North-east politician smashes record to become fastest female MP in London Marathon history

A north-east politician has become the fastest female MP in the history of the London Marathon - smashing the previous record by more than half an hour. Harriet Cross, Conservative MP for Gordon and Buchan, crossed the finishing line in three hours 21 minutes, beating Jo Swinson’s record - set in 2019 - by 36 minutes. Harriet was also the fastest MP to complete the race overall, while her party colleague, West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP Andrew Bowie, was the second quickest with a time of three hours 58 minutes.

The pair have raised thousands of pounds for their respective charities - Kayleigh’s Wee Stars and MS Society. Harriet Cross, said: “For many years I have wanted to run the London Marathon, and it didn’t disappoint. “The crowds, the atmosphere and the overall experience was fantastic, even with the hot temperatures which were a test – especially for us Scots taking part! “It was an added bonus to learn that I had broken the record for the fastest female MP.



“The London Marathon is the world's largest annual one-day fundraising event, so to be able to run for such a wonderful charity, Kayleigh’s Wee Stars, is really what it’s all about and an incredible experience that I’ll never forget.” Andrew Bowie added: “It was a tremendous experience. “It really is Britain at its best and the crowds push you on when you think you can't put another foot in front of the other.

“The conditions were extremely challenging. It was very warm and with cloudless skies, having trained in the cold of an Aberdeenshire winter, it was quite a shock. “But I'm delighted to have raised money for the MS Society, an incredibly important charity who do so much great work.

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