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- GAME-DAY GRIND: April 25, 2025
GAME-DAY GRIND: April 25, 2025
Running The Show: Marathon Mania & Premier Promotions
Tom Hillary
April 25, 2025
👋 Hey there, sports fans!
Happy Friday! Grab your morning brew, sink into that comfy spot, and let's kick off the weekend together. Whether you're sipping a fancy flat white or just dunking a digestive into your builder's tea, this newsletter goes down a treat with your favourite mug.
What a cracking week it's been in the sporting world! Leeds and Burnley are back in the big time, Vardy's calling time on his legendary Leicester career, and London's getting ready to host 50,000+ runners for Sunday's marathon madness. Meanwhile, Rory's fresh from Augusta glory and heading straight to New Orleans, and Ian Wright's reminding us all what real sporting leadership looks like.
So before you dive into that weekend schedule, let's fuel up with this week's biggest stories. The weekend’s calling, but first – let's brew it!
Table of Contents
1. The Perfect Pour
Fuel Like a Finisher – Built for Marathons, Brewed for Mindset
☕ Coffee of the Week: Cold Brew + Coconut Electro-Lift
Before you get stuck into this week's sporting highs you're going to want a drink that doesn’t just wake you up, but keeps you steady through it all. Inspired by endurance athletes and marathoners across the globe, this isn't your average coffee.
The Cold Brew + Coconut Electro-Lift is crafted for stamina, not spikes. It delivers a smooth caffeine boost from slow-steeped coffee, blended with natural electrolytes to hydrate, recharge, and help your mind go the distance — whether you're watching the race, running it, or cheering from the couch.
What You'll Need:
Coarse-ground specialty coffee beans (see Bean Talk below!)
Filtered water (room temp)
Coconut water (pure, no added sugar)
Optional: a pinch of sea salt or a few electrolyte drops
A French press, mason jar, or cold brew maker
Ice + your favourite glass
How to Brew It:
Grind Your Beans: Go coarse, like sea salt. For 500ml water, use about 30g of ground coffee.
Cold Brew It: Add the coffee to a French press or jar, pour in the water, stir, cover, and steep for 12–16 hours in the fridge.
Strain & Serve: Filter your brew and pour it over ice.
Electro-Lift It: Mix ¾ coffee and ¼ coconut water. Add a pinch of sea salt or a few drops of electrolytes for that marathon-ready finish.
When to Drink It:
Before your morning run for sustained focus
After a workout or long walk to hydrate and energize
Or just while reading your Game-Day Grind with that marathon buzz in the air
Bean Talk: No need to go global when London delivers the goods. Monmouth Coffee, one of the capital’s most iconic roasters, has been serving up small-batch brilliance since the '70s. For your cold brew base, try their Tessema Edima - Ethiopia : a light roast with notes of peach tea and lychee that pair perfectly with coconut water. Smooth, complex, and built for those long-haul sips — just like the marathon itself.
When you're brewing with Monmouth, you’re tapping into the legacy of London’s coffee heritage — and giving your brew the backbone it needs to go the distance.
2. 🔥☕ Espresso Express – A quick, bold shot of sports headlines, served hot and fast!
⚽ Leeds United and Burnley Seal Premier League Return
Leeds United and Burnley are officially headed back to the big time!
The Whites absolutely demolished Stoke City 6-0 in a statement victory that turned Elland Road into a proper party. Six goals, clean sheet, job done. Stunning stuff from the Yorkshire side!
Meanwhile, Burnley weren't about to miss out on the celebration. The Clarets secured their own promotion with a hard-fought 2-1 triumph over Sheffield United. Classic Dyche football – gritty, determined, and effective when it matters most.
After slogging it out in the Championship trenches, both clubs can now look forward to those massive Premier League fixtures again. Manchester derbies, London showdowns, the works!
⚽ The End of an Era - Vardy Set to Leave Leicester
Jamie Vardy has officially announced he'll be departing Leicester City at the end of this season!
The 38-year-old striker will bring the curtain down on a truly remarkable 13-year spell with the Foxes that's practically rewritten the football fairy tale handbook. From non-league to Premier League champion... you literally couldn't make it up!
Vardy joined Leicester back in 2012 from Fleetwood Town for a modest £1 million and has gone on to smash in an incredible 198 goals across 496 appearances.
His journey from factory worker to Premier League icon remains one of football's most inspirational stories. Who could forget that record-breaking streak of scoring in 11 consecutive Premier League matches during Leicester's miraculous title-winning season?
🏉 All Blacks Star Heading to Dublin
All Blacks centre Rieko Ioane is trading the southern hemisphere for a stint in Ireland!
The explosive 28-year-old will join European powerhouse Leinster on a six-month sabbatical beginning December 2025. This isn't a permanent goodbye to New Zealand rugby though...
Ioane's move is possible thanks to a clever clause in his NZ Rugby contract that allows short overseas adventures whilst keeping him eligible for that treasured black jersey. Smart business all round!
The Blues star will return to New Zealand shores ahead of the 2026 international season, bringing valuable northern hemisphere experience back with him. Could this European education make him an even more dangerous weapon for the All Blacks?
🏉 Red Roses Ring the Changes Ahead of Grand Slam Decider
John Mitchell has thrown a proper curveball ahead of Saturday's Grand Slam decider!
The Red Roses boss has made NINE changes to his starting XV for the title showdown against France at Allianz Stadium. Talk about a bold move when all the marbles are on the line!
With both the championship and Grand Slam glory at stake, Mitchell is putting enormous faith in his squad depth. Fresh legs have been called in for what promises to be an absolute barnstormer against Les Bleues.
England's rotation strategy has served them well throughout the tournament, but this is next-level stuff for a fixture of this magnitude. The question on everyone's lips: inspired selection shake-up or unnecessary risk?
All will be revealed when the whistle blows on Saturday afternoon. Can the Red Roses deliver another Six Nations triumph to their trophy cabinet?
🏏 Brook Takes the Reigns
Harry Brook has officially been handed the England white-ball captaincy!
The 26-year-old Yorkshire star steps into the role following Jos Buttler's departure after England's disappointing early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy. Talk about a changing of the guard!
Brook has long been touted as one of England's brightest young talents, and now he'll be calling the shots as skipper in both ODIs and T20Is as the team looks to bounce back from recent disappointments.
His first challenge in the hot seat? A home series against the West Indies in May. No pressure, Harry!
The appointment signals a fresh approach from England selectors, backing youth and flair to lead the white-ball reset. Brook becomes one of the youngest captains in England's recent history, but his cricket brain has impressed coaches at all levels.
🏎️ It’s Hammer Time on Regent Street
Lewis Hamilton is bringing a touch of F1 glamour to the heart of London this week!
The seven-time world champion is set to open a brand new Fanatics Collectibles store on the prestigious Regent Street today (April 25th)!
The flagship store will be a treasure trove for sports memorabilia hunters, featuring collectibles from across Formula 1, football, and plenty of other major sports. Perfect timing with the European football season reaching its climax and the F1 championship battle heating up!
🏌️ The Dream Team Reunites in Zurich
Fresh from his historic Masters triumph, Rory McIlroy is wasting no time getting back to business!
The Northern Irishman is reuniting with his mate Shane Lowry this week as the dynamic duo look to defend their 2024 Zurich Classic crown at TPC Louisiana. Talk about a formidable partnership!
With the coveted green jacket finally in Rory's wardrobe after that dramatic Augusta victory, the Irish pair arrive in New Orleans with serious momentum behind them. McIlroy's confidence must be through the roof right now!
The Zurich Classic remains the PGA Tour's only team-format event, offering a refreshing change from the usual individual strokeplay competitions. Last year's victory proved these two have chemistry both on and off the course.
3. 📅 What's Brewing – Upcoming Games to Watch
⚽️ Football: Premier League (Match Week 34)
Chelsea vs. Everton
Saturday, April 26, 12:30 PM BST
📺 Watch on: TNT Sports 1; TNT Sports Ultimate; Discovery+
📻 Listen on: talkSPORT;AFC Bournemouth v Manchester United
Sunday, April 27, 2:00 PM BST
📺 Watch on: Sky Sports Main Event; Sky Sports Premier League
📻 Listen on: BBC Radio 5 LiveLiverpool v Tottenham Hotspur
Sunday, April 27, 4:30 PM BST
📺 Watch on: Sky Sports Main Event; Sky Sports Premier League
📻 Listen on: BBC Radio 5 Live
⚽️ Football: FA Cup Semi-Finals
Crystal Palace v Aston Villa
Saturday, April 26, 5:15 PM BST
📺 Watch on: BBC One; BBC iPlayer
📻 Listen on: BBC Radio 5 Live
Nottingham Forest v Manchester City
Sunday, April 27, 4:30 PM BST
📺 Watch on: ITV1; STV; ITVX; STV Player
📻 Listen on: talkSPORT
⚽️ Football: Women's Super League Fixtures
Liverpool Women v Tottenham Hotspur Women
Sunday, April 27, 12:00 PM BST
📺 Watch on: WSL YouTube
📻 Listen on: No Broadcast Info AvailableCrystal Palace Women v West Ham United Women
Sunday, April 27, 12:00 PM BST
📺 Watch on: BBC Red Button; BBC iPlayer; BBC Sport Website
📻 Listen on: No Broadcast Info AvailableEverton Women v Brighton & Hove Albion Women
Sunday, April 27, 2:00 PM BST
📺 Watch on: WSL YouTube Channel
📻 Listen on: No Broadcast Info AvailableLeicester City Women v Manchester City Women
Sunday, April 27, 3:00 PM BST
📺 Watch on: WSL YouTube Channel
📻 Listen on: No Broadcast Info Available
Aston Villa Women v Arsenal Women
Wednesday, April 30, 6:00 PM BST
📺 Watch on: Sky Sports Main Event; Sky Sports Football
📻 Listen on: No Broadcast Info Available
Manchester United Women v Chelsea Women
Wednesday, April 30, 8:15 PM BST
📺 Watch on: Sky Sports Main Event; Sky Sports Football
📻 Listen on: No Broadcast Info Available
🏉 Rugby Union – Gallagher English Premiership
Sale Sharks vs. Saracens
Friday, April 25, 7:45 PM GMT
📺 Watch on: TNT Sports 1; Discovery+
📻 Listen on: BBC Radio ManchesterLeicester Tigers vs. Harlequins
Saturday, April 26, 3:00 PM GMT
📺 Watch on: TNT Sports 1; Discovery +
📻 Listen on: BBC Radio LeicesterNorthampton Saints vs. Bristol Bears
Saturday, April 26, 5:15 PM GMT
📺 Watch on: TNT Sports 1; Discovery+
📻 Listen on: BBC Radio Northampton
Gloucester Rugby vs. Exeter Chiefs
Sunday, April 27, 2:30 PM GMT
📺 Watch on: TNT Sports 1; Discovery+
📻 Listen on: BBC Radio Gloucestershire
🏃♀️➡️The 2025 London Marathon
Sunday, April 27, 08:30 AM BST
📺 TV Coverage:
BBC One – Main coverage begins from 8:30 AM
BBC Two – Additional coverage and overflow segments
BBC iPlayer – Live streaming of the full event
Red Button – Watch specific races or follow selected runners
🕒 Key Start Times:
Elite Wheelchair Races – 8:50 AM
Elite Women’s Race – 9:05 AM
Elite Men & Mass Start – 9:35 AM
🌐 Online Streaming:
BBC iPlayer (via browser or app)
BBC Sport Website (live updates, clips, and stream)
📻 Radio Coverage:
BBC Radio 5 Live – Live updates, commentary, and interviews
talkSPORT – Race-day insights and post-run dis
4. The 2025 London Marathon
26.2 Miles of History
The storied streets of London are about to rumble once again with the pounding of 50,000+ pairs of trainers as the capital prepares to host its iconic marathon this Sunday. From its ancient Greek origins to today's modern spectacle, the marathon remains the ultimate test of human endurance – and London's version stands tall as perhaps the greatest of them all.
Legend has it that the marathon's origins trace back to 490 BC and the Battle of Marathon, where against all odds, the outnumbered Athenians defeated the mighty Persian army. As the tale goes, a messenger named Pheidippides ran either from Marathon to Athens (about 26 miles) or, in some accounts, all the way to Sparta (a staggering 150 miles!) to deliver news of victory before collapsing. Whether historically accurate or not, this heroic image of a determined runner pushing beyond human limits has captured imaginations for over two millennia.
The modern London Marathon as we know it took its first steps on 29th March 1981, when 7,747 pioneers set off from Blackheath. That inaugural race produced perhaps the most poetic finish in the event's history – American Dick Beardsley and Norwegian Inge Simonsen crossing the line hand-in-hand in a deliberate tie, sharing victory in 2:11:48. In the 44 years since, no race has ended in such fashion.
Fast forward to 2025, and the event has transformed into a global phenomenon. While the fundamental challenge remains unchanged – cover 26.2 miles as quickly as possible – nearly everything else has evolved. Last year's entry saw a mind-boggling 578,000 applicants competing for just 50,000 spots – making it statistically harder to get into than Oxford or Cambridge!
The elite field for Sunday's race reads like a who's who of distance running royalty. Four-time champion Eliud Kipchoge returns to London for the first time since 2020, facing off against defending champion Alexander Mutiso Munyao and Olympic gold medallist Tamirat Tola. The legendary Kenenisa Bekele, now approaching veteran status but still dangerous, rounds out perhaps the strongest men's field ever assembled.
The women's race features Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa, who shattered the world record in Berlin with her astonishing 2:11:53. She'll face stiff competition from Dutch superstar Sifan Hassan, who, fresh from Olympic glory, makes her highly anticipated London debut. Former champions Joyciline Jepkosgei and Vivian Cheruiyot ensure this race will be nothing short of spectacular.
British fans have plenty to cheer for with Olympic triathlon champion Alex Yee and European 10,000m gold medallist Eilish McColgan both making their marathon debuts. Rising star Anya Culling joins the elite women's field, hoping to announce herself on the biggest stage.
The celebrity contingent adds another layer of intrigue. Britain's most decorated Olympian Sir Jason Kenny swaps the velodrome for the streets, while cricket legends Sir Alastair Cook and Sir Andrew Strauss trade wickets for water stations. Former football stars John Terry and Jack Wilshere will test their endurance over a very different 90+ minutes, while fitness guru Joe Wicks puts his own advice into practice.
When analysing what it takes to conquer London, several key factors emerge for both elites and amateurs alike.
Course knowledge proves crucial. The London route may appear straightforward, but veterans know precisely where to conserve energy and where to push. The infamous "Isle of Dogs" section between miles 15-19 has broken countless runners who attacked too early, while the deceptive incline up to Tower Bridge (mile 12) has lured many into premature exhaustion.
Weather conditions significantly impact performance. Sunday's forecast shows temperatures around 12°C with light cloud cover – practically perfect marathon conditions. The last three course records were all set in similar weather, suggesting we might see something special this weekend.
Pacing remains the ultimate challenge. Data from previous London Marathons shows that 68% of participants who achieve their target times maintained even splits throughout. The notorious "wall" at mile 20 claims countless victims who set off too ambitiously – a lesson that applies equally to elites and first-timers.
The current course records stand as formidable targets: Kelvin Kiptum's 2:01:25 from 2023 (a poignant reminder of the talent lost in his tragic death last year) and Peres Jepchirchir's fresh 2:16:16 from 2024. The wheelchair divisions are equally impressive with Marcel Hug's 1:23:44 and Catherine Debrunner's 1:38:24 representing the pinnacle of the sport.
Beyond the athletic achievements, the London Marathon's charitable heart continues to grow. Last year's event raised a staggering £67 million for various causes, bringing the lifetime total to over £1.2 billion. Among the most moving stories this year are David Stancombe and Sergio Aguiar, fathers running in memory of their daughters, victims of the Southport tragedy. It’s safe to say that the entire of the UK will be behind them both pushing them forward, mile after mile.
Then there's 77-year-old Jeannie Rice, the world's fastest woman in her age group, proving that the marathon spirit knows no age limits – though she still has some years to go before matching the record set by Jenny Wood-Allen, who at 87 became the oldest woman to finish London in 1999, clocking 7 hours, 14 minutes.
Regardless of your connection to running – whether you're tracking elite splits, supporting a friend's charity effort, or simply enjoying the carnival atmosphere – Sunday promises to deliver another unforgettable chapter in London Marathon history. From Greenwich Park to The Mall, 26.2 miles of drama, determination and occasional despair await.
Will Kipchoge reclaim his London crown? Can Assefa continue her record-breaking form? Which celebrities will surprise us? And how many bizarre Guinness World Records will be set along the way? (Previous categories have included "fastest marathon dressed as a plant" and "fastest marathon carrying a household appliance"!)
The beauty of the marathon is that each participant writes their own story – whether finishing in just over two hours or just under eight. This Sunday, London once again takes center stage in the running world.
If any of our readers are lacing up their trainers to take part in this weekend’s marathon - please let us know. Game-Day Grind our behind you 100% of the way even if it is from our nice comfy sofa…
5. Grounds for Celebration: This Week’s Feel-Good Moment
Every now and then, a story emerges that reminds us why we truly love sport. Not for the silverware or the screaming headlines, but for those special characters who use their platform to genuinely make a difference. This week, that person is Arsenal and England legend Ian Wright.
When semi-professional footballer Kayleigh McDonald suffered that dreaded ACL injury playing for Stoke City last March, she faced the brutal reality many women footballers know all too well – a lengthy NHS waiting list or private surgery she simply couldn't afford. Her club initially refused to cough up, leaving her stranded like so many others in the women's game.
Enter Mr. Ian Wright (OBE). Without fuss or fanfare, he quietly hired a sports lawyer to help Kayleigh challenge Stoke's stance – a move that eventually forced the club to fund her surgery. But when their support dried up at the rehab stage, Wrighty stepped up again, personally covering the eye-watering £1,700-a-month cost of her recovery programme.
This shouldn't surprise anyone who's been paying attention. Wright has long been women's football's most passionate advocate from the men's game. He's helped launch coaching funds for grassroots female coaches, backed new girls' teams at his boyhood clubs, and consistently pushed broadcasters and clubs to give the women's game the respect it deserves.
Kayleigh herself describes him as a "genuine person with a heart" – talk about an understatement! It's easy to admire Wright for his goal-scoring exploits or his passionate punditry. But this week, we celebrate him for displaying the kind of leadership that doesn't come with trophies or testimonials – the kind that changes lives when the cameras aren't rolling.
In an era where football often feels increasingly disconnected from its roots, Ian continues to show what using your platform really means. Not empty social media posts or PR-driven charity appearances, but genuine, life-changing support when it matters most.
6. 🤔 Extra Shot: Your Weekly Dose of Sports Trivia
Time to test those eagle eyes! Think you know your Premier League clubs inside and out? Well, here's a proper challenge for you...
We're about to show you just a TINY FRAGMENT of each Premier League badge from a few of this season's clubs. No full crests, no obvious giveaways - just partial glimpses that'll separate the casual viewers from the true diehards!
Some might seem dead obvious, but others will have you scratching your head for ages!
Answers will be announced in next week’s newsletter! Respond to this email with your answers to be in with a chance of a shout in next week’s edition.
Only a few of you got a 100% perfect score in The Master’s Special Golf Emoji Quiz with the Green Jacket going to Theo B . Well done Theo, you where the first back to the club house before the others had even teed off!
Answers:
Hole in One
Tiger Woods
Albatross
Driver
Putter
Justin Rose
Tom Watson
(Tyrell) Hatton
Billy Horschel
Jason Day
Club House
Sand Trap or Bunker
Before signing off, we also wanted to give a birthday shout out to one of our loyal subscribers, Ben H. Happy Birthday for next week Ben. We won’t give your age away but put it this way - If Justin Rose has recorded your age on his final round’s scorecard at The Masters the Green Jacket would have been his 😉
That's full-time on this week's brew! Got a juicy sports story we missed or a coffee blend we need to try? Don't be shy—hit reply and spill the beans!
How did you find this week's Game-Day Grind? |