London Marathon will have 18 mile marker dedicated to Stephen Lawrence
Stephen Lawrence will be remembered at this year’s London Marathon with an 18 mile marker designed by young architects to motivate runners at one of the toughest sections of the 26.2 mile course.
The winning concept, titled: Because Of Stephen We Can, has been designed by three London-based architecture graduates, Ayanna Blair-Ford, Shreeya Radia and Quincy Haynes.
The design celebrates the life and legacy of Stephen, who was 18 when he was murdered in 1993.
The Mile 18 marker will incorporate brightly coloured plaques with quotes from young people describing the personal impact that Stephen’s life and legacy has had on them.
The structure, which will also project a mix of music and audio clips, will be seen by 41,000 runners, as well as spectators on the course and those watching on television.
Sonia Watson, chief executive of the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust said: "We have been amazed and delighted by the talent and creativity of all those who entered the competition."
The competition, which was launched on September 13 which would have been Stephen’s 44th birthday, reflected his own aspiration to pursue a career in architecture as well as his love of running.
Ms Watson added: "It has shown the incredible impact of Stephen’s life and legacy in inspiring a new generation.
"I am sure that the Mile 18 marker will both inspire those running the marathon and be a powerful message to everyone who sees it about what we can all achieve."
Quincy Haynes, from the winning team, said: "We wanted our design to acknowledge the tragedy of Stephen’s death, but also to celebrate his legacy and the work of the trust.
He added: "We are incredibly excited to see it built and hope that it will motivate runners as they reach one of the toughest miles of the marathon."
Nearly 40 teams and individuals registered for the competition, with 10 shortlisted designs presented to a panel including Stephen’s mother Baroness Lawrence, representatives from London Marathon Events Ltd, Arena Group, who will build the marker, and the trust’s architecture advisory board.
The shortlisted designs are part of a public exhibition at the Stephen Lawrence Centre in Deptford until Friday February 15.
The 2019 Virgin Money London Marathon takes place on Sunday April 28, six days after the first national Stephen Lawrence day.