When is the 2017 London Marathon, what is the route, and how can I watch it live?
Over 50,000 runners of all levels have been accepted to take part in the world's biggest marathon event
EVERY year the roads around the city of London are closed off for the biggest mass participation sporting event in the world - the London Marathon.
The world's best long distance runners join around 50,000 fun runners every 12 months looking to overcome the challenge of the 26mile course.
This year promises to be one of the biggest yet as hundreds of thousands line the route to cheer on participants - many of whom raise millions for charity.
SunSport takes a look at the London Marathon and all you need to know about one of the highlights of the British sporting year.
What is the London Marathon?
The London Marathon was first staged in 1981, the brainchild of former Olympic champion Chris Brasher and athlete John Disley.
Inspired by the New York Marathon the pair set out to deliver a similar event on the streets of the British capital - and since then it has grown to become the biggest mass participation sporting event in the world.
What is the route of the London Marathon?
The London Marathon is run over a predominantly flat course over a distance of 26 miles 385 yaerds.
The course begins at three different starts around Greenwich Park and Blackheath in south-east London.
The 'red start' is in Greenwich Park, the 'green start' in St John's Park and the 'blue start' on Shooter's Hill Road.
Runners then head out east through Charlton then Woolwich before turning back towards the city, taking in the Cutty Sark in Greenwich after six miles.
They then head through Deptford, Surrey Quays and Bermondsey along Jamaica RRoad before they cross the River Thames for the only time using Tower Bridge at the half-way point.
Competitors then turn east through Wapping and Mudchute before racing around Canary Wharf and then back towards the City.
They pass Tower Bridge and the Tower of London running along Upper and Lowe Thames Street, heading towards the final two miles along the Embankment.
Athletes then turn right into Birdcage Walk for the final dash to the finish line along The Mall with Buckingham Palace the scenic backdrop.