In pictures: Famous faces, elite athletes and fancy dress runners take part in London Marathon

Former health secretary Matt Hancock was among the tens of thousands that took part. Credit: PA Wire/PA Images

More than 40,000 people have hit the streets of the UK capital to take part in the London Marathon a year after the event was cancelled due to coronavirus restrictions.

The race, the first full-scale running of the event in more than two years, was won by Sisay Lemma of Ethiopa in 2:04.01. Bizarrely Lemma was cleared to compete but not allowed to stand on the victory podium alongside Kenyans Vincent Kipchumba and Mosinet Geremew – who came second and third respectively – due to coronavirus protocols.

Sisay Lemma (left) won the men's elite race, but his agent had to collect the trophy due to coronavirus protocols.

The 30-year-old had tested negative but as a contact of fellow Ethiopian Kinde Atanaw, who withdrew after a positive test on Saturday, he was whisked back to his hotel as a precaution. Instead it was left to his agent, Gianni Demadonna, to top the podium.

The women’s race was won by Kenyan Joyciline Jepkosgei in 2:17.42, making her the seventh fastest woman in history.

Britain’s David Weir finished third in the wheelchair race - his 22nd London marathon. Marcel Hug claimed his third victory, while Daniel Romanchuk of America came second.

Great Britain's David Weir

Some famous faces were among those taking part in the race, including former health secretary Matt Hancock and radio personality Chris Evans.

Former health secretary Matt Hancock gives a thumbs-up ahead of his run Credit: John Walton/PA
Virgin Radio DJ Chris Evans poses ahead of the start Credit: John Walton/PA

Dame Barbara Windsor's husband Scott Mitchell ran in a bid to raise funds to combat Alzheimer's, the illness his wife died from.

There was a dry start to the race but cloudier skies, sunny spells and brisk winds were expected, according to the Met Office.

The start of the women’s elite race Credit: John Walton/PA
The start of the men’s elite race Credit: John Walton/PA

Last year’s marathon was replaced by a virtual run where participants chose their own route and a further 40,000 participants will earn their medal by taking part in the virtual event this year.

Sunday’s outing is the first time the two events will take place simultaneously.

The women’s elite race passes over Tower Bridge Credit: Steven Paston/PA
Matt Humphreys using a frame runner to run for Scope Charity Credit: John Walton/PA
Runners pass the Old Naval College, Greenwich Credit: Jonathan Brady/PA

Plenty of colour was provided by the participants who opted to run in fancy dress, from cartoon robots to busy bees.

A runner dressed as Bender, the robot from Futurama, passes the Old Naval College Credit: Jonathan Brady/PA
Two runners pose in matching bee outfits. Credit: John Walton/PA
Mr Potato Head from Toy Story makes his way along the route. Credit: Steven Paston/PA