大象传媒

Jonathan Edwards introduces highlights from the 31st London Marathon. The event has come a long way since American Dick Beardsley and Norwegian Inge Simonsen won the inaugural men's elite race in a dead-heat and Joyce Smith claimed the women's elite crown.

The day is not just about elite athletes, however. Since 1981, fun-runners have raised over a half a billion pounds for charity. Last year, 36,550 runners completed the 26.2-mile course, earning a record total of 50.6m pounds for good causes.