Ore Oduba bursts into tears during an interview, and it becomes clear that the London Marathon means far more to him than just a race. After months of grueling training and a complete lifestyle overhaul, the broadcaster joins thousands of runners for the TCS London Marathon. He is running for Smartphone Free Childhood, a charity close to his heart, and is proud to be among the first to take on the 26.2-mile challenge to 'fight against big tech.'
A Deeper Significance
Behind the fundraising, Ore's journey holds a much deeper meaning. Last April, his family was shattered by the death of his sister, Lola, who took their own life. Ore has since spoken publicly about his grief and vowed to make the most of every second he has left in their honor. Running the marathon is a tribute to something Lola loved.
Speaking exclusively ahead of the big day, an emotional Ore, 40, says: 'Oh, my sister's so proud of me. It was amazing hearing stories about them from their friends. Our family lost them almost exactly a year ago. My sister really found a love for running in lockdown; it gave them a lot of life and escape. I remember opening a particular envelope they had sent for my children before they died, bursting into tears, then looking up and going, “I'm gonna have to run the bloody marathon for you, aren't I?”'
Overcoming Childhood Fears
Ore admits that running the London Marathon was 'the one thing that I knew I would never have the strength to do' until he found it through his sister. Since childhood, the concept of running without a finish line has triggered him, almost bringing out a 'sickness' at school. He once declared the marathon 'a completely impossible task.' But the spirit of his late sister shifted his perspective entirely.
Throughout training, Ore says Lola has been by his side. Their number (123) appeared as the time on his watch before the Hampton Court half-marathon, which he inadvertently signed up to complete on a poignant date. 'I knew I'd lined it up on Mother's Day. What I hadn't realised until the morning of the run was that Mother's Day last year was the last time I saw my sister. My sister is, and always will be, my daughter's godparent. I remember sending my sister a text that morning saying, “Happy Mother's Day,” and that was the last one I ever sent.'
Training Challenges
Ore describes his training regime as 'mad how someone could not be more present than my sister without actually being physically there. They have been with me on a daily basis.' But it hasn't been smooth sailing. Exhaustion, illness, anxiety, and a popped Achilles tendon have been constant challenges, not to mention the stress of not knowing where he'll be able to relieve himself on race day. 'No one talks about it!' he says.
Ore knows there are 'no excuses' now as the main event has arrived. 'I don't know that I've ever done anything harder. It's not like you can step out of the house, run for two hours, then be straight back on your laptop. I come in dishevelled. Making breakfast is too much of a task. If I go for a run at 6:30am, get back around 9am, I'm not actually providing anything to society until about lunchtime. It's really taxing on the body – and I must be boring so many people with it!'
Fighting for a Cause
The bigger picture spurs him on. The message of Smartphone Free Childhood, a movement of families campaigning to delay smartphone access, resonates with Ore, who has previously revealed his porn addiction. He feels passionate about protecting young people from the 'tsunami' of harmful content online. 'I don't think there is anybody connected to a device right now who can deny the danger kids are in if we don't raise the alarm. 10 or 15 years ago, there was a promise that devices and social media were only going to help us. We know that's a lie now. Through smartphones and social media, they are upping depression and bullying and exposing young people to things their brains are not ready for. If we don't protect our kids and educate ourselves to prevent them from falling into this vortex, we won't have done our job.'
Crossing the Finish Line
When Ore steps up to the starting line, there is a weight of responsibility on his back for multiple reasons. But with the roaring crowd cheering him on and the knowledge that he's helping change lives for the better, he pushes through. 'My family will be at the end waiting for me, so get the mops out, guys. The river of emotion will be unstoppable. I won't put the pressure on myself as to how long it will take, as long as I get there. It's going to be something that I know I will never, ever forget. I'll never do it again. But I also will never forget it.'
The TCS London Marathon takes place on Sunday, April 26.
