All of the runners today had to attend the London Marathon Expo this week to collect their race pack. It's a feast of all things running and the chance to buy lots and lots of kit (you'll never get a better excuse to fill your running wardrobe).

If you're lucky too, you could meet a world record holder as these guys did. Paula Radcliffe clocked 2:15:25 in 2003 and she had to move just as quickly to sign all these autographs. Just click play.

Look at that shot, just look at that shot. 

To some it's Buckingham Palace and some people running, to marathoners and spectators it's relief, achievement and joy all mixed into one long-lasting sports bottle.

Image source, Getty Images

Then of course there's the reward. Something to keep, show the kids, show the grandkids and of course, show off to that colleague who spent Sunday hungover on the sofa.

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Radio 5 Live

Tune in to BBC Radio 5 Live from 08:30 for live coverage of the London Marathon.

John Inverdale and the team will bring you all the action from the capital and you can get involved too. 

You can share your stories of running the London Marathon and hear them played on air, the more memorable, poignant and funnier the better.

Just call 03700 100 500 and leave a message. No longer than 60 seconds please!

We cannot guarantee to use every memory recorded but we will try to play as many of the best ones that we can. Please be aware that standard geographic charges from landlines and mobiles will apply. 

So what starts when? Well to mark your card, BBC One coverage rolls from 08:30 BST. You can even watch by clicking 'live coverage' at the top of this page.

As for the events, it goes something like this:

• 08:55 – Virgin Money London Marathon elite wheelchair race
• 09:00 – IPC Athletics Marathon World Cup (ambulant athletes)
• 09:15 – Virgin Money London Marathon for Elite Women 
• 10:00 – Elite Men and the Virgin Money London Marathon Mass Start

So grab an energy drink, put your vest on and let's get into this.

Image source, Getty Images

How are these people feeling? Some 38,000 human beings brimming with nervous energy.

From Greenwich, through Charlton, to Tower Bridge (a real tear-jerker area in the race), Canary Wharf, Big Ben and then of course Buckingham Palace. 

What better way to see London than like this? Your ear drums clattering with the sound of spectators, your eyes popping with the colour and surroundings. Drink it in.

Image source, Getty Images

And this, this my friends is the Holy Grail today. The final corner, the final twist, the final shouts of encouragement as those legs - packed with fatigue and pride to last a lifetime - will be crying out for the finish line just a few hundred yards away.

This live text will cover the elite athletes, celebrities, charity runners and inspirational runners in equal measure. From Eliud Kipchoge to Batman, stay with us for every stride. We know it's a big day for you or someone you know, so let the emotion flow and tell us on #GetInspired.

Image source, Getty Images

If you're running, watching, dare I say it even live-texting, this will be emotional.

Whether it be running for victory, running to remember someone, running to save someone or maybe even running to save yourself in someway, this day is your day.

If you're going through the exhausting pain of watching, willing your friend and loved one to cross that line, yours is a true pain, a torture. Have you missed them pass you on the course? Are they looking strong? Let those tears flow when you see them, it's London Marathon day after all.

"If you want to run, run a mile. If you want to experience life, run a marathon." 

(Emil Zatopek)

Image source, Getty Images

"Everything you ever wanted to know about yourself you can learn in 26.2 miles".

(Lori Culnane)

Image source, Getty Images