London Marathon 2024 updates — Tracker & results as Sir Jim Ratcliffe & Harry Judd hit the streets & world record BROKEN
THE London Marathon is well underway, with 50,000 runners hitting the streets of England's capital.
Earlier today, Catherine Debrunner and Marcel Hug took the top spots in the women's and men's elite wheelchair races.
Kenyan runner Alexander Mutiso Munyao took home the top spot in the men's elite race, beating long-distance legend Kenenisa Bekele who came in second.
Meanwhile, a competitive race saw Peres Jepchirchir win the elite women's category with a new women's only world record.
The London Marathon route is the same as in recent years, starting at Blackheath and ending at The Mall.
Follow our live blog below for all the latest on the London Marathon…
Women’s elite rankings
Today’s women’s elite race saw a world record broken as Peres Jepchirchir took home the top spot.
The Kenyan star fell to her knees as she crossed the finish line, overcome with emotion.
- Peres Jepchirchir 2:16:16 (WR)
- Tigst Assefa 2:16:23
- Joyciline Jepkosgei 2:16:34
The men’s elite top four
Here are four fastest runners from today’s men’s elite race, with two Brits featuring:
- Alexander Mutiso Munyao (Ken) – 2hrs 4mins 1sec
- Kenenisa Bekele (Eth) -2hrs 4mins 15 seconds
- Emile Cairess (GB) – 2hrs 6mins 46secs
- Mahamed Mahamed (GB) – 2hrs 7mins 5secs
Peres Jepchirchir on her stunning win
Following her record-breaking victory today, Peres Jepchirchir spoke of her gratitude for being able to take part in today's event.
“I am feeling grateful. I am so happy for the victory," she told the BBC.
"I was not expecting to run a world record – I knew it might be beaten but I did not expect it to be me.
"I knew the history and the ladies were strong. I was working extra hard. My time was lower but I’ve come good today and set a PB.”
Last year’s winner tragically passed away
The 2023 men’s race was won by Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum, with Brit Sir Mo Farah running his final London marathon and finishing in ninth.
Tragically Kiptum died in February 2024 at the age of just 24.
Ahead of today’s start, runners paid tribute to the young runner who had the world at his feet.
A new women’s only world record!
Jepchirchir set a new women’s only world record at the London Marathon today.
At 2:16:16, it’s the fastest marathon she has ever run and puts her in good stead ahead of the summer’s Paris Olympics.
What an achievement!
David Weir reacts to third-place finish
David Weir has spoken to the media about the tough conditions out on the course today.
“It was tough, conditions were so tough, it was really windy,” he said.
“I’m happy with my performance. I kept up with Marcel Hug to 20 miles, so can’t complain.
“I promised I’d get back on the podium and I did. Daniel [Romanchuk, who came second] is 20 years younger than me, when these guys surge, it’s hell. Can you name another athlete who has done as many marathons as me? Email me if you can.”
Thousands cross Tower Bridge
Around 50,000 runners crossed Tower Bridge today on their quest to finish the 2024 London Marathon.
The last ten London Marathon men’s winners
The last ten years have seen some of the greatest male runners of all time claim top spot at the London Marathon:
- 2015 – Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya) – 2:04.42
- 2016 – Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya) – 2:03.05
- 2017 – Daniel Wanjiru (Kenya) – 2:05.48
- 2018 – Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya) – 2:04.17
- 2019 – Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya) – 2:02.38
- 2020 – Shura Kitata (Ethiopia) – 2:05.41
- 2021 – Sisay Lemma (Ethiopia) – 2:04.01
- 2022 – Amos Kipruto (Kenya) – 2:04:39
- 2023 – Kelvin Kiptum (Kenya) – 2:01.15 (Course record)
- Alexander Mutiso Munyao (Kenya) – 2hrs 4mins 1sec
How many km is the London Marathon?
The London Marathon is 42km but it hasn’t always been this long.
The marathon has its roots in the ancient world, specifically Greece.
The race dates back to 776 B.C. when a messenger ran from the city of Marathon to Athens to deliver news of a Greek military victory.
The distance was 40km (24.8miles) and since then, runners have challenged themselves to match the feat.
However, the distance was extended in the 1908 Olympic Games in London to 26.2miles.
Last year’s winner tragically passed away
The 2023 men’s race was won by Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum, with Brit Sir Mo Farah running his final London marathon and finishing in ninth.
Tragically Kiptum died in February 2024 at the age of just 24.
Ahead of today’s start, runners paid tribute to the young runner who had the world at his feet.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe finishes the race
Below are some sights and scenes after Sir Jim Ratcliffe finished the London Marathon.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe after finishing the TCS London MarathonCredit: PA 
Sir Jim Ratcliffe after finishing the TCS London MarathonCredit: PA Some famous faces taking part today
It’s a star-studded course today, with everyone from soap stars to former health secretaries taking part.
Credit: John Phillips/Getty Images 
Credit: John Phillips/Getty Images 
Credit: John Phillips/Getty Images) 
The full route
Runners will see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks during their epic journey, including:
- Mile 6: Cutty Sark
- Mile 12: Tower Bridge
- Mile 18: Canary Wharf
- Mile 22: The Tower of London
- Mile 25: The London Eye
- Mile 25: Big Ben
- Mile 26: Buckingham Palace
Women's elite rankings
Today's women's elite race saw a world record broken as Peres Jepchirchir took home the top spot.
The Kenyan star fell to her knees as she crossed the finish line, overcome with emotion.
- Peres Jepchirchir 2:16:16 (WR)
- Tigst Assefa 2:16:23
- Joyciline Jepkosgei 2:16:34
Credit: Alex Davidson The Hardest Geezer all smiles at today's marathon
Russ Cook, who made history by becoming the first man on record to run the length of Africa, is taking part in the London Marathon today.
It's all in a day's work for Cook, A.K.A the Hardest Geezer, who crossed 16 countries as he ran the equivalent of 385 marathons during the mammoth journey.
He finished the challenge earlier this month and is already back out there again, what a man!
Credit: PA Wire 
Credit: PA Wire
What a day it's been in London
Beautiful sunshine and thousands coming together for charity, what else could you ask for?
All across the capital, thousands continue to run the marathon and the official London Marathon X account has shared some of the best snaps from the day so far:
Britain's richest man is taking on the London Marathon
Britain's richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe is also running today.
Appearing on Geraint Thomas' podcast he talked about his marathon experience.
Sir Jim said: "I did London last year. I did four and a half. I'm doing London again this year."
This comes as Manchester United, the team he recently bought a percentage of, take on Coventry in the FA Cup semi-final.
Winning moments
Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya celebrates after winning the Women's elite race and setting a new world recordCredit: Getty Images 
Marcel Hug of Switzerland won the men's wheelchair raceCredit: AP photo 
Alexander Mutiso Munyao earned top spot in the men's elite raceCredit: PA WIRE 
Switzerland's Catherine Debrunner dominated the competition todayCredit: EPA/TOLGA AKMEN The day isn't over yet...
While the elite races are over, we still have 50,000 runners taking part in the 2024 London Marathon.
Stick with us here for all the latest from the big race, including celebrity updates and highlights.
What is the London Marathon 2024 prize money?
Some serious cash is up for grabs at today’s London Marathon.
Prize money is given out in US Dollars and is equal for the men’s and women’s races:
- 12th – $1,000
- 11th – $1,500
- 10th – $2,000
- 9th – $3,000
- 8th – $4,000
- 7th – $5,000
- 6th – $7,500
- 5th – $10,000
- 4th – $15,000
- 3rd – $22,500
- 2nd – $30,000
- 1st – $55,000
The men's elite top four
Here are four fastest runners from today's men's elite race, with two Brits featuring:
- Alexander Mutiso Munyao (Ken) - 2hrs 4mins 1sec
- Kenenisa Bekele (Eth) -2hrs 4mins 15 seconds
- Emile Cairess (GB) - 2hrs 6mins 46secs
- Mahamed Mahamed (GB) - 2hrs 7mins 5secs
Credit: Alex Davidson/Getty Images
Munyao wins it!
Kenyan runner Alexander Mutiso Munyao has won it!
The 24-year-old falls to his knees as he crosses the finish line.
What a race that was!
Bekele comes in second, with third place looking likely to go to Emile Cairess.
We are going to get a Brit on the podium
Two Brits are fighting it out for third place today.
Emile Cairess is leading the way around 30 seconds ahead of Mahamed Mahamed.
What a day for British running as both men look to book their places in the Olympics this summer!
David Weir reacts to third-place finish
David Weir has spoken to the media about the tough conditions out on the course today.
“It was tough, conditions were so tough, it was really windy,” he said.
“I’m happy with my performance. I kept up with Marcel Hug to 20 miles, so can’t complain.
"I promised I’d get back on the podium and I did. Daniel [Romanchuk, who came second] is 20 years younger than me, when these guys surge, it’s hell. Can you name another athlete who has done as many marathons as me? Email me if you can.”
Credit: Paul Harding/Getty Images It's down to the men
With the elite women's race coming to an end, we are down to the elite men.
It's a race of youth and experience for the two leading runners as 41-year-old legend Bekele takes on 24-year-old Kenyan Munyao.
They should be finishing any minute now so it won't be long before we find out who wins.
