Earlier we heard from Eleanor Mahmoud who is running for Neuroblastoma UK in memory of her brother Neil.

She's sent us an update from mile seven saying she's still in good spirits. Keep it up Eleanor!

Image source, Eleanor Mahmoud

Matt: Good luck to my brother who is running 3 marathons in 3 weeks!

Roberta: Couldn’t be more proud of my sister running for cancer research today.

Danni: Good luck Hims Patel! 3rd Marathon in 4 weeks! Adya is so proud of her daddy xx

Purdue also spoke about the safety of women while out running after the sentencing of Sarah Everard's murderer this week:

"My parents have always told me never to run outside alone at night. My dad used to drive the car with me when I was younger. Even now I wouldn't run outside alone. I've never felt safe doing it. It is sad."

Charlotte Purdue, who was the top Brit in the women's race in a time of 2:23.26, said on BBC One:

"I'm really pleased. I knew I was in good shape. Being able to execute on the day is another thing so I'm glad I was able to do it today."

On missing out on selection for Tokyo 2020: "I knew I did deserve a spot on the team but obviously I had to put it behind me so it was good to have this as a focus. I was all in for this day.

"The crowd was so good. The last four miles they spurred me on. My coach told me I sped up. It was all for the crowd."

On achieving a qualifying time for next year's World Championships in Oregon: "That was a great bonus today as well. Looking forward to that next year."

Image source, Getty Images

Steve Cram
Athletics commentator on BBC TV

The first British athlete across the line in the men's race, a gritty Yorkshireman's performance - well done to Phil Sesemann.

A very tired Phil Sesemann will be grateful that he just about managed to hold off Josh Griffiths.

Image source, PA Media

Mart: Sisay Lemma doesn’t even look like he’s broken a sweat there!

Ryan: I'm tired just watching them run!

Paul: I’m absolutely delighted with my London marathon efforts today. I was out of bed and dressed before the elite runners finished.

We commend you Paul. Yours is the real victory today.

Compatriot Josh Griffiths was chasing down Sesemann, eventually finishing eighth.

Griffiths and his dad are hoping to break the record for a combined father and son marathon time.

That record stands at 4:59.22 so Griffiths' 2:13.39 has given his dad a helping hand.

Image source, Getty Images

Sesemann gets a good cheer from the crowd as he arrives on the Mall.

He grits his teeth and picks up his knees, then pumps his fists in celebration as he crosses the line in seventh place and 2:12.58.

Sesemann hits the 600m to go mark. He won't get inside the World Championship qualifying time of 2:11.30 but he has still finished as the top Brit on his marathon debut so that's not bad.

Steve Cram
Athletics commentator on BBC TV

I think Phil Sesemann is struggling here.

It's a brave, brave effort for your first marathon. He was on target for most of the race.

He's lost a lot of time in the last eight or nine kilometres and he's looking very tired.

Steve Cram
Athletics commentator on BBC TV

It is the best marathon in the world. We may be biased to say that but I think we're right, it's why the biggest names in the world come here, it's why Sisay Lemma has come back after finishing third last year, to win such a prestigious event.

He's enjoying this, this is a huge win in his career. Brilliant performance from him.

Kenya's Vincent Kipchuma is second in 2:04.28 and Mosinet Geremew third in 2:04.41.

Further back, Britain's Phil Sesemann came through 40km in seventh place and 2:05.39. Sesemann is tightening up a bit but it is still such an impressive debut from the 29-year-old.

Paula Radcliffe
Women's marathon world record holder on BBC TV

To be winning the London Marathon, there is no better feeling.

This is something Sisay Lemma will have worked towards and trained towards for a long time.

Image source, Reuters

In the end it's a comfortable finish for Sisay Lemma.

He eases onto the Mall and takes victory in 2:04.01, before falling to his news and eventually lying flat on his face across the finish line.

Image source, Reuters

What a move from Sisay Lemma.

The Ethiopian has continued to kick ahead and is now on track for victory with a huge gap growing to Vincent Kipchuman and Mosinet Geremew behind.

Daniel: Good luck Karen Bloyce! Fish out of water for our super sprint swimmer, running the marathon today! Number 5664! Love Daniel and the girls x

Simon: I'm missing being in London to watch the marathon. The atmosphere is always amazing. Hopefully next year.

Steve Cram
Athletics commentator on BBC TV

It's a big personal best for Charlotte Purdue, a big step up for her. She was overlooked for selection for Tokyo, she was so disappointed about that.

She knows that was a huge, huge run, she won't be disappointed at all about that.

Image source, Reuters

Finally some movement up front in the elite men's race.

Sisay Lemma has pushed the pace and now there are just three up front. Lemma is being chased by Mosinet Geremew and Vincent Kipchuma but the Ethiopian is creating a bit of a gap.

Charlotte Purdue raises a hand in celebration as she crosses the line in 10th place.

She couldn't quite get inside her aim of 2:23.12 but is third on the all-time list of British women with 2:23.26. An amazing run.