEFA Champions League.

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HUY DANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/la-sieu-sao-bong-da-john-terry-thua-nhan-chay-marathon-kho-hon-20250429105920108.htm