London Marathon: Fun, speed and emotional challenges for thousands

The London Marathon was a day filled with fun, fast times, and emotional challenges for thousands of runners.

The 26.2-mile annual race is attended by over 40,000 runners who set out from Blackheath, south-east London, to reach The Mall.

Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner, two elite Swiss athletes, were already victorious in their wheelchair races. They had established new course records before the race began.

To encourage runners, cheering crowds lined streets in support of them. Some were dressed up in colorful costumes while others took on a personal challenge.

Lionesses Leah Williamson, Jill Scott and Ellen White – who were part of England Women’s Euro 2022 winning team – got things under way as official race starters.

A runner dressed in a red postbox for the London Marathon (Yui Mok/PA).PA Wire/PA Images – Yui Mok

Scott helped runners by offering drinks at the 23-mile mark. “I completed the mini-marathon when I was 14, and I think being here today has all but signed myself up for it… I better get training as I haven’t done anything for two months since retiring.”

Anoosheh Ashoori (68), was released from Evin prison, Iran capital, in April. She described the experience of running the marathon as “a great way to get fit.” “dream come true”.

He was imprisoned for five-years in Tehran by Mr Ashoori. He said that he started training for the marathon in prison. “the valley of hell”.

He ran the marathon in support of Amnesty International UK. He also dedicated his run for the anti-government protests against Iran.

During his run, he told the BBC’s London Marathon programme that it is a “dream come true, that is what is happening here”.

He stated that: “It has been fantastic. I am also dedicating this run to the women’s movement in Iran. I am expressing my excitement and goals to that movement. I hope that movement is going to win and bring this tyrannical regime down to its knees.”

More than £1 billion has been raised for charity since the first London Marathon was held on March 29 1981 and the millionth finisher in the history of the event crossed the line in 2016.

Stephen Warnock celebrates his marathon victory (John Walton/PA).PA Wire/PA Pictures – John Walton

Former footballer Stephen Warnock gave a double thumbs up after he finished the race, which was also completed by reality TV star-turned-presenter Mark Wright, journalist Sophie Raworth, former Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron and Paralympian Richard Whitehead, who runs with prosthetic legs.

Actor Stephen Mangan ran for Marie Curie UK.

Harry Judd, drummer for the band McFly, who ran for the Children’s Trust, said he was pleased with his finishing time of around three hours, 14 minutes but had been left with “bleeding nipples and hot blisters on the feet”.

He said to the BBC: “Honestly, it does not matter how fast you run, it is just about getting involved. It is a huge challenge with thousands of people running for charity. It is honestly one of the best things I have ever done.”

In an effort to make this event more inclusive, organizers allowed wheelchair users on the course for the first time.

It meant that Team Kerr – a running family from Co Down, Northern Ireland, could take part.

Kerr Team taking part at the London Marathon (James Manning/PA).PA Wire/PA Pictures – James Manning

Sandra Kerr and David Kerr helped Aaron navigate the course. “overwhelmed”By the support they received, and the “quite amazing” atmosphere.

BBC interview with Mr Kerr: “It has been seven years we have waited to do this. It is just phenomenal. This is all we wanted, just to be a part and in the middle of it and with no special treatment.

“We are just alongside everybody else, enjoying a fantastic day out with people who love doing the same thing as us.”

Kenya’s double Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge, who broke his own men’s marathon world record last week, handed out medals at the finishing line.

On Saturday, spectators and racers were faced with the challenge of a train strike that threatened to delay their entry at the event.

Organisers advised people to plan ahead but they said that it was not necessary. “very grateful”Network Rail and Southeastern Rail are grateful for their support in ensuring that the Sunday morning train service from London to the beginning point on Sunday morning went as planned.

Hugh Brasher, Race Director, said “people have been inconvenienced”Some might need to book hotels or change their travel plans.

He said: “They might have had to share cars or book coaches but people are pretty resourceful. They just want to get this amazing feeling that you get from running the London Marathon.”

Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, who was at Lucozade Sport’s mile 23 marker handing out drinks to the runners, said: “It’s been amazing to be a fan for the day.

“Supporting the runners has given them that last bit of motivation to get over the finishing line – even though they’re feeling it.”

Runners in fancy dresses (James Manning/PA).PA Wire/PA Pictures – James Manning

The top runners stormed to victory in quick times, including Kenya’s Amos Kipruto, who won the elite men’s title in 2:04:38 in his debut on the course, and Ethiopia’s 23-year-old Yalemzerf Yehualaw, who clocked 2:17:25 and became the youngest ever female winner of the London Marathon.

Sunday’s TCS London Marathon marks the third time it has taken place in October after it was moved due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Organisers announced that the race will return to its spring slot in 2023. The ballot for places is open from April 23 to October 7, with voting until 9 p.m. on October 7.