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Former boxer Michael Watson (right) hopes to walk five miles a day as he raises funds for the Brain and Spine Foundation

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British actress Brenda Blethyn looks confident as she gets ready to start the race

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Slovakian Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda is the first serving leader to run in the London Marathon

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Alma Kent prepares to cross the start line - at the age of 85 she is the oldest women competing in the race

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Chef and restaurant owner Gordon Ramsay celebrates completing the gruelling 26.2 mile course

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This isn't kids stuff says Mr Happy but I'm still happy to be here

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'Wonderwoman' thinks about using some special powers to improve her race time

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This isn't cheating is it? Just keep quiet and keep waving and we'll be ok!

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For some competitiors the long trek proves to be too much especially in the heat

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As the miles go by others do what they can to to keep themselves cool

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Shona Crombie-Hicks is a one of a number of runners who complete the last leg of the Flora 1000 mile challenge at the marathon

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Labour spin doctor Alistair Campbell finishes in three hours and 53 minutes to raise nearly �300,000 for Leukaemia Research