London Marathon: Race to take place in 'record-breaking heat'

[Archiee]

This year's London Marathon will be the hottest on record, according to weather forecasters.

More than 40,000 runners have set off in the 26.2-mile event amid warnings temperatures may hit 23C (73.4F).

A total of 22.6C (72.6F) was recorded at St James's Park in 2007 - when one runner died after collapsing during the race and 73 had to go to hospital.

The race was started at 10:00 BST by the Queen who pressed a button from the grounds of Windsor Castle.

The Met Office earlier warned competitors would feel hotter on the course due to warmth "from the Tarmac and other people".

Conditions may also be especially difficult for fancy dress runners tackling the 26.2-mile event.

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A record 386,050 people applied for this year's race - almost a third more than last year and the highest number for any marathon in the world.

Almost 100 competitors are attempting to enter the Guinness World Records dressed in outfits such as a suit of armour, a Paddington Bear costume and ski boots.

This year's runners also include firefighters who tackled the Grenfell Tower blaze and a police officer who was stabbed in the London Bridge terror attack.

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Image caption
Runners in fancy dress are being asked to "think carefully" about if their outfit is appropriate for the weather
Members of the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust will also be taking part, as the marathon marks 25 years since the teenager - who was a keen runner - was murdered.

Britain's David Weir won his eighth London Marathon with a time of 01:31:15 as he took first place in the men's wheelchair race.

Australia's Madison de Rozario won her first-ever London Marathon to take victory in the women's wheelchair race.