London Marathon: Ex Charlton Athletic and Leeds United star hopes to smash former West Ham man's record

Former Crystal Palace and Leeds United player Danny Mills is taking part in the London Marathon this weekend with the hope of setting a new record time for an ex Premier League ace at the famous race in the capital.

The 47-year-old won the First Division play-offs with the Addicks in 1998, playing a role in that dramatic penalty shootout win over Sunderland. Mills went on to play for Middlesbrough, Leeds United and Manchester City, eventually returning to The Valley on loan in 2007.

Mills is now a regular pundit and has built up a passion for marathon running since hanging up his playing boots in 2008. The former defender ran the London Marathon for The Bobby Moore Fund in 2016 and has also done the Yorkshire Marathon.

Danny Mills taking part in London Marathon 2025

Now, Mills is determined to become the fastest former Premier League runner to complete the London Marathon. To do that, he will have to beat the three hours and six minutes posted by Christian Dailly. The former defender also spent time with Charlton Athletic towards the end of his career after time with Blackburn Rovers, West Ham and Rangers.

Dailly won the Championship play-offs with the Hammers in 2005 and was also an FA Cup runner-up with the London outfit in 2006. At Rangers, he won the Scottish Premier League, the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup.

Mills said: “Running a marathon is something you do for yourself — nobody else cares about your time. But crossing that finish line, knowing what you’ve put in, is one of the best feelings in the world,” he said.

“Having said that, knowing there are some ex-footballers taking part has obviously awoken the competitive spirit. John [Terry] and Jody [Morris] are fit guys, but I’m hoping experience will win out. John’s got a lot more medals at football than me so I’ll have to go for the running one. Leonardo’s the unknown quantity!”

Ex Charlton Athletic man looking to beat former West Ham star’s record

Mills, who spent three years in rehab following a major knee injury which led to his retirement from football, sees running as an essential part of life. He told Puresport: “I was probably better at running than I was at football.

“When I made a run and didn’t get the ball, I was never too disappointed. I always wanted to be the fittest player at any club I played for. Running clears my head. You don’t always enjoy the run – but you love how it makes you feel after.

“I’m not doing the big, long runs. I split them across morning and evening sessions. It works for me – I know my body. I’ll try to run my own race for the first half, but then I’ll probably get carried away by the crowd and the atmosphere and really go for it. I’ve not gone over three hours and 30 minutes yet, so I want to keep that record up.

“London is special, you’re cheered every step of the way. I can’t wait.”

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