'Finish lines not finish times' at London Marathon
The London Marathon celebrated its 45th edition with a record 56,000 participants, showcasing both elite competition and community spirit. Tigst Assefa won the female elite race in a women's-only world record time, while Sabastian Sawe took the men's title. Many runners, including Julie Barnes and Debra Harrison, emphasized finishing for charity, with their slogan "finish lines not finish times. " Participants raised significant funds for causes such as Kidney Care UK, with Jamie Salmon highlighting the importance of the charity for her son’s health needs. The race faced warm temperatures, expected to reach around 22°C (72°F), complicating conditions for runners.
Despite the heat, personal bests were achieved, with notable finishes from Rhiannon Kirk and Helena Sexton. The marathon also experienced a minor disruption from protesters, who were quickly apprehended. This year's event underscored the blend of competitive spirit and personal stories of resilience.