Eliud Kipchoge, the greatest marathon runner in history, will be the official starter of the 2023 TCS London Marathon tomorrow (23 April).

Kipchoge is the only man to have run inside two hours for the marathon, the official world record holder (2:01:09) and the four-time London Marathon champion (2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019).

The Kenyan great, who also holds the London Marathon course record (2:02:37), will be the official starter for the elite men’s race and the mass start at 10:00 tomorrow.

He said: “The TCS London Marathon holds a special place in my heart and it’s an honour to be asked to be the official starter this year. I am looking forward to cheering on all my fellow runners participating on Sunday. I wish everyone taking part, whatever your reason for running, the very best of luck.”

Kipchoge is the final confirmed starter for tomorrow’s TCS London Marathon.

Gordon Perry, the first London Marathon wheelchair race winner in 1981, will start the elite wheelchair races at 09:15, on the 40th anniversary of his win.

The elite women’s race (starting at 09:25) will be started by two former London Marathon champions: Ingrid Kristiansen (NOR) and Catherina McKiernan (IRL).

Kristiansen has, like Kipchoge, won the London Marathon on a record four occasions (1984, 1985, 1987 and 1988) while McKiernan won the 1998 edition of the London Marathon 25 years ago.