After weeks of preparation, it was time for the real work on Sunday, when the London Marathon got underway on a thankfully clear and balmy day in the English capital.
And as always, there were a few familiar faces among the average 50,000 participants who walked the epic route for their respective charities.
As the event kicked off in Blackheath, actress Ruth Wilson was joined at the start by TV presenter Jenni Falconer and former Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes.
Wilson, perhaps best known for her role in the television drama Luther, follows in the footsteps of her father Nigel, who took part in the opening London Marathon in 1981.
The actress is racing on behalf of Alzheimer’s Research UK following Nigel’s diagnosis with the degenerative condition, admitting she has no chance of beating his impressive time of three hours and 15 minutes.
Ruth Wilson was among the celebrities who took part in the 2024 London Marathon on Sunday
TV presenter Jenni Falconer (left) and former Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes (right) were also at the start in Blackheath
DJ and TV presenter Chris Evans was joined by his wife Natasha Shishmanian on Sunday
“There’s no chance we’ll get anywhere near Dad’s time, but he will be in our hearts and drive us to the finish line,” she said The standard.
‘Although the London Marathon will be the toughest physical challenge of our lives, we are determined to do all we can to support Alzheimer’s Research UK and the great work they do.
‘I’m amazed at the support people have for our fundraising efforts. This run is for dad, but also for anyone who has experienced a similar journey with loved ones.
‘Research is our best hope for beating dementia and we are proud to play our part.’
Other familiar faces include twenty MPs and peers – the most in the event’s history – including Chancellor Jeremy Hunt.
DJ and television presenter were also in attendance alongside his wife, Natasha Shishmanian, while newsreader Sophie Raworth was also at the start.
Romesh Ranganathan has challenged himself to run the London Marathon in support of the 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.
Heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua was also present at the marathon
Comedian Romesh Ranganathan (left) and former politician Matt Hancock (right) got involved with their respective charities
EastEnders stars Jamie Borthwick and Emma Barton made a rare appearance outside Walford
He shared his training with his followers on Instagram ahead of Sunday’s main event, saying: ‘I said I would never run a marathon, but here I am. I’m not sure where I would be today if I didn’t get help when I hit rock bottom.
‘Actually, I don’t know if I would even be here. So I want to ensure that more people are introduced to CALM’s life-saving services, and I want to raise as much money as possible.’
Miles of road closures are in place across the city with security fencing along the 42.2 kilometer route, while police line the roads amid the threat of disruption from protesters.
Before the race started, there was 30 seconds of applause in memory of Kelvin Kiptum, winner of last year’s elite men’s race, who died in a car accident in February at the age of 24.
He set a new marathon record in London of two hours, one minute and 25 seconds with his third victory last year, and set a new world record of two hours and 35 seconds in Chicago in October.
Wilson, perhaps best known for her role in the TV drama Luther, follows in the footsteps of her father Nigel, who took part in the inaugural London Marathon in 1981
Professional snowboarder Aimee Fuller (left) and former Olympic rower James Cracknell (right) were also among the household names taking part in Sunday’s marathon
Jenni Falconer was joined at the event on Sunday by GAY nightclub owner Jeremy Joseph
The competitors are treated to mild weather of 12 degrees Celsius on a dry and clear day as they take on the mammoth task.
Police are on standby amid a threat of potential protests from pro-Palestine and Israeli demonstrators – with event bosses urging them not to disrupt the marathon and focus on ‘coexistence and togetherness’.
Previously, the marathon – 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 anything out’.
Bosses at the event say measures have been taken to protect participants and prevent possible protests.
Hugh Brasher, director of the London Marathon, said last week: ‘What we’ve always tried to do is bring people together. Living together and togetherness, that is what the London Marathon is all about.
“And we hope that message will resonate with anyone who thinks it’s a good thing to disrupt the race, because it’s not.”
All four elite race winners will receive £44,000, with second place receiving £24,000 and third place £18,000.
David Weir, who will run his 25th consecutive London Marathon on Sunday and has won eight times, said he did not expect the change to happen in his lifetime.
From 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: Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia, Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia, Stephen Scullion of Ireland, Leul Gebresilase of Ethiopia and Brian Shrader of the US