London Landmarks Half Marathon draws thousands of runners

5 hours ago

Nicky Ford,on the race start lineand

James W Kelly,London

News image — The Palace of Westminster was among the landmarks along the 13.1 mile route

PA Media A large group of people participate in the London Landmarks Half Marathon, running on a city street with the Elizabeth Tower visible in the background under a cloudy sky. — The Palace of Westminster was among the landmarks along the 13.1 mile route

Thousands of runners took part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon in central London.

The 13.1-mile route passed a number of well-known sights, with participants including club runners, charity fundraisers, celebrities and first-time entrants.

Spectators gathered along the course as the race made its way through the city.

Hosted by pregnancy and baby charity Tommy's, runners participating for over 800 different charitable causes have raised more than £75m since the London Landmarks Half Marathon began in 2018.

PA Media Jo Whiley wearing a black running top and leggings standing among other runners surrounded by yellow hoardings — Jo Whiley said it had been 10 years since she last ran a half marathon

Among the celebrities taking part in this year's event were BBC radio DJ and TV presenter Jo Whiley.

Standing on the start line she told BBC London she was "quite nervous but excited" about the run.

Nicky Ford/BBC Two runners wearing sailor hats navigate the race course while carrying a large, blue inflatable boat prop around their waists. — The River Thames may have been a target landmark to some runners on the route

PA Media Alexandra Burke standing among other runners wearing sunglasses and a pink running top — Former X Factor star Alexandra Burke was another participant

Also lining up before the race was singer and actress Alexandra Burke, who said she was " feeling good - I just love being in London".

She explained it was her second time running the course.

"I just love the community feel of the race day, it's so special. Nothing is like it at all," she said.

Getty Images AJ Pritchard smiles while holding up his finisher's medal in front of a yellow London Landmarks Half Marathon backdrop — Former Strictly pro AJ Pritchard swapped his dancing shoes for runners

PA Media Runner Stefan Otway smiles as he crosses the finish line, breaking a yellow ribbon held by two officials in formal red coats. — Stefan Otway clocked the quickest time in the men's category

They were also joined by celebrity couple Tyler West and Molly Rainford.

Having competed in the third series of Celebrity Race Across the World, they had differing feelings as they waited to begin this latest challenge.

West told BBC London he was "buzzing for it - this is the best experience", while Rainsford admitted she was "nervous, it's my first ever half marathon".

Getty Images Tyler West and Molly Rainford smile and embrace for a photo while holding a smartphone during the London Landmarks Half Marathon event. — Unlike their Race Across the World, celebrity couple Tyler West and Molly Rainford could keep their phones for this one

Nicky Ford/ BBC A participant runs the race while wearing a large costume of a London Underground "Bank" station sign on their back. — Many runners donned their own London landmarks to run the 13.1 mile course

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