After weeks of preparation it was time for the real thing on Sunday as the London Marathon got underway on a thankfully bright and balmy day in the English capital.
And as always, there was a smattering of familiar faces among the average 50,000 participants running the epic route for their respective charities.
Getting involved as the event kicked off in Blackheath, actress Ruth Wilson was joined by TV presenter Jenni Falconer and former Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes on the starting line.
Wilson, perhaps best known for her role in TV drama Luther, is following in her father Nigel’s footsteps – who participated in the inaugural London Marathon in 1981.
The actress is racing on behalf of Alzheimer’s Research UK following Nigel’s diagnosis with the degenerative condition, and admits she has no chance of beating his impressive time of three hours and 15 minutes.
Ruth Wilson was among the celebrities taking part in the 2024 London Marathon on Sunday
TV presenter Jenni Falconer (left) and former Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes (right) were also on the starting line in Blackheath
DJ and TV presenter Chris Evans was joined by his wife Natasha Shishmanian on Sunday
‘There’s zero chance of us getting anywhere near Dad’s time, but he will be in our hearts and driving us towards the finish line,’ she told The Standard.
‘While the London Marathon will be the toughest physical challenge of our lives, we’re determined to do everything we can to support Alzheimer’s Research UK and the amazing work they do.
‘I’ve been astounded by people’s support for our fundraising. This run is for Dad, but also for anyone who has been through a similar journey with their loved-ones.
‘Research is our best hope of overcoming dementia and we’re proud to play our part.’
Other famous faces include 20 MPs and peers – the most in the event’s history – including Chancellor Jeremy Hunt.
DJ and television presenter was also in attendance alongside his wife, Natasha Shishmanian, while newsreader Sophie Raworth was also seen on the starting line.
Romesh Ranganathan has challenged himself to run the London Marathon in aid of mental health charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably).
The BAFTA award winner has been a patron of the charity since October 2023 after struggling with his own mental health himself.
Heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua was also present at the marathon got underway
Comedian Romesh Ranganathan (left) and former politician Matt Hancock (right) got involved for their respective charities
EastEnders stars Jamie Borthwick and Emma Barton made a rare appearance outside Walford
Sharing his training with his followers over on Instagram before Sunday’s main event, he said: ‘I said I’d never run a marathon but here I am. I’m not sure where I’d be today if I didn’t get help when I hit rock bottom.
‘In fact, I don’t know if I’d be here at all. So, I want to help to make sure more people know about CALM’s life-saving services, as well as raising as much money as I can.’
Miles of road closures are in place across the city with security railings line the 26.2 mile route, with police lining the roads amid the the threat of disruption from protesters.
There was 30 seconds of applause held before the race begins in memory of last year’s elite men’s race winner Kelvin Kiptum, who died in a car accident in February at the age of 24.
He set a new London Marathon record of two hours, one minute and 25 seconds last year with his third win, and set a new world record of two hours and 35 seconds in Chicago in October.
Wilson, perhaps best known for her role in TV drama Luther, is following in her father Nigel’s footsteps – who participated in the inaugural London Marathon in 1981
Professional snowboarder Aimee Fuller (left) and former Olympic rower James Cracknell (right) were also among the famous names taking part in Sunday’s marathon
Jenni Falconer was joined by G-A-Y nightclub owner Jeremy Joseph at the event on Sunday
Those taking part will be treated to balmy weather of 12C on a dry and bright day as they take on the mammoth task.
Police are on standby amid a threat of potential protests from pro-Palestine and Israel demonstrators – with bosses of the event urging them not to disrupt the Marathon and focus on ‘coexistence and togetherness’.
Previously the marathon – which is one of the largest in the world – has been threatened with protests in the past, with Just Stop Oil saying last year it would ‘never rule out anything’.
Bosses at the event say measures are in place to protect participants and prevent potential protests.
Last week London Marathon Director, Hugh Brasher, said: ‘What we’ve always tried to do is bring people together. Coexistence and togetherness is what the London Marathon is all about.
‘And we hope that message will resonate with anyone who thinks it is a good thing to disrupt the race, because it isn’t.’
All four winners of the elite races will receive £44,000, with the runner-up receiving £24,000 and third place £18,000.
David Weir, who will be racing his 25th consecutive London Marathon on Sunday and has won eight times, said he had not expected the change to happen in his lifetime.
Left to right: Jenni Falconer, Aimee Fuller and Sophie Raworth in Blackheath ahead of the 2024 London Marathon on Sunday morning
The start of the men’s elite race. Pictured: Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola, Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele, Ireland’s Stephen Scullion, Ethiopia’s Leul Gebresilase and Brian Shrader of the U.S.A
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