LONDON MARATHON bosses plan to smash the world record for the biggest event of its kind – with 100,000 runners on Sunday October 3.
A record 50,000 participants will be able to take part in the rescheduled race later this year from Blackheath to The Mall.
Runners head towards the finish of the 2019 London MarathonCredit: Reuters
On the same day, there will be 50,000 entries open for those willing to race in the ‘virtual’ London Marathon.
Runners will be expected to cover 26.2 miles in a location of their choosing but must complete the distance within that calendar day.
Organisers hope this will help swell charity coffers which were significantly affected by the cancellation of the 2020 race due to the Covid-19 crisis.
Hugh Brasher, London Marathon Event Director, said: “With a national vaccination programme underway, we hope to see an unprecedented 100,000 people take part.
“The London Marathon is a wonderful example of sport as a force for good while raising millions for charity.
“It’s all about communities and people coming together and one of our founding pillars is to have fun and provide some happiness and a sense of achievement in a troubled world.
Shura Kitata of Ethiopia, left, won the men’s elite event last yearCredit: EPA
Kenya’s Brigid Kosel was the first woman home last yearCredit: Getty – Pool
“The world record-breaking success of the virtual event in 2020 and the incredible stories from participants across the globe showed how the world’s greatest marathon brought light and hope in the darkness of the pandemic.
“We want to offer that again and we have also accelerated the plans we have been working on for some years to increase the number of finishers on the streets of London to 50,000.
“People can run wherever they are in the world, they can run for charity, they can run for their mental or physical health, or run for the sheer enjoyment of it. Whatever the reason, they will be part of a unique day.”
The elite events were run last year, with Shura Kitata of Ethiopia winning the men’s race and Kenya’s Brigid Kosel the first woman home.
85 year old Eileen Noble braves torrential rain to become oldest woman to complete 2020 London Marathon
Source: Athletics - thesun.co.uk
