THE LONDON MARATHON

Founded in 1981, the London Marathon is the largest race of its kind in the world. Spanning a staggering 26.2 miles, its runners enjoy some of London's finest landmarks as they face the challenge of completing this historic race.

Every April, 30,000 runners flood the streets of the capital to do battle with themselves and each other. Serious competitors mingle with charity fun-runners in the spring sunshine as the 26.2 mile route comes alive to the sounds of bands, cheering crowds and pounding feet.

The race is the biggest of all city marathons and attracts many of the world's top athletes. It kicks off at Greenwich Park and Blackheath, continues through Surrey Quays, Brunel Rd, Tooley St, Canary Wharf, the Tower of London, Embankment, Parliament Square and Birdcage Walk, with a royal finish on The Mall by Buckingham Palace. And you can join them!  There's always plenty of entertainment along the route and many runners will be 'dressed to impress' in novelty costumes.

Each year about half a million spectators line the route and 5 million tune in to the BBC's live coverage.