Elite runner Jonny Mellor was the first Brit across the line in last year's London marathon, but he missed out on the Olympics because of a freak accident that kept him out of trials.

In January of this year, Mellor's calves felt tight after a 24-mile run in icy conditions. That night he slept in compression socks to try and resolve the issue.

One of the socks rolled down in the night and the pressure on his lower leg ended up causing gout.

"It was really unlucky. That's sport," he said of the bizarre injury.

Thankfully Mellor is back and out there competing to be the top Brit once more.

Image source, Getty Images

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Lucinda: So magical to see the London Marathon back #bbcmarathon, external - good luck to all runners!

Coral: Good luck to everyone and anyone running the London marathon today. You’re all bonkers slash amazing

Last year's winner Shura Kitata has fallen way behind the leading group in the men's elite race. The Ethiopian is running on his own now.

There are six in the front pack, including Evans Chebet and Sisay Lemma.

The leading group in the women's race is much bigger at 13-strong and Brigid Kosgei - aiming for her third straight win - is in amongst it.

Londoner Eleanor Mahmoud is one of the many charity runners taking part today.

She'll be running for Neuroblastoma UK in memory of her brother Neil, who died aged 14 before Eleanor was born.

The 30-year-old is expecting a "surreal" experience after waiting two years to race because of the Covid-19 cancellation last year.

"I’m a combination of terrified and excited," she told BBC Sport.

"I’m proud to be able to help the charity. They do amazing work supporting children and their families throughout diagnosis and treatment, trying to find kinder and less aggressive treatments.

"It will be amazing to have completed it for the charity and to have that why in mind. I’m pretty sure there will be tears, at least from me on the way round."

Here's Eleanor at the start in Blackheath this morning, where she said she was "suddenly getting very nervous". Good luck Eleanor!

Image source, Eleanor Mahmoud

Amanda: Anyone else get emotional watching the London Marathon?

Michelle: Awesome to see runners back at the start of the London marathon. Brings back fantastic memories and made my skin tingle.

May have shed a tear or two...

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

It's a healing process that we're able to come together and exercise like this.

A lot of people needed running during the pandemic. Some people turned to it for the first time, or even experienced runners just felt like they needed that during lockdown. It was an escape.

This feels like a return to normality.

Steve Cram
Athletics commentator on BBC TV

This one of the best days in sport you will see anywhere in the world.

Eighteen months ago, we weren't sure this would happen again. People have done so well having to find new ways to train.

It's different this year, there's a different atmosphere. Just around London, the pure joy that people have at being able to come together and participate in this event.

Switzerland's Marcel Hug had pulled clear of Daniel Romanchuk in the men's wheelchair race. The American tried to reel him back in but hasn't managed to yet.

Fellow Swiss Manuela Schar is way out in front in the women's wheelchair race.

In the women's elite race, defending champion Brigid Kosgei is part of a big leading pack.

Last year's winner Shura Kitata has immediately fallen behind in the men's elite race.

The Ethiopian had a hamstring injury at Tokyo 2020 and his start suggests that may still be bothering him.

Jane: Shout out to my niece Emma Aspray running her first official London marathon. Well done on all money raised for NSPCC. Lots of love proud Auntie Jane xx

Gill: Good luck to Lucas Meagor trying to break the world record for running a marathon in a telephone box.

One of the measures to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus is sending the mass participants off in waves.

They're steadily marching down towards the startline in groups with 30 seconds between them. Every single group gets wild screams from the crowd.

Race director Hugh Brasher is expecting this to be "the most memorable London Marathon ever".

With the mass participation event returning to its traditional course for the first time in over two years he says it will be "a moment of joy".

More than 40,000 people will be running on the streets of London today, with another 40,000 participating virtually worldwide.

"It is more than just a marathon," Brasher continued. "This is about bringing people together and that is what we have missed so much in the last 18 months.

"The attack on our mental health, our physical health from being constrained has been huge.

"Getting people together outdoors in a safe environment in the way that we have organised the event - that is so good for people and that is what we want to celebrate on Sunday."

Image source, Getty Images

The elite men head off and the first mass participants are right behind them.

After over two years without a mass London Marathon, it's a beautiful sight.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

We are seconds away from the beginning of the elite men's race as well as the first wave of mass participants.

Last year, Ethiopia's Shura Kitata explained how he had hit the breakfast buffet hard to power himself to a surprise victory over Kenyan great Eliud Kipchoge.

Here's hoping the elite athletes' hotel has stocked up on pastries because Kitata is back to defend his crown.

"Last year's win had very great meaning because Eliud is such a famous, strong runner," said Kitata.

"It has brought me strength in my psychological and physical preparation, and also a lot of attention from the public as well."

Kipchoge, who had won four of the previous five London Marathons before 2020, is absent this time, with Britain's Mo Farah also missing after failing to qualify for Tokyo 2020 on the track and suffering a stress fracture in this foot.

Andrew Cotter
London Marathon commentator on BBC TV

Manuela Schar is dominating as she did in Berlin where she won by over a minute from Tatyana McFadden, I think it's going to be an even bigger win here.

If you're running virtually today, we'd love to hear from you as well! Tweet us pictures of your set-up using #bbcmarathon

Britain's Samantha Harrison describes the journey to her London Marathon debut as a "whirlwind".

Just three years ago she ran her first half marathon in Nottingham and her time of 1:24.10 was enough to start her on the road to elite races.

Someone suggested she join a club and with the help of a coach her PBs kept coming down until eventually she was invited to line up against the world's best today.

She says she's aiming for "a big PB" in London, adding: "If you’d asked me two and a half years ago if I’d be in the position I’m in now, I’d have just laughed.

"Make those sacrifices and you never know where you’ll end up."

Image source, Getty Images