Sunday 2 October 2022 10:03 AM London Marathon gets underway with poignant tribute to the Queen as 40,000 ... trends now

The London Marathon has got underway with a poignant tribute to the Queen today as more than 40,000 runners hit the streets of the capital.

There was a moving rendition of the national anthem at the start line in Greenwich Park this morning, before 42,000 elite and amateur runners began the gruelling 26.2-mile course through London. 

Smiles and grimaces will be common on the faces of those taking part today, cheered on by hundreds of thousands spectators who are lining the streets to show their support. 

Many of those taking part will be doing so for charity, often with moving personal stories behind why they are putting their bodies through the wringer having spent months, and sometimes years, preparing for the big event.

As competitors make their way past the crowds they will also see the iconic landmarks of the capital, including Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, the London Eye, Westminster and of course, Buckingham Palace on the home straight.

Equally iconic are the now-famous fancy dress costumes that some runner will don as they take part, with giant sunflowers, Minions and even Big Ben's Elizabeth Tower all set to draw attention as they make their way around the course.

For those who do decide to wear something exotic, they will perhaps be a little relieved to find running conditions slightly cooler than normal for the event. Traditionally race has taken place in April, but for the last couple of years it has been moved back to October due to the Covid pandemic. 

This will be the last time it is held in the autumn, and those taking part will see mainly overcast conditions, with some sunny spells towards the middle of the day and highs of 18C.

However, Britain's Mo Farah will not be among these enjoying the perfect running conditions, as the hugely popular Olympian has been ruled out of the men's elite race by a hip injury.