The elite women's race gets under way at 0900 BST amid wet conditions and without the injured Paula Radcliffe

Olympic bronze medallist Deena Kastor starts strongly and builds a healthy lead with the aid of two pacemakers

The American takes the tape in a time of 2hrs 19mins 35secs to add to her title in Chicago from last year

Mara Yamauchi, Britain's main challenger in the absence of Radcliffe, puts in a very creditable display and finishes sixth

In the men's event, the pre-race favourite Haile Gebrselassie starts strongly and stays with the leading pack

Kenyan Martin Lel, the defending champion, shows signs of winning again as he takes turns in driving the pace

The leading European challenge, in one of the strongest ever fields, comes from Italian Olympic champion Stefano Baldini

With wins in Rotterdam, Berlin and Chicago, Felix Limo makes an impressive start to his London debut

Lel and Limo break with three miles to go and only a tense sprint finish separates the countrymen at the end

In the men's wheelchair race, a dominant David Weir sets a new course record of 1hr 29mins 48secs

Italian Francesca Porcellato claims her fourth consecutive title in the women's wheelchair race in 1hr 59mins 57secs

With the top athletes' races over, the focus switches to the masses and the celebrities that lead them off

Around 35,000 runners patiently edge their way to the start for what will be one of the most memorable days of their lives

Seasoned charity runner Lloyd Scott is one of the last to get going in his St George and the dragon costume

Katie Austin and Gordon Fryer pause on Tower Bridge to get married before continuing on towards the Docklands

Some competitors opt for minimal running attire as they attempt to complete the course and entertain the crowds

A fan of Queen Elizabeth decides to mark the monarch's 80th birthday in their own unique way

A team of charity runners dress in a very unorthodox outfit so as not to be missed by the spectators and cameras

Despite the enthusiasm of the athletes, it is not all plain sailing with some finding the exertion overwhelming

For the majority though, the day is a success with personal bests set and thousands of pounds raised for charity