The elite women's race gets under way at 0900 BST amid wet conditions and without the injured Paula Radcliffe
Olympic bronze medallist Deena Kastor starts strongly and builds a healthy lead with the aid of two pacemakers
The American takes the tape in a time of 2hrs 19mins 35secs to add to her title in Chicago from last year
Mara Yamauchi, Britain's main challenger in the absence of Radcliffe, puts in a very creditable display and finishes sixth
In the men's event, the pre-race favourite Haile Gebrselassie starts strongly and stays with the leading pack
Kenyan Martin Lel, the defending champion, shows signs of winning again as he takes turns in driving the pace
The leading European challenge, in one of the strongest ever fields, comes from Italian Olympic champion Stefano Baldini
With wins in Rotterdam, Berlin and Chicago, Felix Limo makes an impressive start to his London debut
Lel and Limo break with three miles to go and only a tense sprint finish separates the countrymen at the end
In the men's wheelchair race, a dominant David Weir sets a new course record of 1hr 29mins 48secs
Italian Francesca Porcellato claims her fourth consecutive title in the women's wheelchair race in 1hr 59mins 57secs
With the top athletes' races over, the focus switches to the masses and the celebrities that lead them off
Around 35,000 runners patiently edge their way to the start for what will be one of the most memorable days of their lives
Seasoned charity runner Lloyd Scott is one of the last to get going in his St George and the dragon costume
Katie Austin and Gordon Fryer pause on Tower Bridge to get married before continuing on towards the Docklands
Some competitors opt for minimal running attire as they attempt to complete the course and entertain the crowds
A fan of Queen Elizabeth decides to mark the monarch's 80th birthday in their own unique way
A team of charity runners dress in a very unorthodox outfit so as not to be missed by the spectators and cameras
Despite the enthusiasm of the athletes, it is not all plain sailing with some finding the exertion overwhelming
For the majority though, the day is a success with personal bests set and thousands of pounds raised for charity
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