Thousands of runners set off in London Marathon

LONDON

The 36th London Marathon got underway Sunday as just under 40,000 runners set off to raise millions for charity.

The race began with a recorded countdown from British astronaut Tim Peake, who is currently on the International Space Station where he will run 26.2 miles (42.2 kilometers) on a treadmill.

The event is well-known for competitors donning costumes and this year’s race has seen a number of runners adopt a Shakespearean theme to mark the 400th anniversary of the bard’s death.

Runners also try to set world records during the event - 33 were set last year - and four members of the London Fire Brigade are attempting to establish the fastest time in a four-person costume when they set off dressed as a fire engine while another competitor will seek to set the record for running with a clothes dryer on his back.

Among the thousands of ordinary runners who run for charity - 54.1 million pounds ($77.9 milion) was raised last year - elite athletes from around the world were also competing.

Defending men’s winner Eliud Kipchoge was first across the line. The Kenyan set a new course record of 2:03:05 - 7 seconds short of a world record.

Kenya’s Jemima Sumgong won the women’s elite race in 2:22:58 despite a fall at a water station.

In the wheelchair race, last year’s winner Marcel Hug of Switzerland won the men’s event while American Tatyana McFadden triumphed in the women’s race.

The race has been run every year since 1981 and 2016 will see the millionth runner cross the finish line.