London Marathon LIVE: Updates, route, best places to watch and full list of celebs running

The is taking place today, with a record-breaking 56,000 runners embarking on the capital to attempt the 26.2mile race. A whole host of celebrities are taking part in the event, which is being staged for the 45th time.

The runners and head east in the direction of Woolwich before making their way north towards the Thames. They then head west past Cutty Sark and up to Tower Bridge before running through Canary Wharf and the city. After travelling along the Victoria Embankment, runners make their way towards Westminster along the north bank of the Thames and past Buckingham Palace before finishing at the Mall.

The elite wheelchair men's and women's races begins at 8.50am, with the elite women's race getting underway at 9.05am. The elite men's race starts at 9.35am, with a mass start following.

Eliud Kipchoge is the favourite to win the men's event after previously tasting victory in the race on four occasions.

Meanwhile, Sifan Hassan and Tigst Assefa are aiming to win the women's race after finishing first and second respectively at last year's Olympic Games.

Express Sport will be on hand with coverage of the London Marathon throughout the day, so follow our live blog below for the latest updates.