London Marathon 2024 LIVE: Peres Jepchirchir breaks women’s-only world record as 50,000 run 26-mile race

Reigning Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir crushed the women’s-only world record in winning the 44th London Marathon on Sunday, while Kenyan compatriot Alexander Mutiso Munyao raced to victory in the men’s race.

The 30-year-old Jepchirchir pulled away over the final 300m in a sprint finish, crossing the finish line in front of Buckingham Palace in two hours 16 minutes 16 seconds to break Mary Keitany’s mark of 2:17:01 set in a women-only race at the 2017 London event.

Munyao, 27, pumped his fist several times en route to the biggest victory of his career, pulling away from distance running great Kenenisa Bekele to cross in 2:04.01. Ethiopia’s 41-year-old Bekele – who has raced to three Olympic titles on the track and a remarkable 17 world titles in outdoor and indoor track and cross-country – was second in 2:04.15, while Britain’s Emile Cairess took third in 2:06.46.

Marcel Hug won the men’s wheelchair race, while Swiss team mate Catherine Debrunner won the women’s event.

More than 50,000 elite and charitable runners are taking to the streets of the capital on what is forecast to be a dry and bright Sunday with cool temperatures of 12C. A world record 578,000 people entered the ballot for this event, making it the most popular marathon in the world.

Follow all the latest updates from the London Marathon below.

London Marathon 2024

• More than 50,000 taking part in this year’s London Marathon

• Peres Jepchirchir wins women’s race and breaks world record

• Alexander Mutiso Munyao wins men’s race ahead of British duo

• Race pays tribute to men’s champion Kelvin Kiptum who died in Kenya

• Wheelchair and non-disabled athletes to receive same prize money for first time

• ‘Hardest Geezer’ Russ Cook among runners involved

London Marathon 2024

15:09 , Lawrence Ostlere

That’s all for now – we leave you with the report of a record-breaking day in the capital:

Peres Jepchirchir smashes women’s-only world record to win London Marathon

Cairess dedicates Marathon performance to cousin

14:38 , Lawrence Ostlere

Emile Cairess dedicated his stunning run at the London Marathon to his cousin, who was left in a coma after a car crash earlier this year.

Cairess finished third in the second fastest time by a British man in two hours, six minutes and 46 seconds.

The run should rubber-stamp his place Great Britain team for this summer’s Olympics. But Cairess’ immediate thoughts were with his 22-year-old cousin, Oliver Burton, who is still in hospital but out of intensive care.

“He’s my little cousin, like a little brother to me, and a couple of months ago he was in a bad accident,” said Cairess, 26. “He was in a coma for about a month and just came out of ICU a few days ago,

“It was so stressful, it was touch and go at some points but he’s made a fantastic recovery in the last couple of weeks. This morning I was really emotional. Hopefully I’ve made him proud today.”

Emile Cairess and Mahamed Muhamed book Paris Olympic spots

14:07 , Lawrence Ostlere

British duo Emile Cairess and Mahamed Muhamed not only finished an impressive third and fourth in the men’s race today, but also set the second and third fastest times in British marathon running history behind only Mo Farah – and they have done enough to book their places at the Paris Olympics this summer.

London Marathon 2024

13:51 , Lawrence Ostlere

Here is the moment it all began today, started by Olympic champion Kelly Holmes:

David Weir speaks following his podium finish

13:40 , Lawrence Ostlere

“I’m 45 in a couple of months so I’m really happy with my performance,” Weir tells the BBC, after finishing third today in the men’s wheelchair race.

“I’ve got a new chair, a full carbon chair made by Sauber (F1 team). With the wind today, it cuts through so easy. It goes over bumps well. To get a new chair made for me has been a joy. I’ve changed my diet, my training slightly, I needed to do that. Lots of changes, but they’re all working.”

Peres Jepchirchir smashes women’s-only world record to win London Marathon

13:15 , Lawrence Ostlere

Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir smashed the women’s-only world record to win a thrilling London Marathon.

The Kenyan kicked for home as she turned down The Mall and won in two hours, 16 minutes and 16 seconds. Four runners were in with a shout down the final straight and Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa came in second, ahead of Joyciline Jepkosgel in third with Megertu Alemu fourth.

The previous world record for a women-only race was 2hrs 17mins 01secs by Mary Jepkosgei Keitany in London in 2017.

Report:

Peres Jepchirchir smashes women’s-only world record to win London Marathon

London Marathon 2024

13:02 , Lawrence Ostlere

So the elite racing is over, and it’s the masses streaming towards the finish line now. Those speedy ones aiming for the three-hour mark will be homing in on The Mall now...

London Marathon 2024

12:32 , Lawrence Ostlere

The moment Peres Jepchirchir set a new world record:

British duo shine in men’s race

12:10 , Lawrence Ostlere

In good news for British running, Emile Cairess and Mahamed Muhamed finish third and fourth – setting the second and third fastest times in British marathon running history behind only Mo Farah – and they have done enough to book their places at the Paris Olympics this summer.

Alexander Mutiso Munyao wins London Marathon!

12:07 , Lawrence Ostlere

Alexander Mutiso Munyao falls to his knees and marks a cross on his chest. It is by far the biggest win of the 27-year-old’s life, and is made all the more poignant by the death of his teammate and last year’s winner, Kelvin Kiptum.

Alexander Mutiso Munyao closes in on men’s marathon victory

12:02 , Lawrence Ostlere

In the men’s edition, Kenya’s Alexander Mutiso Munyao and the great Kenenisa Bekele pulled clear to make it a two-horse race, and now Munyao has left Bekele behind on Victoria Embankment and is nearing victory...

Peres Jepchirchir wins London Marathon and breaks world record

11:50 , Lawrence Ostlere

Jepchirchir collapses in a heap with emotion. Her time is confirmed as 2hr 16min 16sec, breaking the women’s-only world record by 45 seconds.

Peres Jepchirchir wins London Marathon and breaks world record!

11:46 , Lawrence Ostlere

Peres Jepchirchir storms away from her fellow leaders in the front quartet! She clinches victory in a world record time, which will be confirmed shortly. The Kenyan is the reigning Olympic champion and will go down as one of the greatest marathon runners of all time – and this is another special moment.

Tigst Assefa was the favourite, but can only make the podium in a stunning race.

David Weir: 'I just wanted to be on the podium’

11:31 , Lawrence Ostlere

Here’s the great David Weir reflecting on a third-placed finish in his 25th London Marathon:

London Marathon 2024

11:26 , Lawrence Ostlere

Behind the elite runners, the masses are well into their race today...

Women’s race set for world record

11:23 , Lawrence Ostlere

The lead quartet in the women’s elite race – Tigst Assefa, Peres Jepchirchir, Joyciline Jepkosgei and Megertu Alemu – are under world record pace. One of the four is almost certainly going to make history today.

Eden Rainbow-Cooper takes sixth in women’s wheelchair race

11:17 , Lawrence Ostlere

A tough race for Britain’s Eden Rainbow-Cooper, and a decent result following her Boston win.

Tigst Assefa pushing hard for women’s world record

11:10 , Lawrence Ostlere

Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa has moved back to the front of the women’s elite race in order to keep the pace high. Ideally she’d nestle in behind some of her rivals to shelter from the wind in a race where every second counts, but she can’t afford to have any slow (used advisedly) kilometres. Her goal? To break 2hr 17min 01sec.

Catherine Debrunner wins women’s wheelchair race!

10:53 , Lawrence Ostlere

It’s a Swiss double in the wheelchair races as Debrunner dominates the women’s field, bursting away after only two miles and staying well clear of her rivals.

Marcel Hug wins men’s wheelchair race!

10:37 , Lawrence Ostlere

Hug clinches victory, his sixth in total, as Britain’s David Weir comes in third to a big applause. They congratulate each other over the line and collapse over their chairs with exhaustion.

Switzerland’s Marcel Hug closing in on wheelchair win

10:31 , Lawrence Ostlere

Marcel Hug is now a long way clear of America’s Daniel Romanchuk and set to claim a fourth successive men’s wheelchair London Marathon title. He set a course record in each of his previous wins but won’t be doing that this time, however.

Kelvin Kiptum ‘would have broken’ two-hour marathon barrier, claims Lord Coe

10:28 , Lawrence Ostlere

There is no doubt about the quality that Kelvin Kiptum could have brought to this sport over the coming years:

Kelvin Kiptum ‘would have broken’ two-hour marathon barrier, claims Lord Coe

London Marathon 2024: Full race under way

10:12 , Lawrence Ostlere

Here is a look back at that starting moment...

London Marathon 2024: Women’s race is flying

10:06 , Lawrence Ostlere

The elite women’s field, stacked full of talent, is on course for something special...

London Marathon 2024: Elite men and mass start begins

10:11 , Lawrence Ostlere

And they’re off! The elite group of men lead out the masses, with 50,000 people in tow. Those aiming for sub-three-hour marathons are stationed near the front and those looking at a much longer day are at the back of the pack, and will cross the start line in five minutes or so...

London Marathon to remember last year’s winner Kelvin Kiptum

09:58 , Lawrence Ostlere

Kelvin Kiptum will always hold a special place in the hearts of all marathon runners, according to veteran three-time Olympic track champion Kenenisa Bekele.

Kenyan long-distance runner Kiptum won last year’s London Marathon for the third time, but was killed in a car accident in February at the age of 24.

The death of Kiptum, who had gone on to become the first man to run the marathon under two hours and one minute in Chicago, sent shockwaves through the sport.

In winning last year, Kiptum set a new London Marathon record time of two hours, one minute and 25 seconds. He is to be remembered before Sunday’s race with 30 seconds of applause.

London Marathon 2024

09:54 , Lawrence Ostlere

Just a few minutes until the men’s elite race and the mass start which will follow it...

London Marathon 2024: Mass start nears

09:45 , Lawrence Ostlere

As ever, fancy dress is out in force at the London Marathon. A few spotted out at Greenwich Park:

Swiss duo leading wheelchair races

09:31 , Lawrence Ostlere

Reigning champion Marcel Hug is already in the lead through 5km of the men’s wheelchair race, while fellow Swiss Manuela Schar – three times a winner before – leads the women’s race.

Elite women’s race under way

09:27 , Lawrence Ostlere

The women’s race is off!

The elite women’s marathon is headlined by Tigst Assefa, who smashed the world record in Berlin last September. Previous record holder Brigid Kosgei will look to challenge her. The field in full is:

• Tigst ASSEFA (ETH, 2:11:53 WR)

• Brigid KOSGEI (KEN, 2:14:04)

• Ruth CHEPNGETICH (KEN, 2:14:18)

• Tigist KETEMA (ETH, 2:16:07)

• Almaz AYANA (ETH, 2:16:22)

• Megertu ALEMU (ETH, 2:17:09)

• Peres JEPCHIRCHIR (KEN, 2:17:16)

• Joyciline JEPKOSGEI (KEN, 2:17:23)

• Yalemzerf YEHUALAW (ETH, 2:17:23)

• Sheila CHEPKIRUI (KEN, 2:17:29)

• Tsige HAILESLASE (ETH, 2:22:10)

• Susanna SULLIVAN (USA, 2:24:27)

• Manon TRAPP (FRA, 2:25:48)

• Becky BRIGGS (GBR, 2:29:04)

• Alice WRIGHT (GBR, 2:29:08)

• Anya CULLING (GBR, 2:34:45)

• Rachel HODGKINSON (GBR, 2:34:46)

• Helen GAUNT (GBR, 2:35:38)

• Mhairi MACLENNAN (GBR, Debut)

• Lucy REID (GBR, Debut)

How to burn fat and train for a marathon – no matter how fit you are

09:12 , Lawrence Ostlere

If you’re looking at those running the London Marathon and wondering if you could do it, the good news is you absolutely can, says Anna Magee. Even better are all the added benefits you’ll get while training for it...

How to burn fat and train for a marathon – no matter how fit you are

London Marathon 2024 officially begins

09:07 , Lawrence Ostlere

They’re off! The men and women’s wheelchair races are under way.

London Marathon 2024: Wheelchair races set to start

09:05 , Lawrence Ostlere

The wheelchair races are set to get going any moment now. British Paralympic great David Weir is participating in his 25th London Marathon! An extraordinary feat. He has won it eight times but the ninth has eluded him since his last win in 2018. Swiss racer Marcel Hug has won the past three London Marathons and is back for a fourth as the favourite...

London Marathon ballot: How to enter next year’s race

08:53 , Lawrence Ostlere

For those inspired or keen to experience the magic, you can apply for entry into next year’s race. Here’s all you need to know about the ballot and how to get into next year’s race:

London Marathon ballot: How can I enter next year’s race?

08:31 , Lawrence Ostlere

Some early pictures as participants arrive at Blackheath for the start of the marathon:

What is the prize money on offer at the London Marathon?

08:14 , Lawrence Ostlere

This year’s London Marathon will make history as it becomes the first marathon in the world to pay wheelchair racers the same prize money as their able-bodied counterparts.

London Marathon wheelchair races were already the richest in the world, but a further increase of $54,500 (£43,000) to the prize money in 2024 means the total prize pot stands at $308,000 (£243,000), creating parity with the elite men’s and women’s able-bodied fields.

This means that all winners in the elite races of the 2024 London Marathon will receive $55,000 (£44,000), with the runner-up earning $30,000 (£23,700) and third-place $22,500 (£17,800).

What time does it start?

08:01 , Lawrence Ostlere

Here are today’s start times, with the wheelchair races kicking things off just after 9am on a fresh morning in London. The elite women’s race will get going just before half past nine, ahead of the elite men and then the mass start.

9.05am – Elite wheelchair men’s and women’s races.

9.25am – Elite women’s race.

10am – Elite men’s race followed by mass start.

ICYMI: Father says daughter’s cancer treatment ‘million times harder’ than marathon

07:36 , Lawrence Ostlere

A father running the TCS London Marathon to support Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity said his young daughter’s cancer treatment was “a million times harder” than tackling 26.2 miles.

Sky, now aged four, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a tumour in her brain, in April 2021 after her parents noticed she lost her balance frequently and was not meeting some developmental milestones.

Full report:

Father says daughter’s cancer treatment ‘million times harder’ than marathon

07:00 , Matt Mathers

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the London Maraton.

The event gets underway in a few hours, with elite and charitable runners taking part in the 26.2 mile run across the capital.

Stay tuned for all the latest updates.

Date, times, route and how to watch race

06:00 , Matt Mathers

The London Marathon returns in 2024 with another action-packed day of elite and charitable racing.

The annual road race in the English capital is again held in a traditional slot in April, with thousands entering the mass participation event and bidding to complete the 26.2-mile course.

Here is everything you need to know about when it starts, the route it will take and how to watch:

London Marathon 2024: Date, times, route and how to watch race

50,000 to take part in marathon

05:00 , Matt Mathers

The ballot for next year’s TCS London Marathon opened on the eve of the 2024 event.

A world record 578,000 people entered the ballot for this year’s event, making it the most popular marathon in the world.

More than 50,000 people, a record number, are expected to take part on what is due to be a dry and bright Sunday with temperatures up to 12C.

Wheelchair and non-disabled athletes to get same prize moneyWheelchair and non-disabled athletes to get same prize money

04:00 , Matt Mathers

This year’s race will mark the first time that wheelchair and non-disabled athletes have received the same prize money for a marathon.

All four winners of the elite races will receive £44,000, with the runner-up earning £24,000 and third place taking home £18,000.

‘Hardest Geezer’ to run London Marathon and sets next long-distance target

03:00 , Matt Mathers

Hardest Geezer Russ Cook, who ran the entire length of Africa, will return to long-distance running at the London Marathon.

Mr Cook, from West Sussex, said he planned to run the marathon for charity despite only finishing his 352-day challenge on 7 April.

Full report:

‘Hardest Geezer’ to run London Marathon and sets next long-distance target

How much will the winners get?

02:00 , Matt Mathers

The 2024 London Marathon will create history by becoming the first marathon in the world to ensure equal distribution of prize money between able-bodied athletes and wheelchair racers.

Although the winners as not as well paid as in some other iconic sporting events, the elite men’s and women’s able-bodied races and men’s and women’s wheelchair races will all have a prize pot of $308,000 (£243,000)

Here’s how much the winners will receive:

London Marathon 2024 prize money: How much will the winners get?

How can I enter next year’s race?

01:00 , Matt Mathers

For those inspired or keen to experience the magic, you can apply for entry into next year’s race.

Here’s all you need to know about the ballot and how to get into next year’s London Marathon:

London Marathon ballot: How can I enter next year’s race?

How science can help runners avoid hitting the wall

Sunday 21 April 2024 00:01 , Matt Mathers

The 2024 TCS London Marathon is almost here with the 26.2-mile distance often feeling like a puzzle for runners to solve. While each training run can provide a different piece, most runners would be wise to consider how they will utilise fuel and hydration on the day, in order to fit the whole thing together.

Full report:

How science can help marathon runners avoid hitting the wall

ICYMI: Natalie Pinkham: ‘Why I’m running the London Marathon in memory of my mate, Caroline Flack’

Saturday 20 April 2024 23:00 , Matt Mathers

The Sky Sports F1 presenter speaks to Kieran Jackson about her first marathon this Sunday and the work done in memory of her good friend Flack, who took her own life in 2020.

Read the full interview here.

ICYMI: Kenenisa Bekele says London Marathon field will be ‘remembering’ Kelvin Kiptum

Saturday 20 April 2024 22:00 , Matt Mathers

Kelvin Kiptum will always hold a special place in the hearts of all marathon runners, according to veteran three-time Olympic track champion Kenenisa Bekele.

Kenyan long-distance runner Kiptum won last year’s London Marathon for the third time, but was killed in a car accident in February at the age of 24.

Full report:

Kenenisa Bekele says London Marathon field will be ‘remembering’ Kelvin Kiptum

ICYMI: Elite women’s field predicted to make London Marathon ‘harder to win’ than Paris Olympics

Saturday 20 April 2024 21:00 , Matt Mathers

London Marathon event director Hugh Brasher is predicting a more competitive women’s race on Sunday than the 2024 Paris Olympic marathon later this year, and believes the women’s-only world record may fall.

The world’s fastest female marathoner Tigst Assefa headlines an elite field that features seven women who have run under two hours, 17 minutes and 30 seconds, including three of the top four fastest women ever.

Full report:

Elite women’s field makes London Marathon ‘harder to win’ than Paris Olympics

ICYMI: Emile Cairess hopes to qualify for Paris Olympics at London Marathon

Saturday 20 April 2024 20:00 , Matt Mathers

Emile Cairess hopes he can follow training partner Phil Sesemann on the next step of their journey by also qualifying for the Olympics when he tackles the London Marathon again on Sunday.

Sesemann secured his place on the British squad for Paris after running inside the qualifying standard of two hours, eight minutes and four seconds at the Seville Marathon in February.

Full report:

Emile Cairess hopes to qualify for Paris Olympics at London Marathon

Rosie Jones says she’s overcome ‘internalised ableism’ to take on London Marathon

Saturday 20 April 2024 19:00 , Matt Mathers

Comedian Rosie Jones has admitted that “internalised ableism” has previously stopped her from using mobility aids, as she prepares to take part in the TCS London Marathon.

The popular comic and TV panel member, who has ataxic cerebral palsy, is completing the long-distance race this Sunday (21 April) with fellow stand-up Ivo Graham, who will be pushing her in a Delta Buggy.

Full report:

Rosie Jones says she’s overcome ‘internalised ableism’ to take on London Marathon

Runner reaches Grenfell Tower after 227-mile challenge to help disaster victims

Saturday 20 April 2024 17:12 , Matt Mathers

A runner who completed more than a marathon a day in support of a law change to help victims of major scandals has crossed the finish line of his charity trek at Grenfell Tower with a bereaved family member by his side.

Mik Parkin completed his 227-mile journey to west London on Saturday, joined by the uncle of a 12 year-old girl who died in the 2017 Grenfell fire.

The eight-day run had begun at Anfield in Liverpool and took in the Hillsborough memorial in Sheffield on the 35th anniversary of that disaster.

The charity trek aimed to raise awareness of the Hillsborough Law, which campaigners have said could make a difference to victims who often endure long-running fights for justice in the wake of major disasters.

Manfred Ruiz, known as Manny, took part in the first and last stages of the run, in memory of his niece Jessica Urbano Ramirez, and said it was “a pleasure” to be able to support Mr Parkin, praising him for his efforts.

Mr Ruiz told the PA news agency: “What he’s done this week has just been amazing.”

Actor Christopher Eccleston will be happy to ‘just get round’ course

Saturday 20 April 2024 16:47 , Matt Mathers

Actor Christopher Eccleston says he will be “happy just to get round” the marathon course.

Mr Eccleston is running for the Big Issue, which helps homeless people.

“I’ve just turned 60 and my plan is to run the London Marathon for the Big Issue,” he told the publication

“The last one I ran was when I was 50. So my plan is to run at 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100. And then I’ll retire!”

Centrepoint wishes runners good luck

Saturday 20 April 2024 16:15 , Matt Mathers

Homelessness charity Centrepoint has wished its runners good luck ahead of tomorrow’s marathon.

“Good luck to our awesome #TeamCentrepoint taking on the #LondonMarathon tomorrow,” the charity wrote on X.

“The team have spent countless hours training for this moment and have now raised over £40,000!

“Thank you for all your hard work!”

Father says daughter’s cancer treatment ‘million times harder’ than marathon

Saturday 20 April 2024 15:58 , Matt Mathers

A father running the TCS London Marathon to support Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity said his young daughter’s cancer treatment was “a million times harder” than tackling 26.2 miles.

Sky, now aged four, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a tumour in her brain, in April 2021 after her parents noticed she lost her balance frequently and was not meeting some developmental milestones.

Full report:

Father says daughter’s cancer treatment ‘million times harder’ than marathon

Romesh Ranganathan given ‘shameless’ gift by Rob Beckett to wear in marathon

Saturday 20 April 2024 15:30 , Matt Mathers

Comedian Romesh Ranganathan was presented with a giraffe costume to wear during the London Marathon on his new BBC Radio 2 show.

Mr Ranganathan, 46, who is running on Sunday, told his first celebrity guest Rob Beckett that the fellow comedian was “shameless” in his choice of gift.

Mr Beckett’s upcoming stand-up tour is called Giraffe and to promote it he wore an inflatable giraffe costume to the Brit Awards last month.

The 38-year-old told Ranganathan: “I’ve got you a present Rom, to say well done on your new show and it’s just nice to get someone a present.”

Ranganathan responded: “It’s a giant giraffe adult costume.

“Let’s get to the bottom of that. I mean, it’s just absolutely shameless by you. You knew you’re gonna get a plug for your tour.”

Prostate Cancer UK wishes runners good luck

Saturday 20 April 2024 15:15 , Matt Mathers

Prostate Cancer UK has wished its marathon runners good luck ahead of tomorrow’s race.

“Wishing all our wonderful @LondonMarathon runners a massive GOOD LUCK for tomorrow,” the charity wrote on X.

“Over 190 of you are helping us make huge strides, by raising vital funds which we can invest in lifesaving research and services to support men living with prostate cancer.”

ICYMI: Man training for London Marathon with fridge on his back stopped by police

Saturday 20 April 2024 14:40 , Matt Mathers

A man who hopes to break the world record for running the London Marathon with a fridge-in-tow was stopped by the police whilst training for his challenge.

According to the runner, Daniel Fairbrother, 34, was stopped by police officers in Stevenage after they accused him of stealing the fridge.

Full report:

Man training for London Marathon with fridge on his back stopped by police

ICYMI: Kelvin Kiptum’s story had barely started – his tragic death robs athletics of an extraordinary talent

Saturday 20 April 2024 14:20 , Matt Mathers

In the hunt to find sporting meaning during the strange supporter absence of the 2020 Covid pandemic summer, the Brussels Diamond League opted to stage a rare assault on the one-hour world record.

Although 13 men lined up on the King Baudouin Stadium startline, the race was little more than a one-man time trial geared solely around Britain’s four-time Olympic champion Mo Farah. Everyone else was there to aid his cause.

Among the faceless dozen was an unknown Kenyan. At that point in his career, Kelvin Kiptum’s international pedigree was almost non-existent.

Full report:

Kelvin Kiptum: Tragic death robs athletics of an extraordinary talent

London Marathon 2024 travel guide: Start times, route and celebration spots

Saturday 20 April 2024 14:03 , Matt Mathers

Since the inaugural 26.2 mile event in 1981, the fundraising race has raised millions for charities each year, and, with sunshine on the forecast for now, celebrations of the charitable and physical feat will take place across the city.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan the day if you’re running or supporting this year’s London Marathon.

Full report:

London Marathon 2024 travel guide

ICYMI: Ballot opens for 2025 London Marathon on eve of this year’s event

Saturday 20 April 2024 13:31 , Matt Mathers

The ballot for next year’s TCS London Marathon has opened on the eve of the 2024 event.

A world record 578,000 people entered the ballot for this year’s event which takes place on Sunday, making it the most popular marathon in the world.

Find out how to enter the ballot for next year’s event here:

Ballot opens for 2025 London Marathon on eve of this year’s event

Runner reveals why he’s taking part in marathon

Saturday 20 April 2024 12:45 , Matt Mathers

A man says he’s running in the marathon and raising money for British Blind Sport because he’s seen first “first hand” the “incredible” effect sport and physical activity can have for people living with visual impairments.

Corin Elliot said: “In 2019, I ran the London Marathon as a guide runner for Lizzie Tovey. That year we campaigned to overturn the decision to not allow guides to receive medals and official times.”

He added: “Although my 2024 marathon place is a club place and not a charity place, I have seen first-hand the incredible effect sport and physical activity can have for people living with a visual impairment.”

‘Hardest Geezer’ sends marathon runners best wishes

Saturday 20 April 2024 12:27 , Matt Mathers

‘Hardest Geezer’ Russ Cook has sent his best wishes to all those running the marathon tomorrow.”

“Best of luck to everyone running the London marathon tomorrow,” he wrote on X . “I will be there on tarmac pacing some incredible young people with @Running_Charity”

“I really do love the marathon. My dad first ran one when I was a young lad and I thought he was superman. Running my first one changed my life.”

Rosie Jones says she’s overcome ‘internalised ableism’ to take on London Marathon

Saturday 20 April 2024 12:14 , Matt Mathers

Comedian Rosie Jones has admitted that “internalised ableism” has previously stopped her from using mobility aids, as she prepares to take part in the TCS London Marathon.

The popular comic and TV panel member, who has ataxic cerebral palsy, is completing the long-distance race this Sunday (21 April) with fellow stand-up Ivo Graham, who will be pushing her in a Delta Buggy.

Full report:

Rosie Jones says she’s overcome ‘internalised ableism’ to take on London Marathon

Emile Cairess hopes to qualify for Paris Olympics at London Marathon

Saturday 20 April 2024 11:45 , Matt Mathers

Emile Cairess hopes he can follow training partner Phil Sesemann on the next step of their journey by also qualifying for the Olympics when he tackles the London Marathon again on Sunday.

Sesemann secured his place on the British squad for Paris after running inside the qualifying standard of two hours, eight minutes and four seconds at the Seville Marathon in February.

Full report:

Emile Cairess hopes to qualify for Paris Olympics at London Marathon

Elite women’s field predicted to make London Marathon ‘harder to win’ than Paris Olympics

Saturday 20 April 2024 11:30 , Matt Mathers

London Marathon event director Hugh Brasher is predicting a more competitive women’s race on Sunday than the 2024 Paris Olympic marathon later this year, and believes the women’s-only world record may fall.

The world’s fastest female marathoner Tigst Assefa headlines an elite field that features seven women who have run under two hours, 17 minutes and 30 seconds, including three of the top four fastest women ever.

Full report:

Elite women’s field makes London Marathon ‘harder to win’ than Paris Olympics

Kenenisa Bekele says London Marathon field will be ‘remembering’ Kelvin Kiptum

Saturday 20 April 2024 11:13 , Matt Mathers

Kelvin Kiptum will always hold a special place in the hearts of all marathon runners, according to veteran three-time Olympic track champion Kenenisa Bekele.

Kenyan long-distance runner Kiptum won last year’s London Marathon for the third time, but was killed in a car accident in February at the age of 24.

Full report:

Kenenisa Bekele says London Marathon field will be ‘remembering’ Kelvin Kiptum

Natalie Pinkham: ‘Why I’m running the London Marathon in memory of my mate, Caroline Flack’

Saturday 20 April 2024 10:55 , Matt Mathers

The Sky Sports F1 presenter speaks to Kieran Jackson about her first marathon this Sunday and the work done in memory of her good friend Flack, who took her own life in 2020.

Read the full interview below:

Natalie Pinkham: ‘Why I’m running the London Marathon in memory of Caroline Flack’

How science can help runners avoid hitting the wall

Saturday 20 April 2024 10:42 , Matt Mathers

The 2024 TCS London Marathon is almost here with the 26.2-mile distance often feeling like a puzzle for runners to solve. While each training run can provide a different piece, most runners would be wise to consider how they will utilise fuel and hydration on the day, in order to fit the whole thing together.

Full report:

How science can help marathon runners avoid hitting the wall

How can I enter next year’s race?

Saturday 20 April 2024 10:32 , Matt Mathers

For those inspired or keen to experience the magic, you can apply for entry into next year’s race.

Here’s all you need to know about the ballot and how to get into next year’s race:

London Marathon ballot: How can I enter next year’s race?

How much will the winners get?

Saturday 20 April 2024 10:30 , Matt Mathers

The 2024 London Marathon will create history by becoming the first marathon in the world to ensure equal distribution of prize money between able-bodied athletes and wheelchair racers.

Although the winners as not as well paid as in some other iconic sporting events, the elite men’s and women’s able-bodied races and men’s and women’s wheelchair races will all have a prize pot of $308,000 (£243,000)

Here’s how much the winners will receive:

London Marathon 2024 prize money: How much will the winners get?

‘Hardest Geezer’ to run London Marathon and sets next long-distance target

Saturday 20 April 2024 10:28 , Matt Mathers

Hardest Geezer Russ Cook, who ran the entire length of Africa, will return to long-distance running at the London Marathon.

Mr Cook, from West Sussex, said he planned to run the marathon for charity despite only finishing his 352-day challenge on 7 April.

Full report:

‘Hardest Geezer’ to run London Marathon and sets next long-distance target

Wheelchair and non-disabled athletes to get same prize money

Saturday 20 April 2024 10:26 , Matt Mathers

This year’s race will mark the first time that wheelchair and non-disabled athletes have received the same prize money for a marathon.

All four winners of the elite races will receive £44,000, with the runner-up earning £24,000 and third place taking home £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.

50,000 to take part in marathon

Saturday 20 April 2024 10:23 , Matt Mathers

The ballot for next year’s TCS London Marathon has opened on the eve of the 2024 event.

A world record 578,000 people entered the ballot for this year’s event which takes place on Sunday, making it the most popular marathon in the world.

More than 50,000 people, a record number, are expected to take part on what is due to be a dry and bright day with temperatures up to 12C.

Date, times, route and how to watch race

Saturday 20 April 2024 10:16 , Matt Mathers

The London Marathon returns in 2024 with another action-packed day of elite and charitable racing.

The annual road race in the English capital is again held in a traditional slot in April, with thousands entering the mass participation event and bidding to complete the 26.2-mile course.

Here is everything you need to know about when it starts, the route it will take and how to watch:

London Marathon 2024: Date, times, route and how to watch race

Saturday 20 April 2024 10:14 , Matt Mathers

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the London Marathon.

We’ll have all the build-up and action from the race, which gets underway tomorrow morning.

Stay tuned for the latest updates.