The TCS London Marathon returned with a record-breaking 1.1 million applicants, but only 59,000 secured a place. Among the famous faces were Cynthia Erivo, James Norton, Alexandra Burke, Jack O’Connell, Joe Wicks, and even Daddy Pig from Peppa Pig. The day was filled with high emotions and drama.
Ramsay Family Affair
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay shared a touching moment with his daughter Tilly, who ran her first marathon. Gordon posted: “Wishing this incredible young lady all the very best for tomorrow as you attempt your first ever London Marathon love you so much Dad.” On race day, he added: “Such a proud dad today watching my little girl run her first ever marathon! Thx to Flora and everyone who supported Feeding Britain on her incredible journey. Go get em kiddo!” Mum Tana also cheered: “You got this Tils x”.
Strictly Come Dancing star Tilly had documented her training and previously completed an Ironman triathlon last October, alongside her parents. She called crossing the finish line an “unforgettable moment” of “pure joy and a few happy tears”.
Harry Judd’s Panic
McFly drummer Harry Judd forgot his race bib on the journey to Greenwich. He posted: “Really great start to the marathon day. I was about four stops into my journey and realised I had forgotten my bib number.” His wife Izzy and son Kit saved the day by delivering it. Harry finished with a time of 3:05, beating his previous 3:15.
Alexandra Burke and Cynthia Erivo
Former X Factor star Alexandra Burke ran after performing at the Britain’s Got Talent semi-final the night before, raising funds for the Melissa Bell Foundation and Parkinson’s UK. Wicked actress Cynthia Erivo impressed fans by running 6 miles in 43 minutes (7-minute miles) while juggling 23 roles in Dracula. She finished with a stellar 3:21, raising money for The King’s Trust and Shameless Fund.
Daddy Pig Joins the Race
Daddy Pig from Peppa Pig ran in a specially designed costume for the National Deaf Children’s Society, aiming to raise £54,000. His coach was Joe Wicks. The character’s identity sparked speculation, with some suspecting Harry Styles.
Other Celebrity Runners
Happy Valley actor James Norton ran his first marathon for Breakthrough T1D after his type 1 diabetes diagnosis, finishing in 4:29. Strictly pro Nikita Kuzmin ran for Diabetes UK, clocking 4:19. Jack O’Connell supported Alzheimer’s Research UK, Sir Ben Ainslie ran for an education charity, and Harry Clark raised funds for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Other familiar faces included Spencer Matthews, Ore Oduba, AJ and Curtis Pritchard, Tony Adams, Dame Laura Kenny, Alastair Cook, Kitty Scott Claus, and Laura Doddington.
