London Marathon LIVE: Latest updates from 26-mile race after Amos Kipruto wins men’s event
40,000 people are set to compete in the long-distance race
The London marathon takes place today with athletes and members of the public prepared to tackle the 26-mile route around the British capital. The start is near Blackheath in Greenwich, with the route taking in landmarks such as the Cutty Sark, the Shard, the London Eye and Parliament before reaching the finish line at the Mall by Buckingham Palace.
28-year-old Kenyan, Brigid Kosgei, who won the London Marathon in 2019 and 2020 has withdrawn through injury but the women’s field still features Kosgei’s compatriot and last year’s winner Joyciline Jepkosgei (29) and Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw (23) who set the fastest debut time for a marathon and holds the world record in the 10km road race.
The men’s race looks set to be a tight affair with Kenya’s Titus Ekiru well-backed after victories in the 2021 Milan and Abu Dhabi marathons whilst Ethiopia’s Birhanu Legese will be amongst his closest contenders alongside 2021 London marathon winner and compatriot Sisay Lemma. Four-time London marathon winner Eliud Kipchoge will not compete, and neither will Great Britain’s Sir Mo Farah who has withdrawn due to a hip injury.
Follow all the action from the 2022 London marathon:
Showers unlikely to dampen spirits of 50,000 runners taking on London Marathon
Rain showers are likely to keep London Marathon runners cool on Sunday when 50,000 people race 26.2 miles through the capital.
Elite runners and fast club runners will be at the front of the pack – but around 40,000 of those taking part are there for a personal challenge, a charity fundraiser or the chance to enjoy the incredible atmosphere which London always offers.
The race will be started by Lionesses Leah Williamson, Ellen White and Jill Scott, from England’s Uefa Women’s Euro 2022 winning team.
Williamson will sound the buzzer for the wheelchair races to begin at around 8.50am, White will start the women’s elite race at 9am, and Scott will press the buzzer to send the elite men and everyone else across the start line by 10am.
Showers unlikely to dampen spirits of 50,000 runners taking on London Marathon
It is expected to be the final time that the London Marathon takes place in October with the event due to return to its regular spring slot in 2023.
Marathon world records
Elite men: 2hrs 1mins 09secs, Eliud Kipchoge, Berlin, September 2022.
For context, the average time for male runners is approximately 3 hours 48 mins.
Elite women: 2hrs 14mins 04secs, Brigid Kosgei, Chicago, October 2019.
While the average time for female runners is approximately 4 hours 23 mins.
How to watch?
The elite races and the iconic mass participation event will be broadcast live on the BBC this Sunday with coverage starting at 08:30 until 09:25 on BBC Two before switching to BBC One at 09:25 until 14:35.
There will be a live stream is available on the iPlayer and you can also follow full live coverage of both the elite and mass participation races through our live blog.
Why is the race in October?
The 2022 London Marathon takes place today on Sunday 2nd October which will be the last time the legendary race will occur in autumn before reverting back to the spring next year after a Covid-enforced disruption.
Today’s start times are:
08.30: Mini London marathon
08.50: Elite wheelchair races
09.00: Elite women’s race
09.30: Elite men’s race and mass start
London Marathon boss urges Sir Mo Farah to seek inspiration from Eliud Kipchoge
Sir Mo Farah has been encouraged to take inspiration from marathon world record holder Eliud Kipchoge ahead of Sunday’s London Marathon.
The four-time Olympic gold medallist, two years older than the legendary Kenyan, enters Sunday’s race in good form after emerging victorious in the Big Half earlier this month to bounce back after being upset at the Vitality London 10,000 in May.
And race director Hugh Brasher that Farah can still produce a vintage performance on Sunday and in the future, with Kipchoge proving “age is no barrier to success”.
London Marathon boss urges Sir Mo Farah to find inspiration in Eliud Kipchoge success
London Marathon 2022: Sir Mo Farah told ‘age no barrier to success’
The London marathon
The London marathon takes place today with an expected 40,000 runners taking to the streets of Britain’s captial to complete the 26-mile course in the name of competition, fitness and charity.
The races kick off at 8.30 am when the mini marathon starts before the elite wheelchair race begins at 8.50, the elite women’s race gets going at 9.00 and the elite men’s race starts at 9.30 along with the rest of the masses.
Last years winners Marcel Hug & Manuela Schar (wheelchair), Joyciline Jepkosgei (women’s), and Sisay Lemma (men’s) all return to defend their titles but there is no place for Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei, who won the London Marathon in 2019 and 2020, but has withdrawn through injury.
Four-time marathon winner Eliud Kipchoge will not compete in the men’s tournament but is here to hand out medals for the mini marathon and unfortunately for British fans Sir Mo Farah has a hip injury and will not take part either.
Still, the London marathon is always worth a watch for its competitiveness, celebrity runners, members of the pubic in fancy dress and of the brilliant charities which the marathon raises awareness for.
We’ll be bringing you updates throughout the race and filling you in on eveyrthing you need to know.
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