London Marathon 2014: In pictures

Celebrity runners gather at the start before the Virgin Money London MarathonPA

It was a case of spot the celebrity at the start of this year's London Marathon, as TV presenter Jenni Falconer, news reader Sophie Raworth, model Amy Willerton and footballer Michael Owen were among stars lined up to take on 26.2 miles.

Mo Farah lines up for the start of the men's elite raceGetty Images

Meanwhile, Mo Farah (centre) made his hotly-anticipated competitive debut in the marathon as the bookies favourite.

Mo Farah after the London MarathonGetty Images

Farah had hoped to beat the British record of two hours, seven minutes and 13 seconds, but missed out by about one minute, finishing in eighth place. Speaking after the race, he said he was disappointed but would be back.

Wilson Kipsang of Kenya sprints down the Mall before crossing the finish line to win the men's elite London MarathonGetty Images

It was Wilson Kipsang of Kenya who took victory in the men's elite race - setting a new course record of 2:04.7 in the process. He also won the event in 2012.

Eventual winner Edna Kiplagat and her namesake Florence Kiplagat, both from Kenya, run past the House of Parliament.Getty Images

In the women's elite race, Florence Kiplagat and fellow Kenyan Edna Kiplagat ran alongside each other throughout the course before a dramatic sprint finish won by the latter.

Runners in the London MarathonGetty Images

Once the elite races were over, the focus switched to the sea of colourful runners who made their way along the course in temperatures that soared into the late-teens.

A competitor dressed as Wally from the Where's Wally book series is among the racers.Getty Images

It was easy to spot Wally among the legions of fun-runners who took part.

Paralympic gold medallist Richard Whitehead races past Parliament, while rugby player Lewis Moody, footballer Michael Owen and Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls prepare to start.Getty Images

Paralympic gold medallist Richard Whitehead raced past Parliament, while rugby player Lewis Moody, footballer Michael Owen and shadow chancellor Ed Balls looked confident at the start of the race. Owen later described it as "the hardest thing I've ever done" but said the support of the crowd had been "great".

Tony Phoenix-Morrison runs with a fridge strapped to his his bike while, classical singer Laura Wright and chef Michael Roux gear up for the race.PA

Tony Phoenix-Morrison created an extra challenge for himself by racing with a fridge strapped to his back. Meanwhile, classical singer Laura Wright and chef Michael Roux looked ready to take on the challenge.

Runners in the London Marathon.PA

About 36,000 fun-runners took part in this year's London Marathon, raising thousands of pounds for charity.

Spectators watch the London MarathonGetty Images

And many thousands took to the streets of London to catch the action.

Runners cross the finish lineGetty Images

There was elation at the finishing line.

A runner holds up a sign after finishing the Virgin Money London Marathon on the Mall, LondonPA

For some, it was a major relief to have completed the famous course from Blackheath to The Mall.

Runners rest after finishing the London MarathonGetty Images

For many, exhaustion and rest followed.

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