Virgin London Marathon 2017 Sees Record Number Of Runners Hit The Streets

Paralympian David Weir wins his seventh title.

A record number of runners have set off for this year’s London Marathon, cheered on by a trio of royals.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry are dotted along the 26.2-mile course to lend support to the 40,000 competitors pounding the streets of the capital.

The royals, who champion the official charity of 2017’s London Marathon, Heads Together, pushed the red button to start the elite men’s race and mass race.

Record numbers of runners are competing in the London Marathon
Record numbers of runners are competing in the London Marathon
Reuters Staff / Reuters

Hundreds of police were on duty on Sunday to keep around 800,000 spectators and runners safe, barely a month after crowds were targeted in the Westminster terror attack.

Armed officers will also watch over the crowds, but the Metropolitan Police said: “There is no specific intelligence that the Marathon will be targeted.”

Organisers said a total of 40,382 people collected their race packs on Saturday, meaning the 37th event is poised to outstrip last year’s record of 39,140 competitors. The Evening Standard reported Sunday that, 50,000 running were competing in the race.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge signal the start of the marathon, as Prince Harry watches on
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge signal the start of the marathon, as Prince Harry watches on
PA Wire/PA Images

Among the runners undertaking the daring feat this year is 47-year-old Gary McKee, who will be finishing his 100th marathon distance in 100 days.

With an election race in full flow, the annual challenge will also fittingly play host to a record number of MPs.

A total of 16 members - including five from Labour, nine Conservatives, one independent and one from the SNP - will join the throngs of racers.

A host of famous faces will be spotted undertaking the gruelling endeavour for good causes, including pop band Scouting for Girls, who are running for the Alzheimer’s Society, and radio host Chris Evans, who is running for the third year in a row, raising cash for Children in Need.

A runner dressed as Mr Potato Head
A runner dressed as Mr Potato Head
PA Wire/PA Images

Eastenders star Adam Woodyatt faces a more emotional challenge as he runs alongside his 19-year-old son Sam, just months after the teenager was hit by a car.

Olympic and Paralympic heroes will also make the journey from Blackheath or Greenwich to Buckingham Palace, including Rio gold medallist rowers Heather Stanning and Helen Glover, cyclist Chris Newton and Paralympic rower Pamela Relph.

Sixty-five years separate the oldest and youngest competitors in the Virgin Money London Marathon 2017.

Fancy dress runners prepare for the start of the race
Fancy dress runners prepare for the start of the race
PA Wire/PA Images

At 83, Kenneth Jones will be the oldest runner, but is no stranger to the challenge - having competed in every London Marathon since it began in 1981.

He is part of a band of so-called Ever Presents who have done all of the London races, with 11 others joining him on the starting line again on Sunday.

Around 18 years after Mr Jones first attempted the event, this year’s youngest competitor was born - Bronte Randle-Bissell, who will be running just three days after turning 18.

Runners face a bright, chilly start to the race, but will cross the finish line in warm sunshine and temperatures in the mid-teens, the Met Office said.

Tussling for the men’s elite crown this year will be the second-fastest marathon runner of all time, Ethiopian Kenenisa Bekele and last year’s runner-up, Kenyan Stanley Biwott.

And away... they... GO! #Londonmarathon #bbcathletics pic.twitter.com/3TilyTzb7A

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) April 23, 2017

The elite men have zoomed through Cutty Sark! #LondonMarathon pic.twitter.com/jwlR4kEEwq

— Paul Muchmore (@paulmuchmore) April 23, 2017

Green Start have just gone! @achrisevans and @jamescracknell leading the line 👋 #LondonMarathon pic.twitter.com/iuyCvZPnoZ

— London Marathon (@LondonMarathon) April 23, 2017

S E V E N 🖐✌️

London belongs to @davidweir2012

Weir wins his 7th #LondonMarathon. What a finish, what a race, what an athlete. 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/wNAwAumjOJ

— ParalympicsGB (@ParalympicsGB) April 23, 2017

.@smontgomery1980 earlier warming up for the #LondonMarathon w/ the Marathon Motivator. 🍩 If you see him out there, use #justdonut !🏃 pic.twitter.com/GmNHIcAXUK

— Dunkin' Donuts UK (@dunkindonutsUK) April 23, 2017

Good luck to all @VirginMoney #LondonMarathon runners. And remember, even if you fall flat on your face, at least you’re moving forward! pic.twitter.com/5VJrfQLWkW

— Richard Branson (@richardbranson) April 23, 2017

Meet the youngest and oldest #LondonMarathon runners out today! pic.twitter.com/XqUS4o54ln

— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) April 23, 2017

In the women’s elite race, Kenyan champion Mary Keitany vies for her third London Marathon title, coming up against fierce competition from world champion Mare Dibaba and Britain’s Jo Pavey, who is still competing at the age of 43.

British six-time wheelchair winner David Weir has a record seventh London crown in his sights amid speculation about retirement.

World records will also be attempted by around 50 runners, including the fastest marathon in a sleeping bag and fastest marathon in Wellington boots.

William, Kate and Harry said they hope it will be the year of the “mental health marathon”, with blue headbands likely to be worn by many competitors this year in support of Heads Together.

Some fundraisers will receive medals from the royals as they cross the finish line on The Mall, while Harry is to present trophies to the top three elites and World Para Athletics Marathon World Cup competitors.

The races start at Blackheath and Greenwich Park from 8.55am and end in the shadow of Buckingham Palace.

Road closures will be in force and there will be delays to some public transport.

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