Jamie Peacock, former rugby league player and Leeds Rhinos legend, said:
“I’m feeling pretty elated. It’s nothing you’ve ever experienced! I beat my PB by 3 mins 30. It’s as close as you get to professional sport.”
“To see goodwill and energy is amazing. It helps with retirement in sport.
“I’m raising [money] for Sue Ryder for my dad who died of cancer.”
Sports presenter Vassos Alexander said:
“Oh my God! The atmosphere! I’ve run 10 London Marathons and four of them in a Minion costume. The Minion costume has three years' worth of sweat and Coke. It was quite hot in there!”
Welsh former rugby union star Shane Williams said:
On running his fifth London Marathon: “They don’t get easier. I hit the wall a few more times. It’s addictive – I keep coming back!”
When asked if he misses competitive sport: “100%! I miss the atmosphere; I miss the crowd. The closest you get is the London Marathon.”
English football manager Gary Rowett said:
“I think it was the best-supported one [London Marathon] yet! I had the best time out of all four. I loved every minute of it. I ran the Rome Marathon five weeks ago, but London is the best by far. The support is wall-to-wall people. It’s a fantastic city and fantastic event!”
“It inspires people to be healthy, whether you run it in six hours or two hours. I keep running it every year. I’m getting better as I’m getting older.”
English singer/songwriter Tom Grennan:
“Wow! I can’t really believe it! It’s so emotional seeing so many people and different charities.
“I’m running for Shelter. I went at Christmas time, donating food. It amazed me how much this country struggles with homelessness. Shelter is doing an amazing job.”
“At 26K I hit a hole, so the people I’ve met came into my head. This struggle is a minuscule part of my time.”
Harry Judd, drummer in McFly, said:
“I was slower than last time, but I enjoyed it more. Being interviewed [live on the BBC] on the way round was a worry, but in fact I enjoyed it. I found it inspired me through the hardest bits. I do have a sore shoulder though from holding the phone.
“It’s completely different from drumming. It’s the biggest buzz. Running is freedom to me. It really gives you confidence.”
Comedians Ivo Graham and Rosie Jones:
Rosie said:
“Amazing! I screamed so much more than I ever have before, and I scream a lot.
“My hero is Ivo, as I have done absolutely no training.”
Ivo said:
“Very different to my usual run, but so much better, and Rosie is the queen! Our only issue was our megaphone batteries failed us, but we did put a shout out via social media for replacements.
“It was tough to navigate the crowds, but we are pleased that we did and never clipped any other runners. The other runners were really supportive and I think we will both be back again soon.”
James Cracknell, former Olympic rower, said:
“It was a really hard one this year. I’m recovering from a sore foot and when I reached 13 miles I thought I'd have to walk, but I kept moving. It’s satisfying to fight through these struggles and keep going. I was lifted by others around me doing exactly the same. Dig in - that’s what a marathon is all about.”
On supporting charity Headway: “Really pleased to be running for Headway today. They were so supportive of me and my family when I had my head injury.”
Zdeno Chara, Captain of the Boston Bruins ice hockey team, said:
“I’ve not run a major marathon before and it’s been an amazing experience. The atmosphere, weather, crowds: all great! It’s a completely different challenge to ice hockey, which is more explosive. I focused on consistency.
“My favourite part of the day was the fans.”
Chris Finill, one of the ever-presents at the London Marathon (44 completed events), said:
“I tried to get within three hours, but I didn’t quite make it. I’m very happy with the time, though, and I enjoyed the run. As always the crowds were amazing.”
Izzy Christiansen, former England footballer, said:
“I am absolutely exhausted. At about 20K I was cramping out so much that I needed to stretch. Covering the ground playing football and running a marathon are like chalk and cheese. I certainly don’t think I've ever run that much on a pitch!
“I’m here to raise awareness about the symptoms of bowel cancer. I lost a relative recently and I don’t want anyone else to go through what we went through.
“I will certainly be back to do this again and I’d advise all former footballers or existing players that you really need to do this!”
Radio presenter Jenni Falconer said:
“This is my ninth marathon, but it's been five years since I did the last one as I had a little injury. I have major FOMO when I’m not here. It was a very hard run but it’s the most incredible feeling.
“Once you start running again, you get a new satisfaction and you want to continue. I’ve not got a personal best today, but that’s not what it’s about. I enjoy the training as when I’m not exercising, I’m not nice to be around.”
Jim Ratcliffe, businessman and new co-owner of Manchester United football club, said:
“This is maybe my eighth or ninth marathon and it was a good morning’s work. The crowd drives you around. London is the best event of all. All of these people running this for charity – I haven’t experienced anything like it!”
When asked how he was getting to Wembley today for United’s FA Cup semi-final against Coventry: “Quickly, I hope! I have a car waiting. I’m not making any predictions for the match today, but we better win!
“I know Eliud Kipchoge very well and he sent me a message for today. He said to run at your own pace and to remember that no human is limited.”
United survived a stunning Coventry comeback to win on penalties.
Russ Cook, the ‘Hardest Geezer’ who ran the length of Africa, said:
“26 miles was a great day out! I’m delighted to be back in the UK. It’s been another great outing – a stretch of the legs! Look at all these people crossing the Finish Line and raising so much money for charity. I’m very much hoping that when everything calms down, I’m going to get some time to do some personal stuff.
“Today was very different from running on my own. Especially the energy I got from the crowd. I ran as a kid, but I didn’t start long-distance running until I was 19 or 20. It’s given me everything, and some incredibly positive outcomes. I’m not complaining about all the attention I’m getting now – I'm just going to enjoy it.”
Phil Dunster, actor in Ted Lasso, said:
“I don’t understand this – it’s my arms and shoulders that are hurting me! My legs have been fine!
“I’m running for Young Lives vs Cancer, as my cousin’s child passed away recently. I thought about him all the time as I was running today. I saw his dad along the way and this was incredibly emotional. This event takes you to a deep and powerful place. I’m just grateful that my body let me do this. There are over 50,000 people running today, and I’m humbled that I’m one of those people doing something amazing.
“Jamie [his character in Ted Lasso] would even be humbled by this experience.”
Actor Ruth Wilson said:
“This is just amazing! I was doing very well until 30K and my calf went. I wish I’d done better.
“We [Ruth and her brothers] were running for my dad and Alzheimer’s Research UK. I saw my dad at Mile 23, and it was a very emotional moment. He ran the first-ever London Marathon and seeing him there at the last few miles put me on the verge of tears. We’ve always been a very sporty family, and I would’ve loved to have completed it running all the way, so I may need to come back next year.
“Dad has, and always will have, the family personal best.”
Christopher Eccleston, Doctor Who actor, said:
“I did the last one when I was 50, and I’m 60 now. I may do it again next year, but I want to do it when I'm 70, so I’ll keep going.
“I may look OK, but it’s an illusion. I began to feel my legs at 11 miles, and it’s the toughest run I’ve ever done. After that, I stopped looking for mile markers, and just kept my head down and pushed on. At one point, I was running next to a shark and a man with an ironing board on his back, so I felt I needed to continue!”
F1 presenter Natalie Pinkham said:
“It was an absolute joy up to 15 miles, then I got dreadful pain in my legs but just had to keep moving.
“At 19 miles I saw my husband and kids and had a trembling lip and a big hug, and that helped me on my way. I’m running for the Samaritans today, and my dear friend Caroline Flack. I know she’s looking down on me and laughing at me somewhere.”
Jeremy Hunt, MP and Chancellor of the Exchequer, said:
“The weather was great. The crowd was great. It took people a while to realise I was that Jeremy. Today was an amazing experience. It was my third run, but probably my last.
“Well done to the organisers – this is what makes London proud! I recently lost my brother to cancer and so I’m running it in his memory. Today I've raised over £100K for a new cancer centre. In fact, it was Charlie who got me running in the first place, so I was thinking about him a lot today.”
When asked which is more painful, bringing down his PB, or the rate of inflation: “The pain of reducing my PB is far quicker.”
Eileen Hieron, 81, oldest female runner. Maya Woolf, 18, youngest female runner.
Maya said of Eileen: “I’m so proud of you!
When asked if she’ll still be running at 81, Maya said: “100% I will be running – now that I’ve met you [Eileen].”
When asked why she ran it: “I volunteered last year and got inspired.”
Eileen: “I was feeling a bit shaky at the end of the race, but I’m pleased I finished. My husband is also running the virtual race today – he's 87. I don’t think he’s finished.
“I really enjoyed meeting some lovely people in hospitality prior to the race. Now I’m hoping to meet some more and eat some lovely food.”
On how she got into running: “I was a late starter – I started running when I was 73 years old, mostly socially with some of my friends who were runners. It keeps me fit and well. I think mentally you can sort the world out in your head when you're running.”
Joel Dommett, comedian and reality TV star, said:
“It’s always longer than I remember. The toughest London Marathon by far. People kept shouting take it [his piranha costume] off! It was so tough. You put your body through these things for charity.
“I’ve wanted to do the piranha costume for a couple of years.”
Jamie Borthwick and Emma Barton, EastEnders actors who were filming scenes for the show during the 2024 TCS London Marathon. The pair ran as their on-screen characters Honey Mitchell and Jay Brown. It is part of the programme's storyline involving Jay's wife, Lola, who died after a brain tumour.
Jamie: “I’m really, really tired, and very much in pain, and I’m so so hungry.
Emma: “I’m the opposite – I’m elated. It’s been difficult stepping in and out of character. It’s been a really emotional day.
“Most of the crowd was stopping us to say how much they love EastEnders. It hasn’t hit home yet but it’s been a real first for EastEnders. It’s a great feeling. The whole team has supported us and has been amazing!
“Lola would be proud.”