Are records going to be broken? Prior to Sunday’s London Marathon this year, the big question is: “That?”
Following an announcement in January, race director Hugh Brasher declared that the 45th edition of the race had “the greatest elite fields in the history of the London Marathon.”
The women’s race still features the second and third fastest athletes of all time, despite Ruth Chepngetich’s 2024 champion and Peres Jepchirchir’s late withdrawal.
Sifan Hassan, one of four reigning Olympic and Paralympic marathon champions in this year’s competition, is one of them. She makes her debut in 2023 with a remarkable comeback victory.
Eliud Kipchoge, the record-holder for the men’s half marathon, and Jacob Kiplimo, the fastest man in history, will lead the pack in the men’s race.
Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner, the world’s and course record-holders, compete in the elite wheelchair competitions.
Who will prevail, and will they also receive a lucrative bonus and a piece of history?
London Marathon
On iPlayer, watch
“The most fascinating debut I’ve ever had”
Could a debutant be the one who shines in a top men’s race with ten competitors who have completed a marathon in less than two hours and five minutes?
Kiplimo, 24, who ran a half marathon in under 57 minutes in Barcelona in 56:42, breaking the previous record by 48 seconds, was the first ever to do so in less than 57 minutes.
After Kipchoge demonstrated that was possible in controlled conditions in 2019, many people were persuaded by his performance that he could break the two-hour barrier in a competitive marathon.
According to Brasher, “I believe this will be the most fascinating debut ever.”
“Is he a potential athlete who can run in less than two hours?” Yes. But wait, see what happens on Sunday.
Kiplimo told BBC Sport, “I’ve seen a lot of people saying I’ll be the one to run in less than two hours.” It will be about how my body will feel on Sunday.
Distance runner legend and two-time Olympia champion Kipchoge, whose official personal best is 2:01:09, will compete alongside Kiplimo.
The Kenyan, who won his fourth race in London last year, claimed he can “absolutely win again” and believes a sub-two hour marathon will not be far away.
The only thing people should do is to dare to try, to be daredevil, and to be entertained. I’ve shown them how to create history. “I believe we will look at someone who is running under two hours,” said Kapchoge.
The 40-year-old added that he still wanted to “run some races” “before the end of his career,” adding, “I am still hungry to inspire someone somewhere.” I have a strong desire to work out every day, promote and inspire others, and inspire them to make the world a running place.
Alexander Mutiso Munyao, 28, who is currently competing for the title, said he was “happy running with the strongest field ever” with Olympic champion Tamirat Tola and Sabastian Sawe, both of whom are present.
Hassan and Assefa rekindle their rivalry
Hopes for a new women’s record are far from over with the absence of Chepngetich and Jepchirchir, but Tigst Assefa and Hassan’s presence on the start line means that.
Jepchir’s 2024 London winning time of 2: 16: 16, which also serves as the women’s-only world record, is the only time the elite women compete separately in London. Hassan and Assefa both ran more quickly than that.
Assefa from Ethiopia set the record for the mixed world championships in Berlin in 2023 by running in 2:11:53, suggesting a similar result might be possible this year.
She said, “I ran a half marathon in December, and that was a test.”
Images courtesy of Getty
Hassan’s involvement is never dull, though.
Despite stopping at the side of the road to stretch out a hip injury as her rivals ran away from her, the 32-year-old Dutchwoman still clocked 2: 18: 33 for her first race in London two years ago.
Hassan won bronze medals in the 5, 000m and 10,000m track events last summer in a similarly dramatic way, appearing to have lost her composure before battling past Assefa in a spectacular sprint finish.
Her personal best of 2: 13: 44, set at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, places her third place among all-time’s fastest female marathoners, and she mentioned earlier this year that only Chepngetich could surpass.
She said, “In the marathon, you will push, whether you like it or not,” in a statement from Friday. You learn to push by running a marathon.
Who will take the helm of the British challenge?
Mahamed Mahamed and Philip Sesemann, the third and fifth-fastest British marathon runners ever, will hope to excel in Emile Cairess’ injury-affected absence.
The 27-year-old Mahamed, who finished fourth behind Cairess last year, said: “You always want to push yourself to the next level.” A medal will arrive as soon as it is received. Anything can happen at that time.
Images courtesy of Getty
Eilish McColgan makes her marathon debut in 2023 as a result of an injury.
The Scot, 34, is on the lookout for Steph Twell’s Scottish record, which is 2: 26: 40, while mother Liz’s personal best is 2: 26: 52.
The Scottish record is a little quicker, and they would be loose goals, McColgan said to BBC Sport.
“I would love to be the best British home and be a little more competitive in one of the strongest female marathon running fields ever.”
Charlotte Purdue, Rose Harvey, and Phily Bowden, who have all previously run under 2:26, join her on the elite start line.
Two men are accused of carrying out the disputed region’s most deadly attack on civilians in nearly two decades, and two soldiers in Indian-administered Kashmir have destroyed their homes.
The Resistance Front (TRF), a branch of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LET), are reportedly the attackers’ members, according to police. Pakistan rejects the claim.
Indian security forces are also conducting a massive manhunt for the suspects in Tuesday’s massacre of 26 men in Pahalgam.
Authorities have released wanted poster images of two Pakistanis identified as Ali Bhai and Hashim Musa as well as three suspected Kashmiri rebels Adil Hussain Thokar. Additionally, they are looking for another suspected rebel, Ashif Sheikh.
A police officer and their relatives reported that the two suspected rebels’ families had been taken into custody for questioning as well.
Sheikh’s sister Yasmeena reported late on Thursday night when soldiers cordoned off the street in the southern Tral neighborhood of Kashmir.
Yasmeena, who gave only one name, claimed that “one soldier climbed over the mud compound wall of our home.”
“The house was destroyed by a large, terrifying explosion after some time.” She claimed that no one was present at the time because everything inside had been destroyed.
Early on Friday, according to a police officer, soldiers also destroyed Thokar’s family home in the nearby Bijbehara region in the same way.
The officer, who was not authorized to speak to the media, told AFP news agency that “Both [suspected rebels] have been active for three to four years and are members of TRF, which is an offshoot of LeT.
The officer continued, “They are wanted militants [rebels] who have attacked security forces before and also.”
Virginia Giuffre, 41, accused Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein of sexual abuse, and her family has reported that she passed away by suicide.
One of Epstein’s and his ex-partner Ghislaine Maxwell’s most well-known victims was Giuffre, one of whom was most well known. Prince Andrew has consistently refuted Prince Andrew’s claim that she was trafficked to the Duke of York when she was 17 years old.
She had been residing in Western Australia for a number of years before her death, according to her family, who said she passed away on Friday.
Virginia fought ferociously against sex trafficking and sexual abuse. She provided so many survivors with the light that was needed, the family said in a statement. She “shaoned so brightly despite the hardships she endured throughout her life.” She will be greatly missed.
Late on Friday, police in Western Australia reported being called to a home in Neergabby, a rural area on the outskirts of Perth. Unnamed woman, 41, passed away, and attempts to revive her were unsuccessful, they said. No suspicious activity is suspected.
Giuffre, a woman who was born in North Perth, had been living in the area with her husband Robert and their two children. However, recent reports suggested the couple had split after 22 years of marriage.
Giuffre claimed she had sustained serious injuries in a car accident three weeks ago on Instagram. Later, her family claimed that she had no intention of making the post public, and that the severity of the incident was disputed by local police.
In accordance with court records released in 2019, Giuffre and Maxwell allegedly met while working as a spa attendant at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida in the early 2000s.
She spent time with Epstein and Maxwell, traveling between his Palm Beach and Manhattan between his homes, and visiting his private island, Little Saint James, his ranch in New Mexico, and between 2000 and 2002.
Giuffre allegedly met Prince Andrew at this time. In Maxwell’s London townhouse, in a notorious photo taken in March 2001, she was standing next to Andrew and holding his arm around her bare midriff.
Giuffre was one of the first voices to call for the prosecution of Epstein. Authorities claim he committed suicide in his New York prison cell a few weeks after being charged with sex trafficking in July 2019.
Ghislaine Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence in Florida after being found guilty of assisting Epstein’s abuse of teenage girls.
Giuffre settled a lawsuit against Prince Andrew in 2022, which is reportedly worth $12 million, without the prince releasing any evidence of his guilt. The prince has consistently refuted the allegations.
Donald Trump, the president of the US, promised to make all of the details of the case known, including the names of prominent associates. No significant revelations were made during the release of the first batch of files in February. Trump has been designated as an Epstein associate.
When he competes in the 2025 London Marathon, British Special Olympics athlete Angus Leckonby tries to become the youngest and fastest man with an intellectual disability to finish a marathon.
Each year, Britain’s Got Talent introduce us to fresh faces, raw talent, and some unforgettable performances. Take a look back at some of the most memorable child acts – and see what they’ve achieved since
Britain’s Got Talent’s audition phase has officially wrapped as the first round of the live semi-finals is set to kick off tonight.
The audition process showed off some incredible talent – some of the most impressive coming from the youngsters with Teddy Magic, Olly Pearson, Maya Giotea as the standout child stars of the series. And as judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and KSI set out to find the next Royal Variety Performance act, fans will be poised to see which child star shines brightest this year.
The ITV series has introduced audiences to some incredible young talent over the years, but where are the talent series’ biggest child stars now? The Mirror takes a look at what some of the show’s famous faces have been up to since rising to stardom – from unrecognisable transformations, to contestants rocked by tragedy.
Sarah Ikumu
Sarah gave a powerful performance on the show – and received the golden buzzer(Image: PA)
Sarah, then 15, captivated the judges and the audience with her rendition of Jennifer Hudson’s And I Am Telling You, which resulted in Simon Cowell pressing the Golden Buzzer. Later in the series, she was knocked out after a viewer vote – but the judges decided to use the Wild Card to get her into the finals, where she came third.
Since finishing the show, Sarah has gone on to perform for many high end brands such as Vogue, and AP Swiss Watch. She also had the opportunity to sing for Bulgari in Dubai, which she said was an incredible experience, saying: “It looked like a magical show. I felt like a princess.”
Article continues below
Fans can look forward to hearing new music from Sarah(Image: @sarahikumu/Instagram)
Sarah told The Mirror that while she initially struggled to find her sound, she believes she is close to finding her path. “I’m definitely switching it up, I think that’s also another realisation I’ve had is like, I don’t need to put myself in a box. That’s the joy of not being signed. Like you can do whatever you want.”
This year, she confirmed she will be releasing more songs, and said fans might be shocked by her different sound. But, she did recently posted a video of herself singing the very same single that earned her the Golden Buzzer.
Bars and Melody
Bars and Melody’s BGT audition remains the second most viewed on the Britain’s Got Talent YouTube channel(Image: Thames/REX/Shutterstock)
Bars and Melody (Leondre Devries) and Melody (Charlie Lenehan) auditioned for the show with their cover of Hope by Twista and Faith Evans – but they put their own spin on the song, with Leondre including a rap with a strong anti bullying message. Their performance led Simon to press the Golden Buzzer, and the pair ultimately finished the competition in third place. Their cover remains the second most-viewed audition on the BGT Youtube, with 254 million views.
The pair recently announced their split(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
After the show, the duo signed a record deal with Simon’s record label and their debut single, Hopeful, reached number 5 in the UK singles chart. Since then, they have gained a solid fan base, releasing multiple albums and touring worldwide.
However in July 2024, the pair announced their split, stating that they would like to finish on a high, and are set to release their final album, along with an ’emotional’ last tour. Speaking in an emotional video, the pair said: “Hey everyone, it’s been an incredible journey and we’re thankful we shared it with you.”
They added: “But now it’s time for one last adventure together,” before announcing their final tour.
Jack Carroll
Jack’s comedy act won over the BGT audience(Image: Ken McKay/Thames/REX/Shutterstock)
Jack Caroll appeared on the Britain’s Got Talents stage in 2013, instantly winning over the judges and audience with his self-deprecating humour and sharp wit. His stand-up comedy saw him finish in second place – but, even before the show, Jack had come to public attention when he was awarded the Pride of Britain award for Teenager of Courage.
Jack is still cracking jokes to this day(Image: BBC / Tiger Aspect & Testmouse Productions Ltd / Sam Ward)
Since leaving the show, he has continued his comedy career, appearing on shows such as Live at the Apollo. Jack also went on to co-write and star in a BBC comedy called Mobility, which won a BAFTA for short film.
The talented youngster has now ventured out to acting, appearing in various television shows including Doctors and Coronation Street, for which he was shortlisted for best newcomer at the Inside Soap Awards 2024, for his role as Bobby.
Ronan Parke
Ronan earned himself a standing ovation after his powerful performance(Image: Ken McKay / Rex Features)
Ronan auditioned on the show at just 11 years old, earning a standing ovation from both the judges and the audience for his rendition of Feeling Good. He later finished the competition in second place.
After the show, he signed a record deal with Sony music and released his debut album Ronan Parke. In May 2012, it was reported that Sony had dropped him – but he went on to deny those claims, stating he had chosen to leave. He has continued to release music over the years, and has even dabbled in pantomime.
Ronan is now unrecognisable from his time on the show(Image: @ronanparke121/Instagram)
These days, he regularly updating his Instagram with life updates, posting photos of himself, friends, and family. And it appears he has moved on from his singing career; Ronan was recently photographed arriving for work at a top London restaurant, dressed in his hospitality uniform.
Natalie Okri
Natalie wowed the audience with her performance of Alicia Key’s No One (Image: Britain’s Got Talent/Youtube)
Natalie was just 10-years-old when she auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent, performing the hit Alicia Keys track, No One. Her rendition has gained 129 million views on YouTube, and it remains the 5th most-viewed clip on the BGT channel. She made it up to the semi finals of competition.
Natalie told The Mirror the pressure she has felt with remaining the 5th most watched clip. “The pressure is that I’m trying to top what I did as a 10-year-old, trying to get my music heard by those 129 million people. And, it’s not easy, so now it’s just trying to reach all of those people,” she said.
Natalie has continued to make music(Image: Instagram)
Talented Natalie made it all the way to the semi-finals and she has gone on to make music with UK artists including Sneakbo and Darkoo. Natalie told us the show didn’t shape her as an artist, but it did give her a wider platform, making her talent wide known.
While the show helped people recognise her name, she faced some challenges on the show. “The song I was meant to do for the semi-finals, they changed it on the day last minute and the song I’d been practicing for, which was Superstar, was meant to have dancers and they just scrapped the dancers on the day,” she revealed.
Another challenge she still faces is separating herself from the girl from Britain’s Got Talent and just being Natalie Okri, the artist.
Just recently, she decided to take down some of her songs – and has released a new single, Blessing. Natalie has spoken about the importance of ensuring all her music is clean and delivers a positive message to reflect her relationship with Christ, which fans can expect to here in her upcoming singles.
Shaheen Jafargholi
Shaheen auditioned at 12 years old, stunning the judges with his take on ‘Who’s Loving You?’, inspired by The Jackson 5’s version. He finished in fifth place – but his journey didn’t end there. Shortly after the show, he was approached by Michael Jackson’s team and invited to perform at Jackson’s public memorial. He later learned that Michael had seen his audition before his passing and had wanted to work with him.
Shaheen impressed the judges with his wide vocal range (Image: Ken McKay/REX/Shutterstock)
Over the years, Shaheen has transitioned across to acting, securing roles in TV series like EastEnders, in which his character, Shakil Kazemi, was a victim of knife crime. More recently, he has appeared in BBC’s Lost Boys and Fairies.
Shaheen has gone on to try his hand at acting(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Aidan Davies
Aidan showcased his incredible talent for dancing (Image: Ken McKay)
Aidan was 12 years old at the time of his audition on BGT, when he impressed the judges with his dance routine to Flo Rida’s Low. Judge Simon Cowell was full of praise for the youngster, saying: “I think you’re better than any dancer on this show, you are super, super, super talented.” Aidan made it all the way to the finals, impressing most of the judges – although Simon did criticise one of his dances, saying it wasn’t as strong as previous performances, leaving Aidan in tears. Simon later admitted he regretted making him emotional.
After the show, Aidan performed with other finalists on theBritain’s Got Talent – The Live Tour 2009, and he stayed booked and busy for the whole year, appearing in ads and giving a number of performances across the country.
Aidan has gone on to develop a passion for fitness(Image: Instagram)
In 2012, Aidan debuted the music video for his song Let’s Dance, in which he also raps, and he has since gone on to release more songs on his YouTube channel.
More recently, Aidan has decided to dedicate himself to fitness, although he continues to make music, with his most recent track being released in May 2024. He is now also the proud dad to a baby girl named Poppy.
Hollie Steel
Hollie left viewers stunned with her strong performance (Image: Ken McKay/Rex Features)
Hollie was just 10 years old when she auditioned for BGT. She initially started her performance with some ballet dancing, which confused the judges, but then she started singing – and left everyone stunned.
During the live semi-finals, she suffered a panic attack on stage. And while it seemed that would be the end of her journey, Simon did something he had never done before and allowed her to restart her performance, which led her to advancing to the finals.
Now all grown up, Hollie regularly enjoys exploring the world(Image: @missholliesteel/Instagram)
After the show, Hollie decided to undergo therapy in order to overcome her stage fright, and she has since performed in huge spaces like New York’s Carnegie Hall and on cruise ships. To date, she has released three albums.
In her personal life, she enjoys travelling and often updates her Instagram profile with colourful holiday posts. In December 2024, she announced she was engaged to her partner.
George Sampson (2008)
George Sampson during his electrifying Singing In The Rain performance(Image: Ken McKay/REX/Shutterstock)
George was just 14 years old when he won the second season of Britain’s Got Talent with his street dancing – just 12 months after he auditioned for the first season but didn’t make it through.
Following his win, he also went on to showcase his vocal talent with his debut song, Get Up On The Dance Floor/Headz Up. Doctors last warned him that returning to the dance floor may not be possible due to health concerns, but he has not allowed that to get in the way of his career.
George continues to impress his fans(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
George decided to branch out into the world of acting, and secured roles in shows such as Waterloo Road and The Dumping Ground. He has also dabbled in pantomime.
Recently, he posted a video revisiting one of his iconic moves – swinging from a lamp post. These days, it appears the BGT winner earns a living from Twitch, a streaming platform and calls himself a “Gamer/Nerd” on his Instagram bio.
Connie Talbot (2007)
Connie stole hearts with her performance of Over the Rainbow(Image: Ken McKay/REX/Shutterstock)
Connie was one of the youngest contestants to ever appear on BGT, auditioning at just six years old when she sang Over the Rainbow – a performance that left Amanda Holden in tears and earned her international press coverage.
Article continues below
After her success on the show, Connie signed with Rainbow Recording Company, releasing her debut album, Over The Rainbow, which went on to sell over 250,000 copies worldwide and hit number 1 in three countries. She also broke two Guinness World Records, including one for being the youngest artist to have a number one in America.
Connie is still making waves in the music industry
The host of BBC Breakfast, Louise Minchin, has spoken candidly about her favorite interview, her time on the red sofa, and how running has helped her mental health.
Louise has been producing BBC Breakfast for over 20 years and is currently embarking on another adventure.
Louise Minchin might have swapped the famous red sofa on BBC Breakfast for her running shoes, but she’s back on the small screen and loving it.
The 56-year-old journalist, who ran the London Landmarks Half Marathon with daughter Mia recently (she shares Mia, 23, and Scarlett, 19, with husband of 25 years David), woke up the nation for over 20 years on BBC Breakfast, until she stepped down in 2021. But the broadcaster is as busy as ever – smashing fitness goals and appearing on Morning Live, as well as co-presenting iconic consumer show Rip-Off Britain, taking over from show stalwart Angela Rippon. Here, talking exclusively to new, Louise opens up about mental health, marathon life – and the next adventure on her bucket list…
Louise and her daughter enjoy running.
With three mini-treatments and a free eye mask, enjoy up to 68% off a luxurious spa day.
How are you, Louise? You spent 20 years hosting BBC Breakfast. Do you miss those early-morning starts?
I’m great, thanks. And no, I do not miss those early starts! I do miss the team, though. But I’m now on Morning Live and another show, so it’s nice being part of a new team, too.
Continue reading the article.
What was the highlight of your BBC Breakfast appearance?
Definitely the week we did called Wake Up To Menopause. It was before menopause became a bigger conversation – before Davina McCall really brought it into the spotlight. The response was incredible, and I’m really proud of that.
Was there a time in your career when you felt completely at ease?
Yes, Gladiators is producing a celebrity episode! Even though I’ve worked in television for years, television sets typically appear smaller. However, Gladiators? What had I done as soon as I entered the room? It was utterly terrifying and massive. but also a unique experience. One of my favorite moments at work was having it.
On BBC Breakfast, Louise was a presenter.
You interviewed a lot of famous people. Who has always been your favorite?
Absolutely fantastic, George Clooney. I was late, though, which is funny! George was my fault because I never would have arrived late, but it was the Tube. Even though I detest crowded lifts, I was rushing to get the lift. However, George saved the day by holding that lift, which meant we both ended up late. The chat itself? It was fantastic, of course. George is essentially a Clooney flip.
What does a typical weekend with the family look like when not watching TV?
We’ll honestly just do something simple together, like a swim or a pub lunch. I’ve got two dogs, and they’re great at the pub now, because they’ve been there so often! We do enjoy a nice lunch together. It’s just about relaxing and having fun as a family.
You enjoy running a lot. Does that aid both physically and mentally?
Hugely. Especially when I was on BBC Breakfast – there was a lot of pressure. Running gave me that time out. At first, my mind was racing, but over the years, running became my switch-off. Now, I don’t worry when I run. It’s helped so much with stress, I’d recommend it to everyone.
On April 6, 2025, Louise Minchin will compete in the London, England, landmark half marathon at Trafalgar Square.
Then, how did you start running?
I actually stopped playing sports when I was 15 because I was once a good swimmer. Then, for a long time, I didn’t do much. In 2012, I completed a challenge for BBC Breakfast, and I recovered. I hadn’t competed in a velodrome race in probably 30 years, and it was a bike race. And then I realized how incredible it was to me, you know, that it brought that excitement and adrenaline, so I resumed triathlon, which is obviously required of triathletes as well.
How does your daughter Mia keep running?
When we compete, we always run together. She is a 23-year-old woman who is undoubtedly a better runner than I am. But I bring resilience where she has ability. We excel at pushing one another, such as “Come on, just 1K more” or “Let’s get to that point.” Working together is brilliant. I don’t believe I could run right now without her. We make an effort to start and finish the conversation together.
What has been your biggest fitness challenge to date?
I did a triathlon called Patagonman – which is supposedly, and probably is, the toughest triathlon in the world. You swim 3.8 kilometres, jumping off a ferry in the dark. Then cycle 180 kilometres, which is 112 miles, and finish by running a marathon. It took me about 16 hours to complete.
Since 1998, Louise and her husband Dan have been together.
Any harrowing or embarrassing running tales?
I’m in a million, gosh! I ran onto the run course with my bike helmet still on during one of the most embarrassing triathlons ever! That made me cry. In the middle of a triathlon, I also fell off my bike in Liverpool. It was dramatic, to be honest.
What fitness myth do you wish more people disbelieve?
that you must constantly strive for “personal bests.” I simply enjoy running. That’s what I want people to know: fitness is universal, and it doesn’t need to be competitive or performative.
What day would be ideal for a relaxing vacation?
Oh, I think my favourite kind of rest is being at home, hopping in a nice bubble bath, and watching something on Netflix.
And what’s on your bucket list for the upcoming big adventure?
I want to start doing more long-distance running, particularly in the Lake District. That challenge is something I’m really looking forward to!
Continue reading the article.
Visit llhm for more information about the London Landmarks Half Marathon. . uk/pre-register-half
