Advertisement

London Marathon LIVE: Latest updates from 26-mile race after Amos Kipruto wins men’s event

The London marathon takes place today with athletes and members of the public prepared to tackle the 26-mile route around the British capital. The start is near Blackheath in Greenwich, with the route taking in landmarks such as the Cutty Sark, the Shard, the London Eye and Parliament before reaching the finish line at the Mall by Buckingham Palace.

28-year-old Kenyan, Brigid Kosgei, who won the London Marathon in 2019 and 2020 has withdrawn through injury but the women’s field still features Kosgei’s compatriot and last year’s winner Joyciline Jepkosgei (29) and Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw (23) who set the fastest debut time for a marathon and holds the world record in the 10km road race.

The men’s race looks set to be a tight affair with Kenya’s Titus Ekiru well-backed after victories in the 2021 Milan and Abu Dhabi marathons whilst Ethiopia’s Birhanu Legese will be amongst his closest contenders alongside 2021 London marathon winner and compatriot Sisay Lemma. Four-time London marathon winner Eliud Kipchoge will not compete, and neither will Great Britain’s Sir Mo Farah who has withdrawn due to a hip injury.

Follow all the action from the 2022 London marathon:

London Marathon

Britain’s champion

14:30 , Michael Jones

Weynay Ghebresilasie broke his own personal best in the men’s race at the London marathon today and finished first amongst all the British runners.

Forget Boston and New York – London Marathon is the best race for one simple reason

14:15 , Michael Jones

London recently saw millions of people drawn to its streets for a once in a lifetime event – the funeral of our monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. It was a day of heightened emotion, and the tears flowed for many of us. So it’s somewhat fitting that a mere couple of weeks later, the same streets of our capital city will see another spectacular and – for many – once in a lifetime event.

This time, for most, it will be tears of happiness, relief and joy that flow on the day, as nearly 50,000 humans run, jog, whee, and stumble their way around the historic marathon course. This weekend is the world-famous road race, the London Marathon. And, just to be clear, the London Marathon is the very best marathon on planet Earth.

If you’ve never wobbled precariously on a pavement edge, desperately craning your neck in the hope of catching a three-second glimpse of a close (or often distant) relative, friend or colleague, then you won’t understand what I mean. Because this is the thing about the London Marathon, and one of the key reasons why it’s the greatest marathon: you don’t actually have to do any running to be swept up in the emotion of it all.

You can stand and watch the runners streaming past for hours, each with their own very personal story as to why they decided to enter it. Some will run to say they’ve done it and ticked the experience off their bucket list, some to raise eye-watering amounts of money for causes close to their hearts.

Opinion: London Marathon is the best race on Earth for one simple reason

Yalemzerf Yehualaw wins women’s race as Amos Kipruto triumphs in men’s at London marathon

14:00 , Michael Jones

Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw recovered from a fall to win the women’s race at the London Marathon.

Yehualaw appeared to trip on a speed bump with six miles remaining but recovered to rejoin the leading pack.

The 23-year-old came home in 2 hours 17 minutes and 25 seconds – the third fastest time at the event – as defending champion Joyciline Jepkosgei, of Kenya, had to settle for second.

London debutant Amos Kipruto, a world bronze medallist in Doha in 2019, won the men’s race. The 30-year-old Kenyan clocked 2:04.39 ahead of Ethiopia’s Leul Gebresilase with Bashir Abdi of Belgium in third.

Yehualaw and Kipruto triumph at 2022 London Marathon

7,000 children take part in mini marathon

13:52 , Michael Jones

For the first time, the Mini Marathon was a standalone event the day before the London Marathon and took place on Saturday.

About 7,000 children took part across one-mile and 2.6km with the hope is that this race will be as big as the main event by 2030.

World record holder Eliud Kipchoge cheered them on and handed out medals to the winners.

‘Anything is possible’: Eliud Kipchoge tipped to break two-hour marathon barrier

13:45 , Michael Jones

Eliud Kipchoge can break the two-hour barrier in the marathon with Olympic bronze medallist Bashir Abdi proclaiming “anything is possible” for the legendary Kenyan runner.

The 37-year-old took 30 seconds off his own world record at last Sunday’s Berlin Marathon, passing half-way in under one hour before eventually fading slightly to post a staggering time of 2hrs 1min and 9secs.

Kipchoge has run an unofficial time of 1hr 59mins and 40secs in Vienna three years ago, but the effort was not performed under race conditions, while he was also helped by 41 pacemakers, who dipped in and out of the course.

‘Anything is possible’: Eliud Kipchoge tipped to break two-hour marathon barrier

There’s also a tree running

13:33 , Michael Jones

The masses are out in force to take on the marathon today with many a fancy dress on show including this runner dressed as a tree:

Big Ben is back!

13:21 , Michael Jones

GP Simon Phillips is running his 26.2 miles today dresses in a Big Ben costume that Lukas Bates used to crumble over the finish line in 2019.

“I ran the London Marathon in 2016 and loved it, I decided if I ever ran it again I would do it in a costume,” Phillips explained.

“I asked the team at Alzheimer’s Research UK for costume ideas and when they said they had the famous Big Ben costume I jumped at the chance to run in it.”

He says he has practiced bending in the tower to help him deal with the finish line as he runs in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK in memory of his father, Robert, who died with the disease in 2016.

London marathon 2022

13:06 , Michael Jones

 (PA)
(PA)
 (PA)
(PA)
 (PA)
(PA)

Back in spring

12:57 , Michael Jones

This is the third and final time the London Marathon will be held in the autumn since it was moved from its traditional April date due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

2023 sees the race take place in spring once again and is scheduled for Saturday 23rd April.

Over 50,000 runners race through city for London marathon

12:52 , Michael Jones

Over 50,000 runners pounded the streets of the city as the 2022 London Marathon kicked off this morning (2 September).

Footage recorded by The Independent‘s Holly Patrick shows race participants as they made their way through Deptford on the 26-mile route.

The route is taking runners from Greenwich past landmarks such as the Cutty Sark, the Shard, and the London Eye, before reaching the finish line by Buckingham Palace.

There are 28 official Guinness World Record attempts being made today, including the fastest marathons dressed as a bottle, and the fastest on crutches.

London Marathon: Over 50,000 runners race through city

London marathon 2022

12:45 , Michael Jones

Britain’s Eden Rainbow-Cooper and David Weir celebrate their third place finishes in the women’s and men’s wheelchair races at the 2022 London Marathon.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

‘It’s been a crazy year for me’ says Debrunner

12:38 , Michael Jones

"It’s been a crazy year for me, I did Berlin for the first time it was such a great adventure and experience. I knew London would be different route, a difficult one with lots of turns.” said Women’s wheelchair marathon winner Catherine Debrunner on BBC One.

"It was very special - just before the start two of the best marathon racers couldn’t start, I spoke with Susannah Scaroni before and we planned to work together. Near the beginning going downhill I saw that she was far behind so I thought I’m going to have to do it myself!

“It was the toughest race I’ve ever done. I worked really hard in the summer and saw a big progression but I never expected to win the marathons. It’s quite cheeky but unbelievable."

Post-race reaction from men’s wheelchair champion

12:31 , Michael Jones

Men’s wheelchair marathon winner Marcel Hug spoke to BBC One following his victory and said: "To be honest it was tough, it was one of the toughest marathons for a long time.

"I tried everything to break away from Daniel Romanchuk but no chance, he was too strong. In the end I’m very happy that I could make the sprint finish first.

"I tried not to let him lead, tried to make him tired and keep up the pace.”

World record attempts being made

12:24 , Michael Jones

There are 28 official Guinness World Record attempts being made at the London marathon this year including:

Fastest marathon dressed as a bottle (male)

Fastest marathon dressed as a stationery item (female)

Fastest marathon dressed in pyjamas (male)

Fastest four-legged marathon (female)

Fastest marathon dressed as a mythical creature (male & female)

Fastest marathon dressed as a three-dimensional shoe (male)

Fastest marathon on crutches

Watch Amos Kipruto win the London marathon

12:15 , Michael Jones

Here’s Kenya’s Amos Kipruto winning the elite men’s race:

Over to the masses

12:10 , Michael Jones

The elite races are all done and dusted now it’s over to the members of the public who are running for various reasons and causes. Some to test themselves, others to collect funds for charities with more raising awareness of causes close to their hearts.

There are over 40,000 runners taking part with a further 10,000 joining virtually from around the world.

The 2022 London marathon champions

12:07 , Michael Jones

Men’s wheelchair race: Marcel Hug

Women’s wheelchair race: Catherine Debrunner

Women’s race: Yalemzerf Yehualaw

Men’s race: Amos Kipruto

Ghebresilasie is quickest Brit

11:56 , Michael Jones

Weynay Ghebresilasie is the first over the line for Britain in the men’s race and crosses the line in ninth place with a new personal best time of 2:11:57, followed closely by compatriot Philip Sesemann who was the quickest Brit last year.

The winning moment

11:53 , Michael Jones

Here’s Amos Kipruto crossing the line to win the men’s race at the London marathon.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
 (Action Images via Reuters)
(Action Images via Reuters)
 (Action Images via Reuters)
(Action Images via Reuters)

Amos Kipruto wins the men’s race!

11:47 , Michael Jones

Amos Kipruto rounds the final bend and sprints up the Mall to the finish line with no-one else in sight. The Kenyan crosses the line with a very respectable time of 2:04:38.

He was the favourite to win the marathon before the race an he’s lived up to that billing.

Ethiopian Leul Gebresilase takes second place, followed by Bashir Abdi.

Kipruto’s on fire!

11:39 , Michael Jones

They’re not going to catch him! He flies through the 40km mark at 1:58:40 and has left his opponents in his wake. The Kenyan is going to win the 2022 London marathon.

He’s on for a time of 2 hours 5 minutes or thereabouts.

Kipruto goes clear!

11:38 , Michael Jones

Amos Kipruto - the pre-race favourite - has kicked on as the leading group in the elite men’s race splinters.

Bashir Abdi and Leul Gebresilase attempt to keep up the pace with the Kenyan but he’s extending his lead at the front!

The champions so far...

11:36 , Michael Jones

Three of the four elite races are done. Who will win the men’s race?

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
 (PA)
(PA)

Lemma falls behind!

11:32 , Michael Jones

That push to the front of the pack may have just caused Sisay Lemma as they other runners respond and power ahead of the 2021 champion who is 40 metres or so behind in no time at all.

Birhanu Legese seemingly leads that push to leave Lemma behind but it’s Amos Kipruto who has taken up the charge at the front of this group of five.

Lemma moves to the front

11:29 , Michael Jones

Sisay Lemma has been content to run in the middle of the leading group throughout the race so far but has now just positioned himself at the front of the six runners.

Is he preparing to breakaway?

Bekele falls behind

11:26 , Michael Jones

Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele has been dropped from the leading group in the men’s elite race. He was one of the pre-race favourites but is struggling to maintain the pace.

There are six runners still in the hunt including Bashir Abdi, Birhanu Legese and last year’s champion Sisay Lemma.

Yalemzerf Yehualaw wins the women’s race!

11:19 , Michael Jones

23-year-old Yalemzerf Yehualaw wins the women’s race with a time just outside of her personal best at 2:17:25.

Last year’s winner, Joyciline Jepkosgei, finishes second in 2:18:06 in what is a very respectable defence of her title but it’s Ethiopia’s Yehualaw who takes victory in 2022!

Seven runners in leading men’s group

11:15 , Michael Jones

There are seven runners in the pack at the front of the men’s race with Leul Gebresilase driving on at the front of them.

Last year’s winner Sisay Lemma is still within touching distance and is running well as are Amos Kipruto, Kenenisa Bekele, Bashir Abdi and Birhanu Legese.

Yehualaw ups the pace!

11:06 , Michael Jones

Yalemzerf Yehualaw steps up her pace and drives ahead of Joyciline Jepkosgei.

The 23-year-old has her head down and is focusing on the road opening up an ever increasing gap between herself and the 2021 London marathon champion.

This looks like her race to win now! Two miles to go.

Jepkosgei vs Yehualaw

11:03 , Michael Jones

Judith Korir and Alemu Megertu are the next women runners to fall away with only Joyciline Jepkosgei and Yalemzerf Yehualaw remaining at the front.

There’s just under three miles to go until the finish line and the two pre-race favourites are going to go head-to-head.

Kebade dropped

11:01 , Michael Jones

The leading pack of seven in the women’s event is down to just four now with Sutume Kebede the latest runner to drop away.

2021 champion Joyciline Jepkosgei leads the way with Yalemzerf Yehualaw, Judith Korir and Alemu Megertu alongside her. This one looks set for a close finish.

Four miles to go

10:58 , Michael Jones

Yalemzerf Yehualaw is down! She’s running at the back of the leading women’s group and slips on a speed bump in the road.

The Ethiopian, one of the pre-race favourites in the women’s race, gets up quickly and settles back into her rhythm. How will that fall effect her towards the end of this race?

London marathon 2022

10:48 , Michael Jones

There’s a group of seven runners in the leading group of the women’s race including last year’s winner Joyciline Jepkosgei. Can she win consecutive London marathons?

 (Action Images via Reuters)
(Action Images via Reuters)
 (PA)
(PA)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Men’s race pass 20km

10:45 , Michael Jones

The leaders in the elite men’s race pass 20km in 59:19 with Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele positioning himself just behind the pacers as the cross over Tower Bridge.

The Ethiopian said he is here to win today in his fourth London Marathon.

Watch Marcel Hug win the men’s wheelchair race

10:37 , Michael Jones

It’s a Swiss one-two in the wheelchair races as Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner both take the titles. Here’s Hug’s effort down the Mall where he breezed past Daniel Romanchuk for the final sprint.

Debrunner takes the women’s wheelchair title!

10:30 , Michael Jones

She’s led the entire race and it’s a one-two for Switzerland as Catherine Debrunner storms to victory in the women’s wheelchair event.

She was out front all on her own and manages to cross the finish line with a time of 1:38:23 which is a new course record too beating Manuela Schar’s effort from last year.

Weir clinches third!

10:22 , Michael Jones

43-year-old David Weir powers through the final metres to move up from fourth into third and clinch the final podium spot! It’s back-to-back third place finishes for Weir who also finish third in Berlin last week.

Hug wins the men’s wheelchair race!

10:17 , Michael Jones

Switzerland’s Marcel Hug rounds the final turn just ahead of America’s Daniel Romanchuk then powers to the finish line for a new course record of 1:24:37!

Romanchuk threatened on the sprint finish but messed up his line on the bend allowing the Swiss man to storm to victory.

Men’s race pass Cutty Sark

10:13 , Michael Jones

The leading pack of the men’s race round the Cutty Sark in just over 31 minutes. Sisay Lemma - last year’s winner - is amongst them.

Debrunner still out in front

10:08 , Michael Jones

Catherine Debrunner has a slight issue on a corner and almost ends up in the barriers after her front wheel fails to properly turn. For a moment it looked as though she had a puncture but that’s not the case.

The Swiss athlete remains way out in front in the women’s wheelchair event.

A three horse race?

10:05 , Michael Jones

Joyciline Jepkosgei is among the leaders in the elite women’s race having won the race with a personal best last year. Yalemzerf Yehualaw has dropped to the back of the leading group as they reach Tower Bridge.

One other athlete in the field that has previously ran under 2:18:00 is Ethiopian Ashete Bekere, who crossed the line third last year before posting her best time, 2:17:58, at the Tokyo marathon in March.

Get Ready, Get Set, Go: Runners prepare for 2022 London Marathon

10:00 , Michael Jones

Veteran runners and newbies alike across the country are getting ready to tackle the 2022 London Marathon.

The 42nd edition of the race will also be its last one scheduled to be held in the autumn, with the marathon returning to its regular spring spot after years of Covid-19 disruption.

As 50,000 runners make their way along the route, stretching across 26.2 miles, they will take in some of the city’s iconic sights such as Cutty Sark and Tower Bridge.

Get Ready, Get Set, Go: Runners prepare for 2022 London Marathon

Women’s race passes 15km

09:55 , Michael Jones

The leading group in the elite women’s race pass the 15km mark in 48 minutes 51 seconds which is slightly slower than expected after their quick start.

Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw is well positioned right behind the sole remaining pace maker at the front, with seven other athletes around her.

Can Lemma defend his title?

09:51 , Michael Jones

Ethiopian Sisay Lemma was something of a shock winner last year but the reigning champion returns with an improved reputation to defend his title today.

Compatriot Kenenisa Bekele, considered one of the greatest distance runners of all time, is one of his biggest threats with Kenya’s Amos Kipruto also well backed.

And they’re off!

09:43 , Michael Jones

Leah Williamson, Ellen White, and Jill Scott all press the buzzer once more to get the mass event underway!

The elite men’s runners head off at the front of the pack with the members of the public slowly filtering over the start line behind them.

London marathon wheelchair races

09:41 , Michael Jones

In the elite wheelchair races, defending champion Marcel Hug still leads the men’s event but is still being doggedly tracked by Daniel Romanchuk. If it stays like this the duo could be in for a barmstorming finish.

In the women’s race Catherine Debrunner has a decent lead out in front.

London marathon 2022

09:37 , Michael Jones

The mass cluster of competitors are huddled close to the starting line as the elite men’s and mass event are about to get going. They national anthem is played beforehand.

Just a couple of minutes to go before they set off.

Will Yehualaw take the women’s title?

09:29 , Michael Jones

Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw set a world record over 10km in February this year and at just 23-years-old she could be setting records for year’s to come.

Earlier in the year she also recorded the fastest ever time by a female debutant over the marathon distance, clocking 2:17:23 in Hamburg in April.

With Brigid Kosgei’s absence, Yehualaw is the fastest in the women’s field today and is currently sat immediately behind the pacers after 25 minutes of running.

Can she go on to win the race?

London marathon 2022

09:24 , Michael Jones

The elite wheelchair and elite women’s races are well underway with the elite men’s race due to start at half past nine.

In the women’s competition the leaders have completed the first 5km in a touch over 16 minutes which means they’re on target for a total time of close to 2 hours 15 minutes.

 (Action Images via Reuters)
(Action Images via Reuters)
 (PA)
(PA)
 (Action Images via Reuters)
(Action Images via Reuters)

Wheelchair race passes Cutty Sark

09:14 , Michael Jones

The route bends its way around the Cutty Sark which is a tricky part of the course for the wheelchair racers. Hug and Romanchuk hit the 10km mark in just 18.50 which is a pretty quick time but the pack - including David Weir - continues to chase them down.

In the women’s race Swiss athlete Catherine Debrunner leads the way through the early stages and looks a strong contender for the title.

Hug takes an early lead

09:07 , Michael Jones

The 2021 men’s wheelchair winner, Marcel Hug, and American Daniel Romanchuk have opened up a decent lead after 15 minutes racing with Britain’s David Weir thinking about going with them in a breakaway and deciding to hang back.

These two racers are incredible and working together they’ll be difficult to reign back in.

Elite women’s race gets going!

09:01 , Michael Jones

Last year’s winner Joyciline Jepkosgei (29) and Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw (23) are the two favourites to win this one. The three Lionesses press the buzzer once more and the elite women’s race is underway as well!

Where are the best viewing spots?

08:55 , Michael Jones

Busy areas include Greenwich town centre and the Cutty Sark. The ship provides a beautiful backdrop for the race, but it also brings with it among the largest crowds, with the race urging spectators to avoid this area and find alternative spots.

The iconic Tower Bridge is always extremely busy, while the crowds are packed across both sides of the roads from mile 24 to the finish in The Mall.

Due to the nature of the course, in its twistiest part, Canary Wharf can be a good spot to meet runners, from Limehouse at mile 14, all the way down to South Quay, Crossharbour and Mudchute before looping back through Canary Wharf and Poplar around mile 20 to start the route to the finish line through Embankment along the Thames. This part of the route gives spectators a chance to see runners on two or more occasions without travelling great distances.

Tower Hill, Birdcage Walk, Isle of Dogs, Woolwich and Cutty Sark are five other destinations that you’ll be able to have a good view of the race and some London sights.

You can meet runners after the finish line in the meet and greet area in Horse Guards Road.

Wheelchair race begins!

08:50 , Michael Jones

England’s European championship winners, Leah Williamson, Ellen White and Jill Scott press the buzzer to get the race going.

“This will bring back some special memories,” said Scott beforehand. “I won the Mini Marathon before I decided to focus on my football. Crossing the Finish Line first on The Mall was an amazing feeling.

“Part of the joy of our success this summer was hearing how it inspired young people to get out and play football, or any sport, and the Mini London Marathon has the same power.”

Sir Mo Farah can compete with fastest in the world for ‘next three to four years’ despite injury setback

08:49 , Michael Jones

Sir Mo Farah has been told he can compete with the very best in the marathon for “the next three to four years” by training partner and European record holder Bashir Abdi.

The Briton, who was set to run his first marathon since 2019 on Sunday, pulled out of the TCS London Marathon on Wednesday with a right hip injury, although the four-time Olympic champion hopes to return in the race’s traditional slot next April.

And Abdi, who shared hundreds of miles with Farah in the build-up, insists the 39-year-old’s training has been “really incredible” and does not understand why his friend would consider retirement just yet.

Sir Mo Farah can compete with fastest in the world for ‘next three to four years’

Schar out of wheelchair race

08:46 , Michael Jones

Last year’s women’s wheelchair race winner, Manuela Schär of Switzerland, and Paralympic marathon winner Madison de Rozario of Australia have both withdrawn from the London marathon this morning and won’t compete.

That makes the women’s wheelchair race a wide open affair which could result in a surprise winner this morning.

Increase in wheelchair prize money ‘really powerful’ says Weir

08:42 , Michael Jones

Eight-time London marathon winner, David Weir, spoke about the decision to increase the prize money for wheelchair competitors at this year’s race and said it is a ‘really powerful’ statement that could set a new benchmark for global sports.

“For the London Marathon to be taking a stand and increasing prize money for wheelchair athletes is really powerful and sets a benchmark for all sports globally.” said Weir, “I really appreciate, and forever will, what the London Marathon is doing for the men’s and women’s wheelchair divisions.”

Last year’s winner, Manuela Schär, added: “I’ve been racing marathons around the world since 2013. To see what the London Marathon has done, and continues to do, to promote wheelchair racing should be a great example to society.”

Increase in prize money for wheelchair races

08:38 , Michael Jones

The 2022 London Marathon has increased the prize money the wheelchair races this year.

Defending champion Marcel Hug and eight-time London Marathon champion David Weir of Britain will compete for a share of the biggest-ever wheelchair racing prize pot.

The total prize structure across both the men’s and women’s wheelchair races has been raised by $57,800 from $141,700 in 2021 to $199,500 this year.

The new structure also includes increased prize money for each of the top 10 finishers, while there are additional bonuses available for course records and the Abbott World Marathon Majors Flying 400 competition.

The winners of the men’s and women’s wheelchair race will receive $35,000 each - up from $25,000 last year - with second place receiving $20,000 and third $15,000. There are incremental increases for all the finisher positions down to the 10th-placed athlete, who will receive $1,250.

What is the route?

08:33 , Michael Jones

The start is near Blackheath in Greenwich, mile six will see runners go past the Cutty Sark and next at mile 12 they will see the Shard.

The next milestone is at mile 18 where participants will run through Canary Wharf with the London Eye and Parliament at mile 25.

Then the finish line is at the Mall by Buckingham Palace.

London Marathon 2022 route (London Marathon)
London Marathon 2022 route (London Marathon)

Eliud Kipchoge to attend Mini London Marathon after breaking world record in Berlin

08:27 , Michael Jones

Eliud Kipchoge will return to London this weekend fresh from smashing his own marathon world record in Berlin to present medals to winners at the TCS Mini London Marathon.

The event on Saturday 1 October, the day before the TCS London Marathon, provides an opportunity for the next generation of athletes over the final 2.6km of the iconic course with the finish line on The Mall.

And Kipchoge, a four-time London Marathon champion, who clocked an astonishing 2:01:09 at the BMW Berlin Marathon to take 30 seconds off the world record last Sunday, will be in the capital to honour the age-group winners of this year’s landmark race.

Eliud Kipchoge to attend Mini London Marathon after breaking world record in Berlin

Showers unlikely to dampen spirits of 50,000 runners taking on London Marathon

08:21 , Michael Jones

Rain showers are likely to keep London Marathon runners cool on Sunday when 50,000 people race 26.2 miles through the capital.

Elite runners and fast club runners will be at the front of the pack – but around 40,000 of those taking part are there for a personal challenge, a charity fundraiser or the chance to enjoy the incredible atmosphere which London always offers.

The race will be started by Lionesses Leah Williamson, Ellen White and Jill Scott, from England’s Uefa Women’s Euro 2022 winning team.

Williamson will sound the buzzer for the wheelchair races to begin at around 8.50am, White will start the women’s elite race at 9am, and Scott will press the buzzer to send the elite men and everyone else across the start line by 10am.

Showers unlikely to dampen spirits of 50,000 runners taking on London Marathon

Marathon world records

08:16 , Michael Jones

Elite men: 2hrs 1mins 09secs, Eliud Kipchoge, Berlin, September 2022.

For context, the average time for male runners is approximately 3 hours 48 mins.

Elite women: 2hrs 14mins 04secs, Brigid Kosgei, Chicago, October 2019.

While the average time for female runners is approximately 4 hours 23 mins.

How to watch?

08:12 , Michael Jones

The elite races and the iconic mass participation event will be broadcast live on the BBC this Sunday with coverage starting at 08:30 until 09:25 on BBC Two before switching to BBC One at 09:25 until 14:35.

There will be a live stream is available on the iPlayer and you can also follow full live coverage of both the elite and mass participation races through our live blog.

Why is the race in October?

08:07 , Michael Jones

The 2022 London Marathon takes place today on Sunday 2nd October which will be the last time the legendary race will occur in autumn before reverting back to the spring next year after a Covid-enforced disruption.

Today’s start times are:

08.30: Mini London marathon

08.50: Elite wheelchair races

09.00: Elite women’s race

09.30: Elite men’s race and mass start

London Marathon boss urges Sir Mo Farah to seek inspiration from Eliud Kipchoge

08:02 , Michael Jones

Sir Mo Farah has been encouraged to take inspiration from marathon world record holder Eliud Kipchoge ahead of Sunday’s London Marathon.

The four-time Olympic gold medallist, two years older than the legendary Kenyan, enters Sunday’s race in good form after emerging victorious in the Big Half earlier this month to bounce back after being upset at the Vitality London 10,000 in May.

And race director Hugh Brasher that Farah can still produce a vintage performance on Sunday and in the future, with Kipchoge proving “age is no barrier to success”.

London Marathon boss urges Sir Mo Farah to find inspiration in Eliud Kipchoge success

The London marathon

07:53 , Michael Jones

The London marathon takes place today with an expected 40,000 runners taking to the streets of Britain’s captial to complete the 26-mile course in the name of competition, fitness and charity.

The races kick off at 8.30 am when the mini marathon starts before the elite wheelchair race begins at 8.50, the elite women’s race gets going at 9.00 and the elite men’s race starts at 9.30 along with the rest of the masses.

Last years winners Marcel Hug & Manuela Schar (wheelchair), Joyciline Jepkosgei (women’s), and Sisay Lemma (men’s) all return to defend their titles but there is no place for Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei, who won the London Marathon in 2019 and 2020, but has withdrawn through injury.

Four-time marathon winner Eliud Kipchoge will not compete in the men’s tournament but is here to hand out medals for the mini marathon and unfortunately for British fans Sir Mo Farah has a hip injury and will not take part either.

Still, the London marathon is always worth a watch for its competitiveness, celebrity runners, members of the pubic in fancy dress and of the brilliant charities which the marathon raises awareness for.

We’ll be bringing you updates throughout the race and filling you in on eveyrthing you need to know.