The London Marathon set to take place this Sunday is set to break records with over 50,000 participants expected to race through the capital. With ideal weather conditions of a dry and bright day with temperatures reaching up to 12C (53.6F), the stage is set for an exciting and challenging event.
Before the start of the marathon, there will be a touching moment of 30 seconds of applause in memory of last year’s elite men’s race winner, Kelvin Kiptum. His tragic passing in a car accident at the young age of 24 has left a mark on the running community. Kiptum had set a new London Marathon record of two hours, one minute, and 25 seconds during his third win, and he also achieved a new world record of two hours and 35 seconds in the Chicago race.
An important milestone for this year’s marathon is the equal prize money being offered to both wheelchair and non-disabled athletes. This progressive change shows a step towards equity in sports. The winners of the elite races will all receive £44,000, with the runner-up receiving £24,000 and third place £18,000. This move has been welcomed by many, including seasoned racer David Weir, who expressed surprise that this happened in his lifetime.
Support and Amenities
Event director Hugh Brasher has emphasized the importance of inclusivity in this year’s marathon. More than 200 disabled participants will receive support, as well as dedicated spaces for neurodivergent participants in the finish area. Additional amenities such as female urinals, sanitary products, and a family support area, including a private breastfeeding spot, will be available for participants.
The elite women’s race will kick off at 9.25am with Jasmin Paris, the first woman to finish the ultra-endurance Barkley Marathons. Following that, Dame Kelly Holmes, a double gold medalist at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, will start the elite men’s race and the mass event at 10am. The event will also see the participation of notable figures such as Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and “Hardest Geezer” Russ Cook, who recently completed a run across Africa.
Not only is the London Marathon a noteworthy sporting event, but it is also the world’s biggest annual one-day fundraising event. In 2023, the event raised an impressive £63m for thousands of charities, making a significant impact on various causes worldwide.
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