**Marathon Madness as Runner Completes London Marathon Dressed as Pizza Box**
In a spectacle that captured both delight and curiosity among spectators, the London Marathon welcomed an unusual participant this year: Vince Dilig, a 25-year-old from Ashtead, ran the full 26.2-mile course dressed in a giant pizza box. With a Domino’s-inspired cardboard outfit measuring a formidable 62cm by 62cm, Dilig transformed the iconic race into a showcase of both determination and whimsy.
Throughout the event, Vince was not content simply to run in fancy dress; he took his role seriously, frequently stopping to refuel on slices of pizza dipped in garlic and herb sauce—stored conveniently in his helmet. The scene was met with a mixture of applause, laughter, and puzzlement as the crowd cheered the unprecedented sight of a pizza box making its way down The Mall towards the iconic finish.
Dilig’s marathon endeavour is the latest in his growing list of running achievements. Having only recently broken the three and a half hour barrier at the previous year’s London Marathon, finishing in a respectable three hours and 29 minutes, he’s rapidly building a repertoire that includes the Hampton Court Half Marathon and a gruelling Half Ironman, which he completed in under six hours. Yet, running in costume was a novel challenge for him—one inspired, he said, by a love of both running and fast food.
The motivation behind Dilig’s choice of attire was as light-hearted as his costume itself. In comments after the race, he said: “Nothing gives me the inspiration to run quite like a Domino’s pizza. With a bit of determination—and plenty of garlic and herb dip—anything is possible.” The playful spirit appeared to be infectious, as Vince received dozens of high fives from spectators and fellow runners alike throughout the route.
Dilig has admitted that this latest challenge was about more than just the race time. “People won’t remember what time I finished,” he remarked. “But they’ll definitely remember the guy dressed as a pizza box. Part of the culture of the London Marathon is those outrageous costumes—seeing someone take on such a massive physical challenge while dressed in something completely ridiculous brings a smile to everyone’s face.”
Indeed, the London Marathon is renowned not only for feats of athleticism, but also for its celebration of both personal achievement and community fundraising through the medium of costume running. Over the years, it has become traditional for many entrants to don eccentric outfits in an effort to raise spirits and, often, vital charity funds.
Vince’s preparations were no less rigorous for his choice of attire. He spent seven months in intense training, giving up alcohol since New Year’s Eve and dedicating each weekend to long runs of up to 35 kilometres. “I wanted to see if I could push myself out of my comfort zone,” Dilig explained. “First it was about finishing, then about setting a personal best. Now, it’s about doing something memorable.”
To truly get into character, Vince even fuelled up the night before with a Domino’s pizza—citing the nutritional value of the complex carbohydrates as a practical bonus. “It seemed only fitting,” he joked.
While the official result may not make headlines, there is little doubt that Vince Dilig’s pizza box marathon run will linger in the memories of those who witnessed it on race day. His light-hearted approach and community spirit embody the very essence of what makes the London Marathon so unique each year—a celebration not just of endurance, but of individuality and joy.
As the echo of cheers faded from central London and another year’s marathon drew to a close, Vince’s story served as a reminder of the creativity and courage at the heart of one of the world’s most beloved races. Whether for time, for charity, or simply for the fun of it, the London Marathon continues to inspire, amuse and bring people together—one slice at a time.