Yahoo News London Marathon 2020: when is the elite-only race, what time does it start and who is running this year?
What is it?
It's the 2020 London Marathon. Which should have originally taken place on the usual routes around the capital on Sunday April 26. But then Covid-19 intervened and due to that, things look a little different this time around. It's the London Marathon - in London for the elite runners - but equally all around for everyone else, who have 24 hours to run 26.2 miles.
It will, however, still be the 40th year of the London Marathon, albeit the first ever Autumn London Marathon!
When is it?
This Sunday, so October 4.
What time does it start?
07:15 – The Elite Women's Race
10:15 – The Elite Men's Race
13:10 – Wheelchair races
00:00-23:59 - Virtual mass participation race
What TV channel is it on?
As is traditional, the BBC has this all wrapped up.
Coverage starts on BBC Two from 07:00 with the women's elite race. BBC One takes up the baton at 10:00 for the men's elite race, then switches back to BBC Two at 13:00 for the build up to the wheelchair races start, going until 15:20.
Highlights are on the BBC Red Button from 19:00-20:00 and BBC Two from 23:35-00:35.
Race route map
Elite races for men, women and wheelchair athletes will take place on an enclosed looped course in St James’s Park in a secure biosphere, starting on Horse Guards Road. They will run 19 laps in total to reach the required marathon distance before finishing on the Mall as usual.
For non-elite, the marathon distance can be covered where ever during the 24 hour period. But the traditional London Marathon route will not be available.
Who is running the race?
You can see the full list here, courtesy of London Marathon.
Four-time Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah is the pacemaker for this year's men's race, which also includes world record holder and defending champion Eliud Kipchoge.
British Paralympic great David Weir will be aiming for a record ninth win in the men's event while in the women's elite race, defending champion and world record holder Brigid Kosgei of Kenya aiming to set a new world's best time.
Why is the race open to only elite runners?
Put simply, Covid-19. When the marathon was originally pushed back from April to October, it was with the hope that coronavirus cases in the UK had dropped sufficiently to make running the mass participation event possible. There was even the exploring of bluetooth technology to safely allow 45,000 competitors to social distance while running. But this was sadly ruled out in August, with just elite runners competing in St James's Park, screened from public view.
As mentioned above, the public can, however, still run virtually. More on that further below.
Covid-19 guidelines and social distancing
As part of the London Marathon ‘biosecure bubble’ the athletes and their teams are all in a hotel, where they will eat, sleep and train for this weekend’s marathon.
Every athlete was tested four days before leaving their home, again on arrival in Britain and a third time on Friday. Once in Britain, everyone involved in the race must remain within the 40-acre grounds of the official London Marathon hotel and wear face coverings when not eating or training.
Ethiopian Degitu Azimeraw did not board the private plane chartered by the London Marathon from her home country after failing a coronavirus test. Haji Adilo, a coach to Ethiopian runners Shura Kitata and Alemu Megertu, also tested positive prior to the flight from Ethiopia and did not travel.
To help with social distancing, 500 event coordinators and 100 elite competitors will be wearing technology around their necks, called The Bump device, which makes an audible alert when the wearer is too close to others.
What are the current marathon records?
2hrs 1mins 39secs is the men's fastest time, set by Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge in Berlin last year.
2hrs 14 mins 04secs set by Brigid Kosgei in Chicago last year
Who has won the race before?
2011 Emmanuel Kipchirchir Mutai (Kenya)/Mary Jepkosgei Keitany (Kenya)
2012 Wilson Kipsang Kiprotich (Kenya)/ Mary Jepkosgei Keitany (Kenya)
2013 Tsegaye Kebede (Ethiopia)/Priscah Jeptoo (Kenya)
2014 Wilson Kipsang Kiprotich (Kenya)/Edna Kiplagat (Kenya)
2015 Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya)/Tigist Tufa (Ethiopia)
2016 Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya)/ Jemima Sumgong (Kenya)
2017 Daniel Wanjiru (Kenya)/ Mary Jepkosgei Keitany (Kenya)
2018 Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya)/ Vivian Cheruiyot (Kenya)
2019 Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya)/ Brigid Kosgei (Kenya)
How much does the winner get?
Last year organisers awarded $313,000 (£241,400) in prize money to elite athletes, with another $850,000 (£655,000) up for grabs in time bonuses. Winners of the elite men's and women's race received $55,000 (£42,400) for first prize.
Financial constraints caused by coronavirus mean the prize structure is reduced by almost 50% this year.
But for the first time there will be a separate prize pool for the best performing British athletes.
How will the Virtual London Marathon 2020 work?
Participants will have 23 hours 59 minutes and 59 seconds (from 00:00 to 23:59:59 BST) to complete the 26.2 miles, which they can choose to run, walk or jog – making the event the most inclusive London Marathon ever. Using the London Marathon app, they will be able to log their 26.2 miles and earn the coveted Virgin Money London Marathon medal.
Will the mass-participation event return next year?
That's the plan. But to minimise another disruption caused by coronavirus, race organisers have pushed the 2021 date back to Sunday, October 3 2021.
