0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:01- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:01 > 0:00:06- The ultimate race - - 26 miles, 385 yards.
0:00:10 > 0:00:15- A long and challenging race which - saps energy and tests character.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31- April 23, the London Marathon.
0:00:31 > 0:00:33- A 23-year-old Welshman...
0:00:34 > 0:00:37- ..creates the biggest shock - in the history of the race.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42- This is interesting. That's Robbie - Simpson, who's running very well.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45- There's an athlete ahead of him - wearing 1154...
0:00:46 > 0:00:48- ..which could well be - Josh Griffiths.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52- This could be a real surprise here.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57- There he is. - What a performance from him.
0:00:57 > 0:00:58- That's under 2:15.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03- I never in a million years - thought he'd do something like that.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07- He must be an international - if he's done that time.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09- He didn't look out of breath.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14- He's done something which thousands - of athletes would be envious about.
0:01:15 > 0:01:17- Josh Griffiths will be competing...
0:01:18 > 0:01:21- ..in the men's marathon - at the World Championships.
0:01:22 > 0:01:24- The first Welshman to do that.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27- It hits you sometimes - how well he's done.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31- When he's on the start line - wearing the British vest...
0:01:32 > 0:01:35- ..it'll be a proud moment - for everyone.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37- This is a fairy-tale story.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41- Josh ran a marathon - for the first time...
0:01:41 > 0:01:45- ..and from nowhere - became an overnight star.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59- Over 40,000 people have registered.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02- Will we get a world record - from our elite men?
0:02:02 > 0:02:05- The great thing - about the London Marathon...
0:02:05 > 0:02:07- ..is we have the top guys - at the front.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11- Just behind them - there are always great stories.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16- As a commentator, you're looking out - for somebody having a special day.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20- Someone doing something different - to what they've done before.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24- I made the mistake of asking - a week before London...
0:02:24 > 0:02:26- .."What time do you have in mind?"
0:02:26 > 0:02:28- He said, "2 hours 16."
0:02:28 > 0:02:30- I thought, "Oh, my gosh."
0:02:30 > 0:02:33- I didn't sleep that week.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37- I felt more nervous than Josh.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41- He'd trained well - and was ready for the race.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45- I told him, - "Show London what you can do."
0:02:45 > 0:02:47- He nodded his head and off he went.
0:02:51 > 0:02:56- The 37th London Marathon - gets under way.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59- I started - about one row behind the elite.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03- I'd pushed myself towards the front.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06- I worked my way through the field - as the race went on.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10- He reached mile 13, halfway.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13- By then, - he'd caught up with the elite.
0:03:13 > 0:03:14- He was in amongst them.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18- I looked at them - and thought he was looking good.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20- I know all the elite runners...
0:03:21 > 0:03:24- ..because I like to do my homework - before a race.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28- I knew who they were - but I didn't expect to race them...
0:03:28 > 0:03:30- ..just to be in the same race.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33- When I started passing them, - it was surreal.
0:03:33 > 0:03:38- He was passing Chris Thompson, - Andrew Lemoncello, Scott Overall.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43- He must've thought he was near - the front of the British athletes.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45- The Kenyans - were in a group of their own.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49- I then waited for the English - and Australian runners to come...
0:03:49 > 0:03:52- ..but it was Joshua who came next.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56- Only the odd runner comes through, - not the masses.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58- So not a lot of people shout.
0:03:58 > 0:04:03- Only three athletes were running, - and I was the only mother.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06- So some of the people around me...
0:04:06 > 0:04:10- ..starting shouting, - "Come on, Josh!" because I was too.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14- It was at the last second coming - round the corner of the Mall...
0:04:14 > 0:04:17- ..I looked out the window and went, - "Who's that guy there?"
0:04:18 > 0:04:20- Swansea vest - and wearing a normal number.
0:04:20 > 0:04:25- This is interesting. That's Robbie - Simpson, who's running very well.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28- There's an athlete ahead of him - wearing 1154...
0:04:28 > 0:04:31- ..which could well be - Josh Griffiths.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34- It was a scramble to find out - who he was as he crossed the line.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39- As ever, those stories in London are - the ones which grab the headlines.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- What a performance from him. - That's under 2:15.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47- He could well be the first - British athlete across the line.
0:04:47 > 0:04:52- When I realized that I was British - champion, it was a big shock.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56- As he finished the race, - his fingers were up here.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00- He looked up at his time - and went like this.
0:05:00 > 0:05:05- I couldn't believe it. - He didn't look out of breath at all.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07- As a father...
0:05:07 > 0:05:12- ..I'm so proud - I can't put it into words.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17- I never in a million years - thought he'd do something like that.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21- If I go to give him a hug - after he's finished a race...
0:05:21 > 0:05:24- ..he's not really cool about it.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27- But I got a nice hug - at the end of that one!
0:05:27 > 0:05:31- What Josh did was something - all club runners dream of doing.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33- The gap - between a very good club runner...
0:05:34 > 0:05:37- ..and the lower echelons - of international running...
0:05:37 > 0:05:40- ..isn't that big, - but they don't all do what Josh did.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51- Though he made his name - on the streets of London...
0:05:51 > 0:05:54- ..Josh is certainly a hometown boy.
0:05:55 > 0:05:56- This is Gorslas.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00- This is where I grew up.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03- Dad lives a couple of villages away.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07- I live here with my mum, - stepdad and brother.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11- It's a small community. - Everything you want is around here.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14- This is where I run all the time.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16- It's a good place - to run and to live.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- The whole family - lives in the Gwendraeth Valley.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26- They back him - and are his biggest supporters.
0:06:26 > 0:06:27- Alright?
0:06:28 > 0:06:29- Where have you been?
0:06:29 > 0:06:30- Where have you been?- - Training.
0:06:31 > 0:06:32- Where did you go?
0:06:32 > 0:06:33- Where did you go?- - Near the house.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37- A flying visit - to see Mam-gu and Dad-cu. Well done!
0:06:38 > 0:06:41- We've been following Joshua - for many years.
0:06:42 > 0:06:46- We'd go here and there on weekends - in the cold and rain.
0:06:46 > 0:06:51- We'd be knee-deep in mud - when he did cross country!
0:06:52 > 0:06:55- He's quiet. He knows his own mind.
0:06:55 > 0:07:00- Once he's made a decision, - no-one will change his mind.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- We've always been so close.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- Having the same interest - helps us both.
0:07:08 > 0:07:13- Llyn Llech Owain parkrun is - the local weekly community race...
0:07:14 > 0:07:17- ..where a fairy-tale story - can emerge from the grassroots.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21- Llyn Llech Owain parkrun - is the one closest to my home.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24- I've done it a few times - and I really like it.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28- It's quite a tough course - but it's a beautiful one too.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32- It's nice to run with people - who enjoy running.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38- Good morning. - Welcome to Llyn Llech Owain parkrun.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- Three, two, one, go.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49- Josh isn't racing today...
0:07:49 > 0:07:54- ..but the new local hero is here to - start the race and to support Dad.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59- He's been training hard, - even if he doesn't say so himself.
0:07:59 > 0:08:04- I think he went flat out - for the camera! No, he ran well.
0:08:10 > 0:08:11- It's hot!
0:08:12 > 0:08:14- Well done.
0:08:14 > 0:08:15- Is there something in the genes?
0:08:15 > 0:08:16- Is there something in the genes?- - There must be.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20- Everyone in the family - likes to do something...
0:08:20 > 0:08:24- ..whether that be running, - playing rugby, cycling and so on.
0:08:24 > 0:08:29- I don't think anyone enjoys - sitting in the house doing nothing.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32- We'd rather be out doing something - and competing.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34- That's in Josh, no doubt about it.
0:08:35 > 0:08:36- Well done.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44- Yes, running is in the genes.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48- I think it started - when he was in school.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52- One thing I noticed - when he played football...
0:08:53 > 0:08:55- ..was he could run all game.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58- His stamina was evident early on.
0:08:58 > 0:09:04- When he was 11 or 12, he was always - the last boy in Year 7.
0:09:06 > 0:09:11- He carried a bit more weight. - Puppy fat, I suppose.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14- By Year 9 into Year 10...
0:09:14 > 0:09:18- ..he'd finish in the top three - in the schools race.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23- The next step - was joining Carmarthen Harriers.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25- Keep it up. Well done.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32- To this very day, Sharon, Josh - and his brother Trystan...
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- ..still train on the same track - every week.
0:09:48 > 0:09:53- After I crossed the London Marathon - finish line, everything changed.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57- It was all strange to begin with. - I wasn't used to it at all.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01- I'm a bit more used to it now, - but it's still a bit strange...
0:10:01 > 0:10:04- ..to be driving round - with a camera in the car.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07- The Welsh Athletics Championships.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12- Lending his support as a VIP - is the new star of Welsh athletics.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16- It's a bit crazy - that people are recognizing me now.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19- You get used to it over time.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22- You kind of enjoy it a bit too.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26- It's what you dream of - as an amateur runner.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29- There too are a few legends...
0:10:29 > 0:10:34- ..including the hero for - every marathon runner, Steve Jones.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37- Jones sees - he's got 200 metres to go.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43- He's going to smash the UK - All-Comers record out of sight.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47- The Newport Harrier became - the fastest man in the world...
0:10:47 > 0:10:50- ..over the marathon - in Chicago last October.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52- The first marathon he'd finished.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56- What a run he's produced today. - Absolutely magnificent.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59- Steve - still holds the British record.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03- He's very generous with his time - and in giving advice.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06- I coached myself - between '84 and '86.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10- That's when I had - my most marathon successes.
0:11:10 > 0:11:11- But it's tough.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15- In the early days, I would've - stayed home, stayed with my coach...
0:11:15 > 0:11:18- ..and stuck to what worked - for London.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21- These next three years - could be the difference...
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- ..in finding a real job - or staying with the running.
0:11:25 > 0:11:31- Like the young Steve Jones, - Josh coaches himself too.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- To coach yourself, you've got to be - mature and listen to your body.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39- I have a master's degree - in sports coaching.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41- I hope I know what I'm doing!
0:11:41 > 0:11:43- I follow my own programme.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- I create the programme - by looking at YouTube videos.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49- When he was at university...
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- ..he trained - with the group they had up there.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55- But I think he was happier - when he was by himself.
0:11:55 > 0:12:00- He knew what he was doing. He wasn't - following what others were doing.
0:12:06 > 0:12:12- He now runs 120 miles a week.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- Some days, - I wake up and everything hurts.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22- I can't move but I know I have - to run about 20 miles that day.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- There's no choice - - I just have to do it.
0:12:26 > 0:12:31- In the past, I've said no - to going out with my mates...
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- ..but I don't mind because - I want to give running my best shot.
0:12:36 > 0:12:42- Whatever the outcome, I want to look - back and know I've given my all.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48- Running is a lonely existence.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51- So, sometimes, - it's nice to have Dad's company.
0:12:51 > 0:12:56- I can't run the same times as Josh - or at his pace...
0:12:57 > 0:12:59- ..but we sometimes - do a long run together.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04- We start at the same time and Josh - will do a couple of extra miles....
0:13:04 > 0:13:06- ..but we finish at the same time.
0:13:07 > 0:13:12- We can chat about training and we - keep each other company in doing it.
0:13:19 > 0:13:20- What's on the menu?
0:13:22 > 0:13:26- Butternut squash and salmon - is my lunch today.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29- A snack - before going for another run later.
0:13:30 > 0:13:31- I eat quite a lot.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35- I try to look after myself - but Dad does most of the cooking.
0:13:36 > 0:13:37- Keep the food simple.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40- There are no masterchefs - in this house!
0:13:43 > 0:13:47- When he comes back, the bills - are massive! It more than doubles.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50- All he says to me is - "I want a lot."
0:13:51 > 0:13:55- What I find difficult - is I have to shop almost every day.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59- I saw a man in the Co-op yesterday - and he said, "Here again?"
0:13:59 > 0:14:01- I said, "Yes!"
0:14:01 > 0:14:05- I'm always shopping for food - and it all goes.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- With six weeks - until the World Championships...
0:14:10 > 0:14:15- ..and with support from Welsh - Athletics and British Athletics...
0:14:15 > 0:14:20- ..Josh has been invited - to run in the Hamburg half marathon.
0:14:22 > 0:14:23- .
0:14:28 > 0:14:28- Subtitles
0:14:28 > 0:14:30- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:14:38 > 0:14:41- With the World Championships - in London getting closer...
0:14:41 > 0:14:47- ..Josh has been invited to Hamburg - to run in a half marathon race.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01- I've come to Hamburg because - it's a really good standard race.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04- It's a chance to run fast...
0:15:04 > 0:15:08- ..but it'll also give me experience - of running against a strong field.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- This will be my first race - as a professional.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13- I'm looking forward to it.
0:15:16 > 0:15:21- It's his opportunity to test himself - against elite African athletes.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25- It's great to be - in the same race as Kenyans.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29- It'll be great to mix with them, - see how they do things...
0:15:29 > 0:15:31- ..and try and beat - one or two of them.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36- I see it as an honour - to come out here...
0:15:36 > 0:15:40- ..because not many people - get the chance to do it.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44- I want to show I deserve - to be on the start line.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47- His last race before London.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- I really get in the zone - when I start to warm up.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56- He needs - a confidence-boosting performance.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00- When I put on my race shoes...
0:16:00 > 0:16:04- ..a switch flicks in my head - saying, "I have to run hard now."
0:16:25 > 0:16:29- The course was harder than expected - with the trees. It was hot.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32- How was it racing - against the Kenyans?
0:16:33 > 0:16:39- You have patches where you feel good - and patches where you struggle.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43- They don't care how you feel, - you've just got to go.
0:16:45 > 0:16:50- As expected, - the Kenyan runners led the way...
0:16:50 > 0:16:54- ..and Josh was happy - to finish as the first European.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58- I'm very happy with the position.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- I've come out of the race - with my second quickest time.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08- It's always nice to be the first - from Europe and the first white man.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13- I wanted to run a bit quicker, - but I've finished the race healthy.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16- I have another six weeks. - This was never the goal.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20- I've learnt - that you have to be tough.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24- I'm getting there, - but there's still work to be done.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35- The trip to Germany - proved worthwhile.
0:17:49 > 0:17:50- Back in Gorslas...
0:17:50 > 0:17:54- ..the weekly hydrotherapy sessions - help to prevent injuries.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57- I trained hard this morning.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02- I come here to make sure I recover - after a hard session.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06- I stretch after the session and then - go straight into the cold pool.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10- It's about 3 degrees, - so it's really, really cold.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20- Every time I come here, I dread it.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23- It hurts, especially the feet.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27- This is the hardest session - I'll do today.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36- You feel better after coming out.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- It'll help me - to be able to train hard tomorrow.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43- Are you glad it's over?
0:18:44 > 0:18:45- Yes, it's freezing.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- From the freezing cold pool - to the heat of Portugal.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59- As a professional runner...
0:19:00 > 0:19:03- ..he can take advantage - of the best facilities.
0:19:04 > 0:19:09- Nothing is discounted to ensure - he's ready for the big race.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- I've been in Portugal for two days - and everything is great.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- The facilities are great, - it's a nice track...
0:19:17 > 0:19:19- ..and it's nice to run in the sun.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22- It's really good to train in.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31- I've just done a long 28-mile run - in 30 degree heat.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35- I hope now, whatever the weather - will be in London...
0:19:36 > 0:19:38- ..that I've prepared properly.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43- In the last week, - I've run over 120 miles.
0:19:43 > 0:19:48- It's just over four weeks to go - until the Champs on 6 August.
0:19:48 > 0:19:53- I'm really excited and there's - enough time to get more training in.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- Just counting down the days now. - I'm looking forward.
0:20:08 > 0:20:14- Back home, the hard work continues, - mile after mile.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17- # Day after day
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- # Thoughts vanish in an instant
0:20:21 > 0:20:24- # Time after time #
0:20:25 > 0:20:29- I'm looking forward. I've - trained hard since the marathon.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- I feel - I can run very well in London.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35- # Day after day
0:20:36 > 0:20:39- # One after another #
0:20:40 > 0:20:43- I had one day off - after the London Marathon.
0:20:43 > 0:20:48- Before then, I didn't have a day off - for over a year.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51- On Christmas Day, I ran twice. - It was a hard day.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53- The meal was nice when I had it.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00- Just three weeks - before the World Championships...
0:21:00 > 0:21:04- ..Josh is back in Cardiff - for another special day.
0:21:08 > 0:21:13- He's here to receive his Masters - of Science in Sports Coaching.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15- Joshua Griffiths.
0:21:17 > 0:21:22- On Sunday morning in London, he'll - step onto a much bigger stage...
0:21:23 > 0:21:26- ..with a worldwide audience - watching.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30- When he went to university, - we gave him a poster.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- On the poster, it said - "Follow your dreams."
0:21:35 > 0:21:37- I think the time has come.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40- The dream has come true.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- For most athletes, that chance - to pull on a British vest...
0:21:56 > 0:22:00- ..in a World Championships - is an incredible thing to do.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02- Most never ever - get that in their career.
0:22:02 > 0:22:07- He's done something which thousands - of athletes will be envious about.
0:22:11 > 0:22:16- There's more pressure now - because people have heard of him...
0:22:16 > 0:22:20- ..but I don't think - he sees it as pressure.
0:22:20 > 0:22:25- He's looking forward to it. - He's getting the opportunity to run.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28- All he wants to do - is finish in a good time...
0:22:28 > 0:22:31- ..as part of the British team.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- He must know there's more there.
0:22:34 > 0:22:39- I hope he doesn't go over the top - and try to double it.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43- Just carry on doing what he's doing. - A natural progression.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52- Expectation will be there...
0:22:52 > 0:22:56- ..perhaps from those who don't - understand what he's going into.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01- The World Championships - is the best people in the world.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05- If he finishes in the top 30, - he will have done incredibly well.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08- It's sinking in how well he's done.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11- When he's on the start line - wearing the British vest...
0:23:12 > 0:23:14- ..it'll be a proud moment - for everyone.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19- Whatever he does - at the World Championships...
0:23:19 > 0:23:23- ..it's been a fabulous story, - but I'm sure it won't end there.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28- When you get a little lick - of the ice cream...
0:23:29 > 0:23:31- ..you want more - once you've tasted it.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36- Wearing the British vest - will be really special...
0:23:36 > 0:23:39- ..but it's not just - a British vest...
0:23:39 > 0:23:42- ..I'll be wearing a Gorslas, - Ysgol Dyffryn Aman...
0:23:42 > 0:23:46- ..Carmarthen Harriers, - Swansea Harriers and Wales vest.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50- I've come from the bottom - and I've worked my way up...
0:23:50 > 0:23:52- ..and now I'm on the big stage.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55- It'll be a special moment for me.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:24:25 > 0:24:25- .