Video captures sprint for last-minute seat at London Euston
Manchester model’s dash through one of the capital’s busiest stations highlights crowded-rail realities and ongoing efforts to ease boarding on late-running services.
A video posted to Instagram shows Marlon McKenzie, a Manchester-based model, sprinting through London's Euston concourse to secure a seat on the Avanti West Coast service to Manchester Piccadilly. The nine-coach train, three of which were reserved for First Class, arrived 10 minutes late after the scheduled departure time of 9 p.m., prompting a rush as passengers moved toward the platform.
McKenzie can be seen weaving through crowds toward Platform 3 as the platform area appears on the opposite side of the station. In the clip, he maintains a confident stride, passes travelers with varying luggage burdens, and reaches an empty seat just as others scramble to board. The video ends with him taking a quick drink of water and laughing toward the camera before the doors close.
The clip sparked a flood of social-media reaction, with hundreds weighing in on the spectacle at one of the nation’s busiest railway hubs. Some viewers teased the competition, while others used the moment to critique the station’s crowd-management and safety. A familiar refrain among commenters likened the scene to a reality show, with one user writing, "I can’t stand this station it’s the Hunger Games," and another adding, "Truly! My first time there I was like what is going on!!!! Do I need to leave, are we in danger?" Others described the thrill of watching the dash, while some argued that the pace reflected the pressure to secure a seat after long waits in crowded concourses.
Rail industry observers have long noted the Euston rush as a recurring phenomenon, particularly when late changes or short-notice platform announcements collide with crowded platforms. Since late 2024, Network Rail has conducted trials with operators including Avanti West Coast to ease boarding and reduce overcrowding. The program seeks to minimize situations in which passengers must sprint to the platform or be pushed into last-carriages in order to board.
Several commenters also raised concerns about accessibility in the wake of such scenes. One person described the rush as unsafe for people with mobility impairments, arguing that navigating crowded platforms and stairs can place disabled travelers at a disadvantage. Others suggested that additional measures, such as better real-time information about platform changes and more consistent crowd-control practices, could help reduce the need to run. Still, some viewers defended the thrill of the moment, noting that late-running services often create high stakes for travelers trying to secure a seat.
The discussion at London Euston embodies a broader tension in UK rail travel: the balance between efficiency and safety in stations that handle millions of passengers annually. While social-media chatter underscores the public’s fascination with the sprint, rail officials say longer-term improvements hinge on reliable timetables, well-communicated platform changes, and boarding practices designed to keep passengers safe while speeding their journey. In the interim, travelers are urged to plan ahead, check updated departure boards, and allow extra time when trains are at or near peak capacity. The incident at Euston serves as a vivid reminder of the daily pressures on a network that remains a critical artery for commerce and mobility across the United Kingdom.