There’s something uniquely electric about the London Marathon. With over 56,000 runners crossing the finish line of the punishing 42-kilometre course, it’s a spectacle that must be seen to be believed.

The day begins with awe as the elite wheelchair athletes blaze through the streets, showcasing phenomenal upper-body strength and determination. Then come the elite men and women runners—extraordinary athletes whose effortless, long strides make 42 km look deceptively easy.

But the heart of the marathon lies with the masses: everyday heroes who’ve secured their place through a fiercely competitive ballot or chosen to run for charity. Each would have trained for months. Some glide through the course, others battle every step—but each runner is an inspiration.