Tens of thousands have set off on the London Marathon

Runners have set off on the 45th TCS London Marathon, with celebrities, MPs and the fathers of two girls killed in the Southport attack taking part.

Runners have set off on the 45th TCS London Marathon, with celebrities, MPs and the fathers of two girls killed in the Southport attack taking part.

More than 56,000 participants are expected on the 26.2-mile course through the capital on what is forecast to be a warm, dry day with temperatures of up to 22C.

With the elite wheelchair, men’s and women’s race well under way, the participants in the mass race have also set off.

Thousands of supporters with banners have lined the streets of the capital to cheer on the runners and wave to their loved ones.

Participants, including a pair dressed as shower gel bottles, could be seen taking selfies and checking their watches as they set off.

London could set a new record for the world’s biggest marathon, which is currently held by the TCS New York Marathon in November when there were 55,646 finishers.

Among the participants are David Stancombe and Sergio Aguiar, whose daughters Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, were murdered in the Southport mass stabbing last summer.

They are raising money for projects in memory of their daughters and Bebe King, six, who was also killed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in July.

In a video message posted on X, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wished the pair “the very best of luck”.

He added: “This is an incredible way to honour the memory of your precious daughters and the entire nation is in awe of your courage and your resilience.

“We’ll all be with you, every single step of the way.”

Published: 27/04/2025 by Radio NewsHub