FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Records tumble as London celebrates its biggest marathon
A record number of people will finish the TCS London Marathon on Sunday
making the 2024 edition the biggest ever in the event's history.
The day also saw Peres Jepchirchir win a thrilling sprint finish to break
the women-only world record, with fellow Kenyan Alexander Mutiso Munyao
claiming the men's title ahead of Ethiopian legend Kenenisa Bekele who
eclipsed his own masters' record for over-40s.
Meanwhile, Swiss pair Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner took the
wheelchair titles as Britain's David Weir made the men's podium for the
21st time in 25 consecutive races.
A record number of more than 51,000 finishers had already crossed the line
by 17:50 today after 54,218 set out from Greenwich and Blackheath this
morning.
With the official Finish Line open until 19:30, the 44th London Marathon is
already by far the largest since the event started in 1981 – eclipsing last
year's edition when 43,965 finished the race.
It completed a record-breaking weekend after 12,904 young runners took part
in the biggest-ever TCS Mini London Marathon on Saturday.
"It was a glorious day, a day full of records," reflected Event Director
Hugh Brasher. "We have had record numbers, record runs, and we expect to
raise record sums for charity. This really is London at its best."
It was marathon racing at its best too, as Jepchirchir triumphed in a fast
and frantic four-way fight for the line between some of the fastest women
in history. The Olympic champion crossed the line in 2:16:16, beating the
women-only world record by 45 seconds, while Munyao outran Bekele to make
it a day of double joy for Kenya.
It was a great day for Britain too as Emile Cairess took third in 2:06:46,
the second-fastest time ever by a British man, with Mahamed Mahamed fourth.
Both are now likely to clinch the final two cherished spots on the GB
Olympic team.
There was another record in the wheelchair races as Hug claimed a fourth
straight title, his sixth overall, while Debrunner led from the first push
to finish just 30 seconds outside her own course record.
Behind the elites came the masses, runners of all ages, abilities and
backgrounds bobbing their way over the capital's streets in unprecedented
numbers, many thousands raising money for good causes.
Among them were a host of celebrities and 44 Guinness World Records
breakers, including Lloyd Martin, who became the youngest-ever male
marathon finisher with Down's syndrome, and Jackie Scully's 10-person team
who steered their bus home in 6:32:05 to become the quickest finishers in a
10-person costume.
Chris Newton was again the fastest of the famous faces, the former cyclist
cruising home in 2:38:28 just ahead of former para-athlete Richard
Whitehead whose time of 2:42:01 was inside the current IPC world record in
the T61 category.
The self-styled 'Hardest Geezer', Russ Cook, completed the 26.2-mile
challenge in 4:25:40 just two weeks after his epic 10,000-mile meander up
the length of Africa, saying afterwards: "It is not quite the Sahara
Desert, but it is great to be back on UK turf.
"The energy from the crowds in London is unparalleled and I encourage
anyone to do this marathon, the Brighton Marathon or any other. Running has
given me everything. It has changed my life."
Actors were out in force too with Ruth Wilson and Christopher Eccleston
both suffering on the London stage with tired legs and stiff calves before
making it to the close.
Ever-present Chris Finill passed under the gantry for the 44th successive
time, finishing just outside three hours, while Manchester United co-owner
Jim Ratcliffe captured the mood of the day after his "eighth or ninth
marathon", saying: "London is the best event of all. I haven't experienced
anything like it."
The 2025 TCS London Marathon will take place on 27 April next year. The
ballot for entries opened on Saturday (20 April) and will close on Friday
26 April at 21:00.
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