London Marathon 2024 LIVE: Peres Jepchirchir breaks women’s-only world record as 50,000 run 26-mile race
A world record 578,000 people entered the ballot for this year’s event in the capital
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Reigning Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir crushed the women’s-only world record in winning the 44th London Marathon on Sunday, while Kenyan compatriot Alexander Mutiso Munyao raced to victory in the men’s race.
The 30-year-old Jepchirchir pulled away over the final 300m in a sprint finish, crossing the finish line in front of Buckingham Palace in two hours 16 minutes 16 seconds to break Mary Keitany’s mark of 2:17:01 set in a women-only race at the 2017 London event.
Munyao, 27, pumped his fist several times en route to the biggest victory of his career, pulling away from distance running great Kenenisa Bekele to cross in 2:04.01. Ethiopia’s 41-year-old Bekele – who has raced to three Olympic titles on the track and a remarkable 17 world titles in outdoor and indoor track and cross-country – was second in 2:04.15, while Britain’s Emile Cairess took third in 2:06.46.
Marcel Hug won the men’s wheelchair race, while Swiss team mate Catherine Debrunner won the women’s event.
More than 50,000 elite and charitable runners are taking to the streets of the capital on what is forecast to be a dry and bright Sunday with cool temperatures of 12C. A world record 578,000 people entered the ballot for this event, making it the most popular marathon in the world.
Follow all the latest updates from the London Marathon below.
ICYMI: Ballot opens for 2025 London Marathon on eve of this year’s event
The ballot for next year’s TCS London Marathon has opened on the eve of the 2024 event.
A world record 578,000 people entered the ballot for this year’s event which takes place on Sunday, making it the most popular marathon in the world.
Find out how to enter the ballot for next year’s event here:
Ballot opens for 2025 London Marathon on eve of this year’s event
A world record 578,000 people entered the ballot for the 2024 event, making it the most popular marathon in the world.
Runner reveals why he’s taking part in marathon
A man says he’s running in the marathon and raising money for British Blind Sport because he’s seen first “first hand” the “incredible” effect sport and physical activity can have for people living with visual impairments.
Corin Elliot said: “In 2019, I ran the London Marathon as a guide runner for Lizzie Tovey. That year we campaigned to overturn the decision to not allow guides to receive medals and official times.”
He added: “Although my 2024 marathon place is a club place and not a charity place, I have seen first-hand the incredible effect sport and physical activity can have for people living with a visual impairment.”
‘Hardest Geezer’ sends marathon runners best wishes
‘Hardest Geezer’ Russ Cook has sent his best wishes to all those running the marathon tomorrow.”
“Best of luck to everyone running the London marathon tomorrow,” he wrote on X . “I will be there on tarmac pacing some incredible young people with @Running_Charity”
“I really do love the marathon. My dad first ran one when I was a young lad and I thought he was superman. Running my first one changed my life.”
Rosie Jones says she’s overcome ‘internalised ableism’ to take on London Marathon
Comedian Rosie Jones has admitted that “internalised ableism” has previously stopped her from using mobility aids, as she prepares to take part in the TCS London Marathon.
The popular comic and TV panel member, who has ataxic cerebral palsy, is completing the long-distance race this Sunday (21 April) with fellow stand-up Ivo Graham, who will be pushing her in a Delta Buggy.
Full report:
Rosie Jones says she’s overcome ‘internalised ableism’ to take on London Marathon
Comic is completing the long-distance race with fellow stand-up Ivo Graham
Emile Cairess hopes to qualify for Paris Olympics at London Marathon
Emile Cairess hopes he can follow training partner Phil Sesemann on the next step of their journey by also qualifying for the Olympics when he tackles the London Marathon again on Sunday.
Sesemann secured his place on the British squad for Paris after running inside the qualifying standard of two hours, eight minutes and four seconds at the Seville Marathon in February.
Full report:
Emile Cairess hopes to qualify for Paris Olympics at London Marathon
Cairess came sixth on his London Marathon debut last year, producing the best finish for a home athlete.
Elite women’s field predicted to make London Marathon ‘harder to win’ than Paris Olympics
London Marathon event director Hugh Brasher is predicting a more competitive women’s race on Sunday than the 2024 Paris Olympic marathon later this year, and believes the women’s-only world record may fall.
The world’s fastest female marathoner Tigst Assefa headlines an elite field that features seven women who have run under two hours, 17 minutes and 30 seconds, including three of the top four fastest women ever.
Full report:
Elite women’s field makes London Marathon ‘harder to win’ than Paris Olympics
Tigst Assefa headlines a field that includes three of the four fastest female marathon runners in history
Kenenisa Bekele says London Marathon field will be ‘remembering’ Kelvin Kiptum
Kelvin Kiptum will always hold a special place in the hearts of all marathon runners, according to veteran three-time Olympic track champion Kenenisa Bekele.
Kenyan long-distance runner Kiptum won last year’s London Marathon for the third time, but was killed in a car accident in February at the age of 24.
Full report:
Kenenisa Bekele says London Marathon field will be ‘remembering’ Kelvin Kiptum
Kenyan long-distance runner Kiptum won last year’s London Marathon for the third time, but was killed in a car accident in February at the age of 24.
Natalie Pinkham: ‘Why I’m running the London Marathon in memory of my mate, Caroline Flack’
The Sky Sports F1 presenter speaks to Kieran Jackson about her first marathon this Sunday and the work done in memory of her good friend Flack, who took her own life in 2020.
Read the full interview below:
Natalie Pinkham: ‘Why I’m running the London Marathon in memory of Caroline Flack’
The Sky Sports F1 presenter speaks to Kieran Jackson about her first marathon this Sunday and the work done in memory of her good friend Flack, who took her own life in 2020
How science can help runners avoid hitting the wall
The 2024 TCS London Marathon is almost here with the 26.2-mile distance often feeling like a puzzle for runners to solve. While each training run can provide a different piece, most runners would be wise to consider how they will utilise fuel and hydration on the day, in order to fit the whole thing together.
Full report:
How science can help marathon runners avoid hitting the wall
Marathon runners often fall short due to insufficient fuel and hydration, but The Independent’s sports editor Jack Rathborn explains how science is now helping athletes combat the prospect of cramps and hitting the wall
How can I enter next year’s race?
For those inspired or keen to experience the magic, you can apply for entry into next year’s race.
Here’s all you need to know about the ballot and how to get into next year’s race:
London Marathon ballot: How can I enter next year’s race?
Everything you need to know about entering the ballot for next year’s race
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments