And they're off! More than 50k runners take part in London Marathon - with ... trends now
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A record number of runners are expected to stomp through the streets of the capital this morning as they take part in the London Marathon.
Amongst the 50,000 professional and amateur runners will be Olympian James Cracknell and 'Hardest Geezer' Russ Cook, who earlier this month became the first person to run the entire length of Africa.
Other famous faces include 20 MPs and peers - the most in the event's history - including Chancellor Jeremy Hunt.
Miles of road closures are in place across the city with security railings line the 26.2 mile route, with police lining the roads amid the the threat of disruption from protesters.
There was 30 seconds of applause held before the race begins in memory of last year's elite men's race winner Kelvin Kiptum, who died in a car accident in February at the age of 24.
Runners in fancy costumes arrive in Greenwich Park ahead of the start of the marathon
A record number of runners are expected to stomp through the streets of the capital this morning as they take part in the London Marathon
Amongst the 50,000 participants will be the 'Hardest Geezer' Russ Cook, who earlier this month became the first person to run the entire length of Africa
He set a new London Marathon record of two hours, one minute and 25 seconds last year with his third win, and set a new world record of two hours and 35 seconds in Chicago in October.
Those taking part will be treated to balmy weather of 12C on a dry and bright day as they take on the mammoth task.
Police are on standby amid a threat of potential protests from pro-Palestine and Israel
