The 2022 London Marathon is fast approaching as tens of thousands of people in the capital are gearing up to run the gruelling annual race.
Event organisers have revealed that it's expected around 40,000 people will run the 26.2 mile long course, including some very famous faces who are eager to challenge themselves.
After training and preparing tirelessly for months, thousands of running enthusiasts and a selection of celebrities are set to take their places at the start of the circuit. Trekking around the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, The London Eye and Buckingham Palace, runners can expect to see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks en route to the finish line.
Rallying public support and charitable donations by documenting their journey on social media, celebrities from all walks of life including Mark Wright, Greg O'Shea, and Harry Judd, are just a few names who will join the crowds this year.
Here, we take a look at the stars who are set to take part in the 2022 London Marathon.
Mark Wright
He was forced to pull out of last year's London Marathon after he suffered a tear in his calf muscle.
But Mark Wright, 35, will be back in action next weekend as he's set to run the 26.2 mile circuit.
The former TOWIE star has admitted that he's 'nervous' he could get injured again ahead of this year's race.
Mark, who is running this year's marathon with FLORA for its Get Towns Active campaign, admitted he was 'devastated' last year when he had to pull out after suffering his injury.
"At the time, it was devastating. I had done quite a bit of training and I was really looking forward to it and I went on the day and saw the atmosphere," he told The Mirror.
"I am nervous about getting injured every time I go out for a run or when I do a session. I'm nervous that I'm going to get injured."
Tyler West
Strictly Come Dancing star Tyler Wes, who presents on Kiss FM, recently shared his health condition on Instagram while talking about his plans to run the London Marathon this year, in support of charity UK Youth.
Tyler, 26, encouraged other marathon runners, saying: "Don't feel under pressure, you'll see me at the back, having an asthma attack, breathing like a pug."
He also revealed how he was struggling ahead of the show prep, joking: "I am SO gassed to be joining the Strictly family. As I started writing this, I already got cramp. It's going to be one crazy incredible journey which will no doubt be SO far outside my comfort zone."
The fit star has been juggling training for both the marathon and Strictly Come Dancing at the same time after recently cycling over 500km in 24hrs in aid of UK Youth.
Greg O'Shea
Love Island 2019 champion Greg O'Shea is also set to take part in this year's marathon.
The former reality TV star and rugby is no stranger to intense exercise however after he competed in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
Greg, who won Love Island alongside ex-flame Amber Gill, 25, will run the marathon to support the work of Alzheimer’s Research UK and he's hoping to raise £10,000 for vital dementia research to support the search for breakthrough dementia treatments.
The Irish star is hoping to do his late grandmother proud by raising vital funds for the charity.
"The money I raise will support their research into the early detection of diseases like Alzheimer’s. If we can catch these diseases earlier, we give ourselves the best chance of developing effective treatments. My hope is that families don’t have to struggle like mine did," he told.
Cynthia Erivo
Renowned singer, songwriter and guest judge on BBC ’s Strictly Come Dancing, Cynthia Erivo is another famous face joining the London Marathon on October 2.
Erivo, 35, knows what it takes to complete a marathon, having run the TCS New York City Marathon in 2016 – but this will be the first time she has tackled her home-town marathon.
The singer won a Tony Award in 2016 for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Celie Harris Johnson in The Color Purple and a Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album the following year.
She was also nominated for both Golden Globe and Academy Awards for her portrayal of American abolitionist Harriet Tubman in the film Harriet.
Harry Judd
Harry Judd is hoping that he can challenge himself by running the 26.2 mile race on October 2.
The former McFly singer, 36, is no stranger to pushing himself out of his comfort zone, having won Strictly Come Dancing back in 2011 after admitting that he had 'not one rhythmic bone in his body'.
The singer previously ran the annual marathon back in 2014, but admitted afterwards that it was 'too much for his heart to take'.
While he was training for the gruelling race, Harry discovered that he had an irregular heartbeat.
"I remember that after interval training, which is really tough, my heart sometimes felt like it was bursting out of my chest," he told The Mirror. "If I do take on another marathon challenge, I will start training a lot earlier and do it a lot more gradually."
Harry is back in action this weekend, and he's prepared himself better this time around.
Sam Bird
British professional racing driver Sam Bird is also gearing up to take part in the annual race.
The 35-year-old star currently drives for Jaguar TCS Racing in the FIA Formula E World Championship.
Sam is hoping that his racing experience translates when he's on the ground too as he gears up for the gruelling 26.2 circuit.
Chris Evans
Chris Evans is back again to run the London Marathon after taking part last year.
The TV presenter and radio DJ, 41, is hoping that he can raise as much money for charity as possible before taking part in the race this weekend.
It will mark the eighth time Chris has taken part in the London Marathon, including 2020's virtual event.
In 2019, he ran in aid of Dementia Revolution and aimed to beat his 2016 best time of four hours 39 minutes. However, he just missed out finishing after four hours and 48 minutes.
Stephen Mangan
Acclaimed film and TV star Stephen Mangan will also be on the Start Line.
Mangan, 54, who has most recently appeared in BBC drama The Split and provided the voice of the eponymous character in Postman Pat: The Movie, will be raising money for Marie Curie.
Stephen has admitted that his preparation has been somewhat unorthodox, including dodging poisonous snakes in northern Australia, but he says he loves running for the headspace it provides.
He's hoping to beat his previous time, set back in 1999, of 3 hours and 33 minutes.
Helen Thorn
Award-winning comedian, podcaster and author Helen Thorn is hoping that she can push herself to finish the marathon in ample time.
The star is London Marathon to raise money for Gingerbread - a charity which provides vital support and advice to single parents, and helps them get through the toughest times.
"When I suddenly became single in 2020, I was scared about this unknown life ahead of me and felt very lonely," Helen penned on her GoFundMe page.
"Gingerbread, was there for me, providing essential information and guidance. Through their helpline, forum and friendship groups, they also connect fellow single parents, which is so important, especially in the beginning.
"This amazing charity wants a society in which single parent families are treated equally and fairly."
