22/04/2012 London Marathon

In a normal sporting year, the only marathon champions to be crowned on

the mile of the winners of this race, the London Marathon, but not

this year. Both Olympic and Paralympic marathons will also be

decided on the capital's most iconic streets. Is this just a

warm-up for 2012? I really don't think so. Welcome to the highlights

of the Virgin London Marathon. Emmanuel Mutai returns to defend

the title he won in a course record last year. But to win again he will

have to beat his fellow countrymen. The fastest man ever of the

legendary distance of the marathon. The women's race promises to be

just as closely fought. 2011 winner Mary Keitany heads a stellar cast.

The British runners in the field today, it's their final chance to

stake a claim for Olympic selection. And for David Weir, it's a chance

to become part of London marathon history. A sixth win here would see

him equal Dame Tanni Grey- Thompson's record. When the elite

races are done, the streets belong to the thousands of runners who

have thousands of different personal goals today. 170,000

people wanted to be on the start line today. Who would have thought

that marathon running would ever be so popular. Whilst the performances

of the elite athletes are breathtaking, it is the stories and

motivation of the masses which have turned a bracing to a street party.

We all remember that one before Jane Tomlinson, but cancer sufferer

who was an incredible fund raise up. I remember training with her. The

memories of the London Marathon for the first year, it has stuck with

me. This is a great way to remember her. I've beat my target already,

my target was 5000 and I'm a 5500 at the moment. Her many times have

you done this? 26, this is my 27th. What keeps you coming back?

London. Last year I was 20 miles inland I didn't feel great. I had a

collapse with St John Ambulance. But they got me back on my feet. I

need to shave a bit of my personal best today. The you are part of a

big team. A team of 11. Mostly parents. They are running today in

support of the children who are going through treatment, children

who have completed treatment and sadly, the children who didn't make

it. Let's see some of skills. It is Steve Prescott. It's an

incredible journey. We started off on the marathon last Sunday, we

cycled the day after and the day after that. We managed to row the

Channel yesterday. I made my marathon debut in Paris last Sunday

it. It was a tough one but we've had a fabulous week. I lost my leg

in Iraq in 2007. Yeah, BLESMA have done a lot for me. That's why I

want to give something back and do something for BLESMA. I was going

to put might have won David Weir's chair Betty went without me,

selfishly! Do you think I could do it? They are celebrating their

golden wedding anniversary today by winning the London Marathon. Let me

come to you first. He should have taken you to Paris for a candlelit

dinner. No, this is much more fun! 60 marathons, 60 weeks, at 60.

the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, what a bid to do it and to do London again,

this is my fourth London. We are all cellists since childhood, but

we decided a few years ago it would be fun to do extreme things with

them. This is that the latest challenge. You're finishing number

is going to be? Run, cellists, run. Take it away it will start my first

London Marathon. I'm really excited. I'm running for Sport 8 as well. I

cannot get people -- beaten by someone who wore bhaji smugglers

through their whole career. People are saying, good luck, are you

running today? That's not a good confidence booster. It's time to

get on with the action. Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, Paul Diggin son,

Brendan Foster and Steve Cram your guides bought London 2012 marathon.

-- Paul Dickinson. Mary Keitany, world record holder in a half-

marathon, looking to win here in London. Edna Kiplagat, the world

London. Edna Kiplagat, the world champion. For the rest of the

British athletes, there's just one way. The elite women with a clear

road ahead. The challenge never changes. The world's best gathered

once more, perhaps one of the greatest fields, certainly in terms

of the women's race, that we have ever seen. It is testing the --

testimony to this event and testimony to the rewards that lie

ahead. It is not just about today, it's about the Olympics as well.

This event is spectacular. The weather this morning is glorious.

Beautiful weather for distance running. I'm sure we are going to

see a fantastic race today. Already, Liz Yelling, of Great Britain, in

amongst the leaders, in a position there to attack from. They are

probably going fairly slowly because that group is very well

bunched together. Perfect conditions for the wheelchair

marathon. There is the list of the main contenders in the men's race.

Ernst von Dhaka said this is the most talented field ever assembled

in any marathon he has ever ridden She has got two former champions in

that field including Amanda McGrory, the defending London Marathon

wheelchair marathon. It really was a fantastic finish as they moved

into the Mall last year. There were about four athletes together. I

think it was Vandyke he crashed eventually. It was David Weir who

won in a sprint finish. Marcel Hug is at the front. It's going to be

interesting to see how much they will force David Weir to make

decisions. The PAC was brought up very early in a race last week and

it would three minutes on the rest of the field. Dave needs to make

some very tough decisions in the early part of the race to try and

through the second mile. That's why we've got a bit of a split going on.

The British women are in that second group. The leaders have

started to move away a bit, as would have been expected. But it's

important for British women stick to their pace well. Liz Yelling, I

thought she might not go quite so well today, but the others are

looking OK. Clare HAL a Sears at the back of the group.

It's a stellar Starlettes -- start running from around the world. And

there is the British challenge. A place available, may be two, for

London Marathon, one of our greatest sporting occasions, is set

on its way. Ambitions, dreams, challenges ahead. Thousands and

thousands are once more gathered in this common goal to complete the

most traditional of athletic events - the marathon distance. Three

starts for the London Marathon, as ever. The Red Start is where the

vast majority begin, the blue start for the elite runners and then they

eventually converge as they head down the cause, and they turned

back up towards the famous Cutty Sark just after the 10 K point.

This is where so many crowds will gather to watch. They may wind

their way through the seven the side of the river, through rubber

high youth. Now they get their first glimpse of Tower Bridge.

Across there, turn right and through the half way point. They

will actually be coming back this way in a few miles time, passed

into Canary Wharf's, running through the new section of the

course over the last couple of years which has been introduced.

Then they are starting to head for home. Past the Tower of London

again, on to the Embankment. They will be able to see Big Ben in the

distance as they curve round the river. When they get a bit then

they take a right turn. Just a mile or so to go down Birdcage Walk to

Buckingham Palace. The last 385 the sunshine. A wonderful sight.

Alarmed mark of the London Marathon. The crowds also make it for such a

wonderful atmosphere as they go around the Cutty Sark. The big

group of eight athletes and two pacemakers. They will be buoyed by

the atmosphere that London is already demonstrating here to date.

This is a great day for London, it's a great day for the city. It's

a great day to show off the city. It certainly does look resplendent

in all its glory, with the sun shining. We saw a miserable weather

forecast are telling us last night it was going to be raining all day.

Well, it's not raining yet. A few minutes ago, the elite wheelchair

athletes were passing Cutty Sark at the six-mile mark and the 10

kilometre point. Certainly a big race going on, Tanni. Cassidy has

been sitting at the front for the last few miles, Dave Weir in third.

The drafting makes such a difference. The guy at the front

has the work that little bit harder. The guys can push quicker sitting

racers, the elite racers, who were already overtaking the women. They

will be the next group of athletes to finish in the Mall, after the

mini marathon runners have all pacemakers have been trying to edge

them along. There has been some reluctance to go at a breakneck

pace. They are running about two hours 22 pace at the moment. I

suggest that when they get to the halfway point and the pacemakers

dropped out, then the speed will accelerate. It will be one of the

races where the second half of the race is faster than the first half.

If you've been watching the early stages of the British challenge,

the pace was SAT off. The pacemakers in the black and white.

These two have joined now. Graham Murray has always looked fairly

comfortable. She has always move to with Damon. She has rejoined them.

All three of these British women are running around about 2.27

players, maybe a little inside that, which is inside the time required

if they are to run faster than Jo Pavey. There is the lead group now.

There is Martin Lel in the blue and red vest, just alongside the

pacemakers. The most successful ever London marathon runner. Three

times the winner, twice second place. All the talk yesterday from

his team-mates was that he's back in shape and back in good form. He

won't give up this one without a fight. There are two races here

today. The race for the London Marathon title and the race, which

is the toughest race of all, to make the Kenyan team for the

Olympic Games. Look how difficult that is going to be. Look how could

these athletes are. 20: it has gone and they are approaching the

halfway stage. David Weir is in the lead, just ahead of Marcel Hug in

the distinctive silver helmet behind him. They are putting on a

little bit of a break here. It can be a little bit deceptive over

Tower Bridge. It is quite a tough climb and you can get a bit of

speed coming down. It is interesting seeing Dave Weir, he

shouted at Marcel Hug, come through, you need to take a bit of a lead,

because they need to start splitting up the pack now. They

don't want 13 or 14 guys coming through to the sprint finish.

of the women is that Shelley Woods, along with so Ejide and Diane Roy

were altogether after 15 kilometres. Bridge. The leading group of

watching each other, keeping close. Approaching 12 miles. The pace is

just lifting a little now. They are running around 2:21 pace. I would

not be surprised if they started to think about how they can pick up

running brilliantly to win at the Berlin Marathon. Tower Bridge

looming for the British fight for that Olympic place that is

available. Louise Damen on the right as you look. On the far side,

Freya Murray in the red. Claire Hallissey is 121. They are with the

pacemaker. They have been locked together for the last three or four

macro miles. Not far away from the halfway point. They are going at a

quicker pace than they might have asked for, but it is a good pace

and at the moment it is at pace which will, for one of them,...

They have given themselves a good chance. The lead wheelchairs are

into Canary Wharf now. David Weir is right at the front. Those two,

still. The lead men and Patrick Makau is the first of the big men

to pursue alongside the pacemakers. That is because he might not think

this is as fast as he once said. We talk about tactics and one or two

will want it to be quicker, they will want to get rid of some other

athletes. Makau is reputedly in good shape. There's the British

contenders. Up the in Whitby is in that group, and Andy Jones. --

Benedict Whitby. Lee Merrien wearing No. 22. It is between

Whitby and Merrien. Others have quietly prepared as well. They will

be hoping this could be their day. 2:12 is the target for the British

men. He they are coming around the Cutty Sark. The sight of the Cutty

Sark warms the heart every year you watch the London Marathon. The

crowds are phenomenal, the atmosphere is brilliant and the

support is remarkable. They come out early to get a good position

and it really is a good position here. This is a sad sight to see

Liz Yelling struggling across Tower Bridge. I had a quick chat with her

yesterday and she didn't seem particularly confident. She knew

preparations had not gone well. I'm sure she would keep going, but her

dream of representing Great Britain at the Olympic Games has

disappeared. But she will be wishing her compatriots all the

best. She knew it would be between these three. Everyone was talking

about Claire Hallissey, Louise Damen and Freya Murray and the

three of them are locked in battle. There's the lead group. Mary

Keitany, 15 miles gone. These athletes are starting to now get

competitive. The pace is getting stronger. The last two miles have

been really, really quick. Shelly Woods of Great Britain has amassed

a big lead. 12 months ago, she was locked together for just about the

whole race with Amanda McGrory, who eventually won it. But Shelly Woods

is riding well here. She is over a minute ahead of what Kakuta sushi

do from Japan. This shows her confidence. She is getting her head

down on concentrating on what she needs to do. This is the best race

I have seen her do. The chasers are about a minute back. And that is a

heck of a lead. Surely she will win the title once more. This is the

crucial point of the race for selection for the Great Britain

team. Claire Hallissey is making the move. Louise Damen is just

struggling a little. Hallissey is really stretching them now. This is

a significant point for the race to join Paula Radcliffe and Mari

Yamauchi in the Olympic Games team. She needs to run the 2:28. We had a

fantastic finish last year, and we could be having a repeat

performance this year. It also looks like George Cassidy from

Canada, who won Boston last week, is not in the pack. That will be a

big relief to Dave that he doesn't have too many people who can out

there as well. This could be the Japanese Paralympic trial. A lot to

be won and lost here. But once again, it could be down to the

sprinters when they get to the Mall in about 15 minutes' time. There's

Claire Hallissey, the first British athlete, running about 2:27, 2:28.

Behind her, Freya Murray is surging. Louise Damen looks like she is the

struggling. Hallissey looks comfortable. I thought Murray

looked comfortable in her pursuit of Claire Hallissey. We have a good

race between them. 12 miles completed, the halfway mark

approaches. That will give us an indication. Last year it was round

about 62.5 and I think we will be looking for that sort of pace here.

That looks like Kipsang right up alongside the pacemaker. But that

group is so full of talent, even at this pace, there are still five or

six men that are going quickly. Slightly different to the women.

The talent is there. They have gone for it. The crowds are absolutely

massive hit in the Mall. 200 metres to go and it is David Weir who hits

David Weir, Paralympic champion on the track. Going for gold. This

could be victory No. 6 in the wheelchair marathon. He equals

Tanni Grey-Thompson's record of all time victories. He timed it

absolutely perfectly. 1:32.23, outside the course record. It could

be a big surprise in third place, another USA athlete. But David Weir

is the victor. He set himself up beautifully for an attack on all

sorts of events at the Paralympic Games in just over 130 days. That

is absolutely fantastic. Perfectly timed, well-executed and it shows

that he is in the best position of his life going into the Paralympics

this year. We are entering the business end of the women's race.

Things are just starting to happen. We have lost Lucy Kapuu from the

lead group. Keitany, Edna Kiplagat, Florence Kiplagat. They are

beginning to shift over the last five or six miles and the pressure

is on. One by one they have dropped off his lead group. There's Claire

Hallissey. Don't forget, Freya Murray past Louise Damen and still

looks as though she is running strongly. That gap, if anything,

has closed a little bit. She was nearly 10 seconds behind. We are

going to see the 35 kilometres splits coming through for the lead

pack. That is only four or five seconds. I think Freya Murray is

within striking distance. Does she have it in had to catch her? The

gap is closing. Mary Keitany stretching the world champion. Only

a few yards, there's nobody giving up on it yet. Keitany is trying to

win this one in a completely different way to her most recent

marathon where she tried to run a world record. The third fastest

ever halfway split in the New York Marathon for her. Today, she has

bided her time and then has stretched away. Now opening up a

few yards on the world champion, Edna Kiplagat. In the men, this is

interesting. The world champion has joined phrase two. Kirui looking

This is really, really quick running. They are within range of

the world record. These three men, if they keep running like that,

will not be too far away. Lee Merrien, I'm pleased to say, having

gone through halfway in around 66.5 minutes, seems to be picking it up.

He is moving better after that slow first 10 to 15 kilometres and I

guess he is the only British man with a chance of getting close to

that 2:12 mark, but he's got work to do. Shelly Woods can afford to

relax now. She has dominated this race from about halfway point. You

can't fault her for what she has done today. It is absolutely

amazing what she has done today. She has defeated the best women in

the world and she has laid down a marker for the marathon. To be the

other women by three minutes is absolutely stunning. She won it in

2007, she is the champion again. Shelly Woods of Great Britain wins

the wheelchair marathon. A couple of miles further back down the

course, Mary Keitany has the lead all to herself. The Kenyan who got

it wrong in New York get -- very much getting it right in London

today. It has been a brilliant display of distance running in the

last eight or nine miles. Diane Roy heads for home. Wakako Tsuchida is

coming on the outside! She comes through! So strong in this final

finish. Roy has had enough now. She is coasting to the line.

Canadian has got nothing left. What Kaka is to see her take silver. The

bronze medal for Diane Roy. Mary Keitany of Kenya has led through

the second half of the race in super-fast time. They went through

half for a just inside 71 minutes. She has run the second half of the

marathon in a time most people would be proud of to run just that

distance alone. Keitany has her husband and son with her today. She

said she wanted them to celebrate with her. That is what she will be

able to do. It will be a personal best, but more importantly, she

will retain her title in the London Marathon. She wore head to the

Olympics later this year. A stunning performance from her in

the last 10 miles. A new Kenyan record as well for Mary Keitany.

One of the quickest marathons, and perhaps the quickest second half of

a marathon we have seen in recent times. Mary Keitany, absolutely

unbeatable today. If she runs like that in the Olympic Games, I would

suggest she will immediately have placed herself as an early

favourite for the gold medal. Edna Kiplagat takes second place. It

will be just inside the 2:20 mark for Kiplagat and that is the new

personal best for her. The two of them know that Olympic selection is

probably assured. Jeptoo has run her personal best by a couple of

minutes. Coming along towards Tower Bridge and the Embankment in the

second -- and the second fastest marathon runner of all time, Wilson

Kipsang of Kenya. He has been running faster and faster. The

result of that is he has opened a gap, blow in the field apart. Their

run races behind him, but Wilson Kipsang won the Frankfurt marathon

in the second fastest time ever, the only man, with Patrick Makau,

able to run any faster than the great highly Gebrselassie held the

world record at. A really good performance from Wilson Kipsang.

Claire Hallissey of Great Britain on her way. She will run close to

two 28 -- 2:28. They knew the task today and only it a time inside

2:28 would put her up for Olympic selection. A smile breaks out

across her face. Claire Hallissey is the first British athlete home.

2:27.46 or so. Well done to her. The paint and the glory. It will be

very close for Freya Murray. A good performance from her in her very

first marathon, also inside the time requested of these athletes.

She can be very proud of her first performance. Not quite good enough

to beat Claire Hallissey, but the from this month. Kipsang, of Kenya,

now finding the chance to pick up his knees. He's watching the clock

tick away. The course record will probably slip by before he gets to

the finish line. But that doesn't matter today, it's been about the

victory, it's been about running for Glory, about getting himself

into the Olympic team. Kipsang takes the victory in London. He has

won in Frankfurt before. This time it is the biggest victory of his

career. Kipsang wins the London Marathon. He stood strongest on the

day. The crowds are cheering them on here. Kebede, of Ethiopia,

Martin Lel, of Kenya. Neck and neck, just a yard between them. Now it's

half a yard. There he stretches away. Kebede can't respond. He's

trying to fight all the way to the line. Martin Lel will take second

place here. Martin Lel, of Kenya. On the podium again in London.

Kebede takes third spot for Ethiopia. A great race from two

great champions of the past. Two hours and 12 minutes. Lee Merrien,

that was the time he hoped he would have crossed the line. He hoped it

would be a different story. He's gritting his teeth, he's trying to

find a little bit extra. He will break his personal best time, and

that on any day is worth cheering, but today it wasn't quite the

result he'd hoped for. There were two fabulous wheelchair

races here today in perfect conditions. David Weir, his sixth

victory in this race. As far as the women were concerned, Shelley Woods

getting her Olympic year off to a great start. Winning by almost four

minutes. Tanni was sailing you are in the

best form of your life. Do you feel that? The air, I'm in great shape,

I've had a really good winter. I've had no shoulder injuries. I've been

consistent in the chair. I'm the lightest I've been but the

strongest as well. I'm happy. know you were the first man to win

five of those titles last year, now you have equalled Tanni's fantastic

record. That must mean something to you. The great privilege to be up

there with Tanni, she is a great role model. She's the one who

really got me back into the sport. Watching her in Sydney brought me

back. It's great to equal her record. You were so young when you

when you first one in 2007. Does this one me more to you because of

everything that's happened? Most definitely. This is probably the

best win of my career. With this field. Everybody Was there apart

from Eden, from Switzerland. I hear she's been sick. Amanda McGrory has

been so strong. It's nice to stop her winning a hat-trick! It was

great. I heard Prince Harry was giving up the medals. I've never

met him, so I thought I'd better off the course record. Martin Lel

in them again and Kebede taking third place. Lee Merrien came so

close but it wasn't good enough on the day, despite a personal best.

He was the best of the British athletes.

You said you didn't feel the pressure of Olympic selection. You

really didn't? Yes, because I think I was really feeling good. My

training was really OK and I knew that the only way to survive was to

secure a win in this race. And now you can look forward to the Olympic

Games. Of course. I'm very happy after winning this race. I will

stand a chance to represent my country at the Olympics, and back

again to London. You must love London now. A beautiful city!

Mary Keitany with that super-fast the Olympic team with a personal

best. It was a great debut from Freya Murray, with two hours, 28,

Now you've won the race Juan now back to being a mum. I'm very happy

for them because they are telling me, ma'am, Go, Go! They were used

to seeing the on television in Kenya but they saw me on the road

today in London. What would it mean to compete at the London Games?

would be fantastic. The Home Olympics, it's the chance of a

lifetime. It would be great. came here to do the job, you've

done it and hopefully we will see you there.

The London Marathon is about running 26 miles as fast as you can,

but it's also become the world's largest annual fund-raising event,

with so many inspirational tales to tell. We caught up with someone who

explains though he is running for and why he wants to make a

What made you do the London Marathon in the first place? Last

summer, my uncle was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I decided I wanted

to give something back and also raise awareness about it. I wanted

to take up a challenge where people would realise that I was serious

about it. There's no better thing to do than the marathon. Literate,

I went on the internet, looked for the Prostate Cancer Charity and

found that they were going to run as part of PB Team, as part of

Breast Cancer Care. These are the two cancers that most affect people.

10,000 men die of prostate cancer a year, 12,000 die of breast cancer.

As a team, there are 800 runners getting together to run for that

cause, to try to raise �1 million for charity. You've got people who

are running who have just been diagnosed with prostate cancer,

they've been diagnosed with breast cancer. They are running the

marathon, so that gives you a great inspiration to say, you know what,

if they can do it then so can we. So far, I've raised �8,500 but I'd

like to get as much as possible. I've had donations come in as high

as �5,000 to �5, but the key thing about this cause is every penny

really counts. I know those people who have put that money towards me

are the ones going to be motivating me on the day to keep going, take

every step, even when it gets really tough. A big part of the day

is raising money for the charities involved, but it's also about

raising awareness. Tell me how that is going to help. I've asked people,

even if they will not donate, just to visit the website of the two

charities, just to learn a bit more. There's so much that people can

learn about the early stages and about prevention and detection that

can make a real difference. The fund raising is great and that will

help as well, but the more people who know about prostate and breast

cancer and the early signs of it, the more people we can save it. So

hopefully I've been able to take some steps to do that. Tell me

about your special training part -- partner. 101 years old, is that

correct? Yes, he was 101 on a bowl first. He is going to be running

the marathon as well. He plans to break his own record. He's a great

inspiration. If he can do that at 101, he's so positive and such a

great person to be around, it just keeps you going through training.

It's been a great buzz. Everywhere I've been going, whether it's the

local park, shops, getting people to fund raised, it's been fantastic

getting to talk to people about it. It's been a great experience and I

wholly recommended to anyone. 750 charities are now officially

registered, and they raised �52 million last year - quite

extraordinary, as are some of the sights to see out and about on the

course. Hopefully you will catch a glimpse of something or somebody

that you know. Lots of stories and so many people

Lots of stories and so many people with many miles to go. We are

moving into that area where sometimes it is the athletes from

the running clubs who are coming towards the finish line. I've got

to mention one from the Biddulph running club, he's running but

Parkinson's UK. Kevin shovel bottom running clubs around the country,

as well as all of those who just run for fun, run for charity, run

for the challenge. You can see some of the messages going across that

runners as we can out on the route. In what is remaining a really nice

date. We had some showers forecast early on, but so far it has been

sunshine all the way. Our first celebrity home this year, male or

female - look at this. She went through halfway in one hour, 25, 42.

That was really quick. None the less, she hasn't slowed too much.

She looks fantastic, as she turns the corner with 200 de Gaulle. Nell

McAndrew, one of many athletes who train hard, she breaks three hours.

She enters a very small, select group of people who have run under

three hours for the marathon. Etude Shea. A smile breaks out! Nell

McAndrew accepting the plaudits of everybody here. She's a very

popular character now on the running theme. And why not, her

efforts have been enormous! And now maybe be motion is starting to

break through. That's a superb performance from Nell McAndrew.

Well done indeed. Two hours, 54 minutes. No wonder she breaks into

a few tears of joy and pride. Well the first celebrity home, but this

is a personal best buys some time. You run the marathon in two hours,

54 minutes. What was your personal best before that? Three hours,

eight minutes. I'm gutted because the last two miles I was desperate

for the toilet but I thought, I'm not stopping, I haven't got time! I

just burst into tears as I crossed over. I've got a special request

because my dad was 60 on Friday. He's lucky to be a survivor of

cancer. If you could wish him happy birthday, he might crack a smile.

He's really grumpy normally. Happy birthday, Dad. Happy birthday from

hours. As James Cracknell turns the corner, he knows that he's got 90

seconds to cover 180 metres also. He's just going in front of us now.

He might not be moving as well have the maybe has done in some other

occasions in his career, particularly when he's sitting in a

boat, but he's going to head for this sub three-hour mark. His

pacemaker is stuck to him like blue. He's gritting his teeth and

fighting hard. This will be a really good performance from James

Cracknell. He's had many challenges since he gave up live in a rowing

boat. This is always one of the toughest, he says. It is under

three hours. He's definitely broken the three-hour mark. Well done,

James Cracknell. Lots of others around him sprinting for the line

as best they can. I am not sure that is the best vantage point I've

ever seen for that. Do they think it's the Boat race? Anyway, they've

got a good view of Tower Bridge. On Tower Bridge, she has been there

all morning, Denise Lewis. You've reached the halfway stage. I

know it's not easy out there but tell us who you are running for

today. For the lily Foundation. Dave's border. Lilly died, my niece,

and we run every year for her. We look forward to seeing you on Tower

Bridge. Every year he gives me this bet. That's 20 more quid. Another

20! We are going to get there. We've got 28 runners running for as

this year. But please sponsor us because we need all the money for

research. Please keep the money coming into us. We are going to get

round, not an Olympic time. This year I based my pace on Steve Cram.

I watched him in a bar one night, it was his turn to get the drinks.

I'm copying my place on that, slow, man isn't, James Cracknell. You

broke three hours. It looked a hard slog those last few miles. It was

pretty hard. It's the first time I've got under three since I had an

accident in the States. I haven't run for a month, which may have

helped me, especially pacing the first half. But the support from

the crowd in the second is just an idea of what it's going to be like

for the Guy's and girls competing in London. It will be phenomenal.

The crowds are still cheering on Marathon is a little bit nervous

two -- today. His wife Sharon is running the marathon. She has gone

through the halfway point in 1:36. Also Pauline Dickson from Newcastle

University, senior lecturer. I came down on the train and she gave me a

couple of jelly babies. If you are running a marathon, jelly babies,

jelly beans, put them in your pocket and when you are struggling,

a couple of jelly beans. What happens if you eat them on the

Friday and not the Sunday? Eyes suggest that is where you are going

last mile. The finish is just ahead of them. Many of their compatriots

our way back on the course. Let's find out how they are getting on.

few months' time we will be welcoming a global icon and a

global sports star, but we have got you today! Tell us about why you

are running. I am running for children with cancer. I want to

give them a chance to have a good future and raise as much money as

possible. What has the atmosphere been like? It is brilliant every

year. It keeps me wanting to do it. Every year I keep coming back

because it is amazing. You're a great inspiration, I hope you raise

lots of money. Off you go. always do us proud at these events

and you have done it again. I am going for a world record as the

world's fastest school boy. My at the finish, congratulations.

Happy birthday, what a thing to be doing on your birthday. I know,

it's crazy. The second time it has happened on my birthday. I hope you

have a big party planned. Yes, I can't wait. A nice glass of wine!

Well done to you, I salute you. Thanks for stopping. Introduce

yourself. My name is Louise and I'm running for Macmillan Cancer

Support. Why is that did to your heart. I'm running for my mum, I

love you, she has terminal cancer. She's my inspiration, the bravest

woman in the world. I know she wasn't able to make it today.

watching in bed so I really wanted to get on TV and tell her how much

I love her. I promise to have a shower before I give you a kiss.

You are doing her proud, Raworth, after all the problems

last year, when she collapsed with a couple of miles to go. She had to

be almost resuscitated to get to the finish line. A different story

this year. She looks in fine fettle and the clock has not yet got a

four hours so well done to her. will beat her time from last year

by two hours and 22 minutes. There will be no more improved athlete.

Well done, Sophie. Running for St John's Ambulance. That is a very,

very good performance, well done. I'm sure her mum will be delighted

as well, she was a little worried. Who are you running for? The MS

Society. My mum had MS before she passed away. It is close to my

heart. I want to say a massive hello to my dad, he's watching from

Tenerife and I want to say hello to him. You are doing your mum and dad

proud. An emotional day for you. I will let you get to the finish.

disease Sophie Raworth. Last year we waited here and we heard the

news you had dropped out at 24 miles, but what a difference.

very pleased to see you as well! It was the hardest thing I have ever

done. I don't know how the elite athletes do that. They run twice as

fast as us. It was wonderful. The last six miles, everybody says

Deakin, but I had the biggest grin on my face. I couldn't believe I

was there and felt fine. The people were fantastic, wonderful. You are

running for St John's Ambulance, who helped you last year. I bet you

were pleased the job pass that 24 mile... I'd got to 24.5 miles and

Trish, who is still there this year, I was shouting to people in the

crowd, tell her I have gone barefoot... There have been one or

feet is more popular these days. A lot of people have been saying it

is the wet -- way to go. Mind legs would not stand it these days. Go

I am delighted to see these two at the finish. Their incredible

challenge is finally over. You have had the most incredible week and a

bit. Paris Marathon, you have cycled through France and the UK up

to London, and rowed the Atlantic and now you have run the Atlantic.

Tell us your time. A new personal best in the London Marathon. With

three miles today we were both beat up. Paul was on one leg and I had

cramp. I said I wanted a personal best. He responded like a true

athlete. He got me over the line with a personal best. I made up. I

can't believe it. We have rewritten record attempts. Some of them were

achieved earlier. We had the fastest marathon dressed as a fairy

if you are man. That was 2:49. That was impressive. We saw the fastest

marathon in a school uniform. 3.36. And the fastest marathon dressed as

a book character, Where's Wally, duly Donald, 3.39. We will have to

come up with something. What would you do? If you had to break the

record in the twilight of Your Career. What would you choose?

think I would choose to try to run the marathon dressed as a former

British international athlete. is great fun standing, as we are,

near the bottom of the Mall and pay keep his looking lady. Foot of

hours... We have the Wizard of Oz. How has the yellow-brick road been?

It has been very long and very hard. But it is almost the end now. We

can enjoy the last bit. What is the inspiration behind the outfits?

were thinking about something we could do as a three. But we don't

have a scarecrow. Has it been great running in a three? It has been

fantastic. These two have been brilliant, it is my first marathon.

They have been fantastic. There's not been a moment when I have felt

we would not get round. If I didn't know any better, I would not have

guessed you guys had just run 25 miles. Or you raising money for

charity? Yes, for a charity that supports disabled children in

Africa. I am running four Cents. It helps deaf and blind children.

best of luck and rising that -- raising that money. I was just

about to die on my feet! You have saved us. I hope we have given you

some more extra motivation. Final push. We will skip over the line

for top make sure you do. Best of luck and well done for getting this

far. There's a Susanna Reid looking very fresh and not looking as

though it has been too much of an ordeal. Enjoying the support from

the crowd. She is heading for something around five hours and 15,

which was about her target. Raising money for Sport Relief. Well done

to her. She has kept a steady pace all the way through. It is her

first taste of the marathon, she might come back and try to do it

Birdcage Walk. It is always a welcome sight. It doesn't matter

how much training you have done. Even for the elite athletes. When

they come around this corner, they know there are just a couple of

hundred yards to go. Particularly for those who are never sure

whether they will get to the end or not. We will all be back here to

watch the Olympic marathon in August. I'm sure it will be a

little bit warmer on that day. I hope the atmosphere is at least as

good as it has been today. I'm sure London will turn out and it will

look something like this. The flags will be out. I hope the rain will

hold off on that day. The clouds are gathering in the background,

but it has been sunshine all the but it has been sunshine all the

rage and London has put on a fantastic show.

If you have been inspired to run, hopefully we will see you at the

start next year! This year, that's it, but plenty more athletics

Another year and another brilliant London Marathon. Some remarkable

running and some remarkable pushing from David Weir, as well as the

usual massive doses of bravery. This day really does capture the

spirit of no pain, no gain. Hopefully we will be recovered for

The 2012 London Marathon is under way. Ambitions, dreams, challenges

The men really are steaming along. They are running quicker than the

course record pace set by Emmanuel Mutai last year. It is David Weir

who hits the front. He equals Tony Greig Thomson's record of all time

victories. Mary Kerridge hardly stretching the world champion, Edna

Kiplagat. Shelly Woods of Great Britain wins the wheelchair

marathon. It will be a personal best for Mary Keitany. But more

importantly, she will retain her title. Claire Hallissey is the