35,000 runners – and a Jedi – survive the London heat
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It was the sort of occasion – unlike some this month – where thousands of like-minded people took to the streets of London, yet even the police could enjoy an upbeat day.
More unusual contenders in the 2009 Flora London Marathon included a producer from London, a human chain comprising 29 runners, a man clad in Jedi robes and a couple who called into a church to get married after 20 miles.
The celebrity runners included Katie Price and husband Peter Andre, alongside Gordon Ramsay and Boyzone's Ronan Keating, both of whom finished the race in just over four hours.
With the UK heading towards its hottest April in a decade, the sunny weather that hit 16C was in marked contrast to 2008 which saw intermittent bursts of chilly rain.
And in a nod to Eighties nostalgia, those seen sweltering in heat-absorbing costumes included cartoon character Danger Mouse, and two men dressed as Baywatch's Mitch and CJ. Overall, 35,000 people ran in the 26.2-mile race.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments