Cynthia Erivo, House of Guinness star James Norton and Jack O’Connell will bring a touch of Hollywood to the TCS London Marathon, as just three of many famous faces taking part.
A host of sports personalities are also expected to run in the event, including four‑time Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel, Olympic gold medal-winning sailor Sir Ben Ainslie, champion jockey Sir Anthony McCoy, cycling star Dame Laura Kenny, and England cricketer Alastair Cook.
Cynthia Erivo
They will pound the streets of London on Sunday alongside thousands of other runners, including former England captain Tony Adams, McFly drummer Harry Judd, and TV chef Tilly Ramsay.
Spectators can also look out for fitness expert Joe Wicks, who is taking part in the world-famous race with children’s TV character Daddy Pig.
Wicks is the official coach and trainer for Peppa Pig’s father, from the eponymous children’s cartoon, and will run the race alongside him to help raise money and awareness for the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS).
Wicked star Erivo is taking on the marathon after completing the 2022 event in an impressive 3:35:36, according to figures released by TCS London Marathon.
She is running to raise money for two charities – The King’s Trust and Shameless Fund.
Norton, who stars in the upcoming Beatles biopic films, is taking part to support the charity Breakthrough T1D, following his own diagnosis of type 1 diabetes at the age of 22.
Jack O’Connell
Sinners actor O’Connell is taking on his first London Marathon in support of Alzheimer’s Research UK, while long‑time running enthusiast Judd will find the route more familiar after clocking an impressive 3:15 at last year’s event.
Another first-timer is Ramsay, who is running in support of Feeding Britain, which aims to help tackle food insecurity across the UK.
Former Arsenal captain Adams is also running the 26.2-mile route for the first time, at the age of 59. He is supporting the charity #TeamForward to raise funds for recovery and rehabilitation services that help people break cycles of addiction and disadvantage, following his own battle.
Other recognisable faces taking part include Game Of Thrones actress Samantha Spiro, who is running in support of Alzheimer’s Research UK, and Harry Clark, winner of season two of The Traitors, who is raising money for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE).
Singer Alexandra Burke is supporting Parkinson UK, while Strictly Come Dancing professional Nikita Kuzmin is running for Diabetes UK.
With a sunny day and temperatures up to 19C forecast in central London on Sunday, participants have been advised to stay hydrated in the days before the marathon and to wear lightweight clothing on the day.
Source: Press Association