Race Results & Reports
Congratulations to every person who has finished the London marathon.
London Marathon 2011 runners on the Victoria Embankment
About 36,500 participants managed to cross the finish line to earn their medals and generate income for charity, more than 22000 guys and more than 12000 ladies
They ran on this sunny day to beat personal bests, to show, for the no longer young, that they still could. Each runner was a part of the rolling street celebration that is the 26.2-mile course.
Relating to Wikipedia greater than £450m has been raised since the event was first staged in 1981 and.show just how big a deal the London Marathon is for charities.
Guinness world records, the official authority on record-breaking, confirmed that 35 brand-new Guinness world records were achieved at the 2011 Virgin London marathon; more than at any time in the event's history. 150 runners were provided with on-the-spot confirmation as they attempted to break records ranging from the fastest marathon.
Emmanuel Kipchirchir Mutai made it a Kenyan double after winning the Virgin London Marathon in a new course record. Mutais time of 2:04.38 beats the previous best of 2:05.10 set by Samuel Wanjiru in 2009 and also the fifth-fastest time ever over the distance. Earlier, his compatriot Mary Jepkosgei Keitany smashed her personal best to claim a commanding victory in the women's race. Keitany became the fourth-fastest woman ever while defending champion Liliya Shobukhova came second with a Russian record time (later annulled due to doping)
The elite of wheelchair racing marathon, Briton David Weir beat the defending champion Josh Cassidy to claim his fifth title at the event – the most in the history of the competition London 2009 women wheelchair winner Amanda McGrory won her second title in a course record time from start to finish of 1:46:31 hours.
Nine Japanese women have been included in the elite field for Virgin London Marathon following the earthquake and tsunami which threatened to ruin their hopes of contending at the World Championships this August 2011.
London marathon 2011 was amazing. Both the men's and ladies' races verified to be amongst the most effective ever before.
London Marathon 2020: a guide for spectators
Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the event organizer has postponed the 2020 virgin money London marathon for the safety and wellbeing of all participants and spectators. It will now take place on 4 October 2020. If you have a 2020 charity place with us, please contact us and we will confirm that your place is still valid and the event organizer will have to be in touch with further details.
The London marathon was created after former Olympic champion Chris Brasher returned from running the New York marathon. He was so inspired by the sight of more than a million spectators and runners from different cultures united by this one challenge. He felt London had to have its own marathon which quickly grew into a world-class sports event with its own tradition.
For this type of events, runners picking a charity close to their hearts and pledging to raise a certain amount of money for them is a sure-fire way of getting a place in the race
Things that happen when you run a marathon
The London Marathon 2011 begins between 9 am and 9.45 am at Greenwich, with the fastest runners expected finished at The Mall by St James’s Park at around 11 am.
The weather was a little warm and sunny for those taking part, but ideal for those working and watching this street party. The architecture, churches, squares, fascinating narrow streets and canals with their unique bridges took both sides completely away from the reality of usual life. Very enjoyable and relaxing Sunday for both, runners and supporting crowds during this spectacular championship.
The event was well organized for such a big race. The numbers of people made the actual running difficult at times, but the crowd support was excellent.
The first few miles of the course meandered through crowded residential streets, already lined with spectators. With each mile, the crowds became deeper and noisier, with music punching out from loudspeakers and kids lurching for high fives. The race has inspired people to create many fancy dresses and those costumes got an applaud from the crowds.
Everyone who had competed in marathons in other cities spoke of an atmosphere – the noise, the music, and the crowds – that they said made the London event feel special
The London Marathon is a massive event for thousands of athletes on the streets of London to raise money for hundreds of charities. Competitors have put an exceptional amount of effort in and done a fantastic job in fundraising.
Thank too to all volunteers who helped out on the day of this street event would not be what it is London Marathon
As the race progressed there were runners who couldn’t run anymore, they seemed to think they could walk on whatever part of the route suited them. They certainly had no consideration for others trying to get passed them. Many runners after few miles feel pain and to get a target and finish this run they can't just continue running.
Everyone has a different reason for wanting to run the marathon: fundraising, to realize a lifetime dream, to set a personal best (PB), and some just because they love to run.
The London marathon kicks off in Blackheath, southeast London, through Woolwich, Greenwich, Isle of Dogs, Tower of London, and London Bridge before finishing at The Mall past Buckingham Palace. Depending on whether you are given a blue, green, or red starting position, you should head to either Blackheath station (blue), Maze Hill (red and green), or Greenwich station (red). All starting positions are a 15-20 minute walk from the stations and there will be marshals to guide you to the appropriate position.
London Marathon 2011 in pictures
Sue Barker introduces BBC live coverage of the London Marathon – the 31st edition of the world-famous race. Steve Cram, Brendan Foster, Paul Dickenson, Paula Radcliffe, and Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson was also in the commentary box as the elite athletes.
Photos from The Victoria Embankment on the River Thames show a full of the most dedicated fans – the crowds arrive early to see the elite runners and stick it out to cheer on the stragglers a few hours later.
Not hot as Paris last weekend but London at midday wasn’t that far off. So really well done and many congratulations to everyone that ran the Virgin 2011 London marathon in what turned out to be toasty conditions. Pictures and more details to follow,
To see even more London marathon 2011 images go to a Flicker gallery of the very best never published before the London marathon of 2011 photos.