London Marathon finally returns to deliver British sport’s ultimate mass participation event

This weekend’s Virgin Money London Marathon is set to spark an outpouring of emotion in what is primed to become British sport’s most iconic mass participation event since the Covid-19 pandemic began.

More than 40,000 runners will weave their way through the capital on Sunday morning, while more than half a million will line the streets in support.

The noise will be inescapable, reverberating around each corner and inspiring joy at conquering personal milestones, though many runners will experience a tinge of sorrow as they harness this daunting challenge by way of a tribute to loved ones lost.

Defending champions Brigid Kosgei and Shura Kitata are back to head up what should prove to be enthralling elite women’s and men’s races. Meanwhile, ever-present amateur Chris Finill is one of eight of the 10 men set to extend their streaks of running each version of the race since its inception in 1981.

But this race will be a truly special occasion and an opportunity for society to come together, a moment of bliss to forget about troubles and celebrate the achievements of friends and family.

Off the back of the Tokyo Olympics, too, there is clearly an appetite for sport to unite a nation amid deep tension and conflict over political differences.

The traditional route is back, too, after a year off due to the virtual event following the pandemic.

But the 29-month wait will be worthwhile to observe both in person and on television the iconic views on offer. From Greenwich Park to Cutty Sark and Tower Bridge all the way through to Buckingham Palace and The Mall, the sights and sounds of London will project the best that this city has to offer around the world.

The hope is that the conditions will throw up an autumnal drizzle, as opposed to a thick downpour, but even a damp filter will be unable to sap the spirit of those out on the streets in London. And it should not be forgotten that the marathon season rumbles on next week to Manchester.

So for those taking part, the brutal 26.2-mile distance must be respected, with discipline key from the outset due to the deceivingly enjoyable downhill section from the third mile.

But despite the bite most will experience after 20 miles, the challenge will pay back plenty in the form of one of British sport’s richest experiences. And it will stretch well beyond those who run, with tens of millions of pounds already raised for charities.

The founding members of this event, Chris Brasher and John Disley, dreamt that they could “show the world that, on occasions, humanity can be united”, and that they could bring “fun, happiness and a sense of achievement”.

So after 889 days, this landmark event returns, primed to deliver its most special version yet.