After weeks of preparation, it was time for the real thing on Sunday as the London Marathon got underway on a thankfully bright and pleasant day in the English capital.
And as always, there were some familiar faces among the average 50,000 participants who walked the epic route for their respective charities.
Taking part as the event began in Blackheath, actress Ruth Wilson was joined by TV presenter Jenni Falconer and former Olympian Kelly Holmes on the start line.
Other famous faces include 20 MPs and peers – the most in the event’s history – including Chancellor Jeremy Hunt.
There are miles of road closures throughout the city with guardrails along the 26.2-mile route, and police line the roads amid the threat of disruption by protesters.
Ruth Wilson was among the celebrities taking part in the 2024 London Marathon on Sunday.
Television presenter Jenni Falconer (left) and former Olympian Kelly Holmes (right) were also at the start line in Blackheath.
DJ and TV host Chris Evans was joined by his wife Natasha Shishmanian on Sunday.
There was 30 seconds of applause before the race began in memory of the winner of last year’s elite men’s race, Kelvin Kiptum, who died in a car accident in February at the age of 24.
He set a new London Marathon record of two hours, one minute and 25 seconds last year with his third victory, and set a new world record of two hours and 35 seconds in Chicago in October.
Participants will enjoy pleasant 12°C weather on a bright, dry day as they take on the mammoth task.
Police are on alert amid a threat of possible protests by pro-Palestinian and Israeli protesters, with event bosses urging them not to disrupt the marathon and focus on “coexistence and unity”.
The marathon, which is one of the largest in the world, has previously been threatened with protests in the past, and Just Stop Oil said last year it would “never rule anything out.”
Event bosses say measures are in place to protect participants and prevent potential protests.
Last week, London Marathon director Hugh Brasher said: “What we’ve always tried to do is bring people together.” Coexistence and togetherness is what the London Marathon is all about.
“And we hope that message resonates with anyone who thinks it’s a good thing to interrupt the race, because it’s not.”
Heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua was also present at the start of the marathon.
Comedian Romesh Ranganathan (left) and former politician Matt Hancock (right) became involved in their respective charities.
EastEnders stars Jamie Borthwick and Emma Barton made a rare appearance outside Walford.
The four winners of the elite races will receive £44,000, with second place receiving £24,000 and third place £18,000.
David Weir, who will run his 25th consecutive London Marathon on Sunday and has won eight times, said he did not expect this change in his life to happen.