In Pictures: Runners take to streets for London Marathon like no other

The annual race was pushed back to October 4 and only the elite athletes were able to race in central London.

Published Oct 4, 2020

Last updated Oct 4, 2020

Runners wearing London Marathon running numbers cross Tower Bridge

Runners defied pouring rain on Sunday to take part in the 40th London Marathon – with only the elite athletes competing in a traditional race in the capital.

Some 45,000 people are running or walking along their own 26.2-mile route around the UK, after the mass event originally planned for April 26 was postponed due to coronavirus.

Elite women

In the elite women’s event in London, world record-holder Brigid Kosgei defended her title around a sodden St James’s Park.

The 26-year-old comfortably won her duel with fellow Kenyan Ruth Chepngetich, the world champion, who was eventually pipped for second by America’s Sarah Hall.

Virgin Money London Marathon — It was an early start for the elite women in St James’s Park (Adam Davy/PA)

Competitors in action during the elite women’s race (John Sibley/PA)

A steward sweeps the course after heavy rain (Ian Walton/PA)

Cardboard cut-outs stood in for the usual crowds lining the marathon route - among them former competitors and the Queen — Cardboard cut-outs stood in for the usual crowds lining the marathon route – among them former competitors and the Queen (John Sibley/PA)

Passing Horse Guards Parade (Adam Davy/PA)

Great Britain’s Stephanie Twell was forced to retire injured (Ian Walton/PA)

Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei won the elite women’s race (Richard Heathcoate/PA)

Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei (centre) celebrates winning the elite women’s race alongside second-placed USA’s Sara Hall (left) and Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich in third — Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei (centre) celebrates winning the elite women’s race alongside second-placed Sara Hall from the USA (left) and Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich, who came third (Richard Heathcoate/PA)