The 43rd and fastest-ever London Marathon is in the rearview mirror and we can take a look back at some of the highlights and more off-beat moments in our post-race review.

The elite men's race was started by world record holder Eliud Kipchoge who saw his course record obliterated by Kenyan countryman (and surely future world record holder) Kelvin Kiptum, who blazed through the second half in an unprecedented 59:45 to go second fastest in history with 2:01:25, as reported in runABC here.

On that amazing finish, Kiptum said: “My plan was not to run that fast. It rained a lot [in the first half] – that was a problem. But the second half was good – no rain.” And on his preparations for London, he revealed: “The training I used in Valencia is the same I used in London. Usually, I do about 200 or 240 [kilometres a week]. For London, I do much longer.”

Former London Marathon champions Ingrid Kristiansen and Catherine McKiernan returned to start the elite women's race and what drama unfolded as the eventual champion – marathon debutante Sifan Hassan (Netherlands) – messed up her drinks stations (twice); stopped and stretched an apparent hip injury (twice), then caught and passed the best female field ever assembled for any marathon to win in sheer disbelief in 2:18:33, as reported in runABC here.

After attempting to gather her senses, Hassan said: “I feel amazing, I feel drained, to come through, but it was amazing. I feel like just now I’ve started believing it, seriously, I’m not lying, I couldn’t believe it. For the first 10, 20 minutes, I couldn’t believe, I’m really happy, I can’t explain, I’m so grateful.”

Meanwhile, it was not a good day at the office for Captain Scarlet. We featured cancer survivor and serial charity fundraiser Lloyd Scott, MBE in runABC South here. Unfortunately, Lloyd felt sick and was physically ill around 11 miles into the race but he battled on to finish in 9:37:06, dressed as his alter-ego Captain Scarlet.

For the 16th consecutive year, Guinness World Records collaborated with the TCS London Marathon to provide verification on the Finish Line at the 2023 event. Among the 73 official Guinness World Record attempts was Radio 1 DJ Adele Roberts, 43, who ran just 18 months post-surgery to remove her bowel following cancer. This was her third London Marathon and she set the GWR for running the fastest marathon with an ileostomy (female) in 3:30:22.

The fastest GWR breaker was Alex Grady dressed as a boxer (2:38:52) and among the oddest was Charlotte Fitton (most underpants worn during a marathon – female) who wore 35 pairs for 4:37:53. However, perhaps the most uncomfortable record setter was Jorden Teunissen (fastest marathon wearing clogs – male) who finished footsore and weary in 7:08:37!

So that's a wrap for 2023, except to refer back to the original London Marathon on 29 March 1981 via the Ever Presents. Of the 42 runners recognised in 1995 as having completed every London Marathon, just seven remain in that exclusive club so take a bow Chris Finill (3:21:00), Michael Pearce (4:20:06), William O'Connor (5:57:59), Malcolm Speake (6:56:16) and Jeffrey Aston (8:08:01). In addition to the five finishers on The Mall (pictured above) David Walker (7:38:39) and Ken Jones (8:54:01) ran the Virtual London Marathon to keep their streak alive.

London Marathon information, previous results, and reports at runABC South race listing here.

Image courtesy the Ever Presents