Written by Owen Tonks Mailonline
Updated April 21, 2024 18:38, April 21, 2024 21:09
A record number of people took part in Sunday’s London Marathon, said to be the most participatory year ever, with celebrities in attendance in droves.
On a dry, bright day with temperatures up to 12 degrees, more than 50,000 people ran the 42.2-mile course through the capital.
Runners of all ages rushed to the start line from 10am to complete the charity route, some dressed in incredible costumes.
Celebrities taking part included comedian and TV presenter Romesh Ranganathan, who launched his new Saturday morning show on BBC Radio 2 a day after he launched a new series on suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living. -I ran for Misery.
Fellow comedian Joel Dommett ran in the first Piranha costume worn by this year’s The Masked Singer winner, McFly’s Danny Jones, as well as radio host Chris Evans and his wife Natasha and singer Tom・Grennan and actress Ruth Wilson also participated.
McFly’s Harry Judd said the atmosphere among runners at the London Marathon was “fantastic”.
The 38-year-old pop star, who ran for the Children’s Trust charity for children with brain injuries, finished the marathon in 3 hours, 23 minutes and 40 seconds and told the BBC as she ran the marathon:
“Thousands of spectators turned out and many great runners wore charity T-shirts.”
Conditions were “pretty good,” he said.
“I’d say it’s pretty good conditions for these elite athletes, but I’m not one of them,” he said.
“It’s not too cool and it’s not too windy.”
Fellow singer Tom Grennan, 28, ran for the housing and homelessness charity Shelter and crossed the finish line in 3 hours, 45 minutes and 39 seconds.
After crossing the finish line, the recording artist said, “What an experience!” I can’t express in words how amazing it is.
“You see so many people getting involved in charity work and there are so many people rooting for you.
“What an amazing experience. It was fun!’
The Masked Singer UK presenter Joel Dommett also took part in the race, recording a finishing time of 5 hours, 19 minutes and 19 seconds.
TV presenter Joel, 38, who hosts the singing competition, featured on the show wearing the piranha costume worn by previous series winner McFly star Danny Jones.
Joel is running for and is a patron of the charity Shooting Star Children’s Hospice.
He wrote online ahead of the race: “Shooting Star Children’s Hospice supports infants, children, young people and their families with life-limiting conditions across Surrey and west London.
“Whether a life is measured in days, weeks, months or years, we are here to cherish every moment. From diagnosis to end of life and bereavement, we are here to care, We support families with a wide range of practical, emotional and medical care.”
Former Doctor Who star Christopher Eccleston ran alongside the 60-year-old actor in support of The Big Issue, completing the race in 5 hours, 21 minutes and 50 seconds.
He said: “I want to personally thank you all. Sponsorship is what attracts people. Thank you very much.”
Meanwhile, Ruth Wilson, who ran for the charity Alzheimer’s Research UK, completed the marathon in 4 hours, 54 minutes and 26 seconds.
The 42-year-old actress will be running for the first time in almost 43 years since her father Nigel took part in the first-ever London Marathon in 1981, finishing in an incredible time of 3 hours 15 minutes. Ta.
Nigel is currently suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and Ruth wanted to pay tribute to him and raise money to help find a cure.
She said: “I am delighted to have completed my research and helped raise valuable funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK.” Around mile 20, I injured my leg and had to drag myself for the remaining six miles, but my dad stayed with me and motivated me to keep going. It was the perfect tribute to him. I think it’s going to take a while for the emotions you feel when you cross that finish line to match.
“The crowd was emotional and their encouragement and support really motivated me. This day is one I will always remember and it was all for the most amazing people and a great cause.”
She added: “Research can help beat dementia and Alzheimer’s UK Research will lead us to a cure.” If you have some money to spare, please consider donating. We would also like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has donated so far. This means a lot to me and my family. ”
EastEnders actors Jamie Borthwick and Emma Barton ran the London Marathon as characters as part of a brain tumor storyline.
Last year, the BBC One drama saw Laura Pearce-Brown, played by Danielle Harold, die after being diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, and we said goodbye to her in heartbreaking scenes.
The actors said in a clip aired on BBC One on Sunday. Jamie (29) plays Laura’s husband Jay Brown. Emma, 46, who plays Honey Mitchell, said their characters would run a marathon in Laura’s honor.
Speaking ahead of the race, Jamie said: “Over the past 18 months we have watched the story of my wife Laura developing a brain tumor.
“We tried to make it as real as possible, and our lovely boss dropped the idea to us that our character might run a marathon.”
Emma added: “I think it’s a really smart idea that EastEnders has done to show what so many people across the country are doing.”
“And that’s about raising money for charity and in memory of a loved one.
“Honey and Jay will be taking part in the London Marathon so the day of the London Marathon will be filmed live and will be broadcast on the show from 7.30pm on Monday 22nd April. It has never been done before.”
Presenter JJ Chalmers spoke to the pair at mile 12.
Jamie said: “It’s great. So far we’ve been struggling a bit. But we’ll see if it works out, the crowd is amazing.”
He added: “Everyone was great.
“It’s such a great day. Everyone’s screaming and screaming, it’s great.”
Asked if she was ready for her EastEnders scenes, Emma said: “You’ve got to treat it like any other EastEnders scene. Professionally, you can get through it and then relax for the second half.” he said.
The London Marathon episode of EastEnders will be broadcast on BBC One on Mondays at 7.30pm.
