Coronavirus: Man runs marathon on balcony in tribute to medics with France in lockdown

Elisha Nochomovitz accomplished the 26.2 miles in just under seven hours

Despite the coronavirus restricting exercise for many around the world right now, Elisha Nochomovitz has proven the extreme limits that can still be achieved after running a marathon on his balcony.

With his balcony just seven meters wide, Nochomovitz embraced the 42.2km (26.2 miles) distance, testing himself physically and mentally to the maximum.

The motivation for the challenge was to pay tribute to medics in France, with Nochomovitz managing to complete the width of his apartment in Balma, on the outskirts of Toulouse, a staggering 6,028 times.

“It was about launching a bit of a crazy challenge and bringing a bit of humour, to de-dramatise the confinement situation,” he said.

Nochomovitz, who finished the distance in six hours and 48 minutes, admits he was worried he would disrupt the neighbours beneath his apartment with the constant footsteps.

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Running is not banned in France right now, but a form must be filled out explaining the reasons for leaving their home, so Nochomovitz opted to prove fitness can still be maintained at home.

“If everyone thinks the same way and does the same thing, we will all find ourselves outside and that won’t help anything, and the message that we need to stay confined at home will have had no impact,” said Nochomovitz.

“I needed to assure myself that I could still run 40km.”

Nochomovitz had his girlfriend by his side to keep him hydrated, while also handing him his secret fuel of M&Ms.

“I thought about many things, what’s going to happen, when I see that the world has stopped, sports, economy, finance,” he added.

“We learned in history about wars between nations, men and weapons, but this is something that is beyond us.”