Virgin London Marathon 2010 – Sir Richard Branson to start the Virgin London Marathon

Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson will set 35,500 runners on their way in the first ever Virgin London Marathon tomorrow morning.

Sir Richard will drop the starter’s flag at the ‘blue start’ on Shooters Hill Road in Blackheath to set the 30th London Marathon’s three elite races for men, women and wheelchair athletes underway. They will be followed by more than 35,000 UK championships competitors, club runners, joggers, charity fund raisers and fancy
dress costume wearers.

“It’s a great privilege to be starting this wonderful event,” said Sir Richard, who will also be running part of the route alongside a human caterpillar of 34 people, including his daughter Holly and son Sam, and supporting his own team of Virgin Unite celebrities.

“I wish everybody in the very first Virgin London Marathon the very best of luck with the race,” he said. “I hope everyone participating has a wonderful day. The weather looks great and we're hoping to raise more money than ever before. I hope everyone has a real blast.”

Meanwhile, 23.2 miles away in Old Billingsgate, British international marathon runner Liz Yelling will start the Virgin Mini London Marathon in which more than 2,500 11- 17 year-old boys and girls representing London Boroughs, English regions and home countries will compete over the final three miles of the London Marathon course.

Yelling, the 2006 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, said: “The Mini Marathon is a great event for young runners and a perfect introduction to the main races. It gives youngsters a taste of real competition on the big stage and experience of London’s big day. I am delighted to be involved this year and wish all the runners the
best of luck.”

The official starters of the Virgin London Marathon on Sunday 25 April will be:

Liz Yelling, British international marathon runner
08.55 Virgin Mini London Marathon Old Billingsgate

Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group
09.00 Elite Women Blue start
09.20 Wheelchair races Blue start
09.45 Elite Men Blue start

Sir Steve Bullock, Mayor of the London Borough of Lewisham
09.45 Mass race Green start

Councillor Allan MacCarthy, Mayor of the London Borough of Greenwich
09.45 Mass race Red start

The medal presenters of the Virgin London Marathon on Sunday 25 April will be:
10.30 Virgin Mini London Marathon Liz Yelling, Commonwealth Games bronze medallist
David James, Portsmouth and England goalkeeper

12.15 Virgin London Marathon Boris Johnson, Mayor of London
John Spurling, Chairman of the London Marathon
Jayne-Anne Gadhia, Chief Executive of Virgin Money

 
Nicola Okey