Former army commando Alan Soutar endures 72-minute marathon to make it into World Darts second round
BRAVEDART Alan Soutar endured a 72-minute marathon darts test – as the Ally Pally wasp made a return.
The Scottish firefighter, 47, is one of the fittest men in the sport and is running the 2026 London Marathon to raise funds for Guide Dog Scotland.
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Alan Soutar won a thrilling 72-minute marathon game against Teemu HarjuCredit: Alamy
Soutar is one of the fittest men in darts and is running the London Marathon in 2026Credit: PA
Yet the former army commando wasted 15 match darts – including ten in one leg – and survived four before dispatching of Finnish debutant Teemu Harju in a sudden-death leg.
Rookie Harju, 33, was lucky not to get stung as a wasp clung to his collar for dear life for more than one set of Soutar’s 3-2 win.
The Arbroath ace, who faces Dutchman Gian van Veen next, said: “I was getting the steps in weren’t I? My watch is going crazy.
“It’s like, how many steps do you want to do? Just get this finished. You’re overtraining.
Sting in the tale
Ally Pally wasp back again and wreaking havoc inside Teemu Harju’s shirt
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“I’ve done half marathons. I was a commando soldier so I’ve done 30 milers. But that was 20 years ago though.
“Obviously, I’m still a firefighter so I go on the treadmill and do a bit of running.
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“I’m doing it with my darts manager. And he’s a little bit older than me and does no fitness at all.
“We’ve already agreed that we’re going to do it together and no matter what, we’re going to cross the line together.”
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