Thousands of runners take on the virtual 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon

With the assistance of a new app, powered by TCS, runners’ tracked their own progress across the 26.2 miles. Those who completed the distance in the time allocated will receive a finisher’s T-shirt and medal to commemorate their incredible accomplishment.

The format of the 40th Race was unique this year due to Covid-19 - the majority or runners tracking their efforts virtually and roughly 100 elite runners running a new route around St James’s Park in a secure biosphere environment.

Presenter of the You, Me and The Big C podcast on BBC Radio 5 Live, Deborah James, started and finished her 26.2 miles at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea, which she was raising money for.

James Whaley, from Grimsby, completed his 26.2 miles by doing 130 laps of Grimsby Town FC’s Blundell Park pitch, raising money for the When You Wish Upon a Star charity.

Hugh Brasher, Event Director of the Virgin Money London Marathon, said: “We are delighted and incredibly proud to have held this event during a worldwide pandemic. We have inspired 45,000 people from around the world to take part in their own challenge, their own 26.2 miles, and to do it their way.

“We wanted to give people a lift. The spirit of the London Marathon is about bringing people together. We couldn’t get them together in reality, but we have brought them together as a community.

“The individual stories and achievements have been incredible, and we believe The 40th Race will live long in the memory. It truly has been a beacon of light in the darkness.”

Grant Mackay is the Internal Communications Manager at Virgin Money and on Sunday ran his ninth marathon! Grant ran four 6.5 mile loops close to home in the village of Dunlop, Scotland.

Thirty-seven-year-old Haider Ali, a GP from Manchester, completed his virtual London Marathon by walking the majority of his route to show anyone is capable of finishing the 26.2 miles

This year's Virgin Money London Marathon runners have raised more than £16.1 million for thousands of charities via Virgin Money Giving (VMG).

Visit the Virgin Money London Marathon to find out more.