If you’re running the London marathon this Sunday, you’re in good company. Amongst the 35,000 of you taking to our capital’s streets, there are plenty of celebrities joining you for the 26.2 mile challenge.
Here’s a few to look out for.
TV chef Gordon Ramsay will be taking part in his twelfth consecutive London marathon this Sunday. This year he’s raising money for The Scottish Spina Bifida Association.
2. Ed Balls
Shadow chancellor Ed Balls is the first cabinet or shadow cabinet member to compete in the London marathon. He’s running for two charities, Whizz-Kidz and Action for Stammering Children.
3. Will Young
Last year, pop star Will Young finished the London marathon in an impressive 4 hours, 2 minutes. This year he’s aiming to beat that as he raises money for Catch 22.
TV star and model Nell McAndrew is leading the Cancer Research UK team at this year’s London marathon. As the charity’s running ambassador, she’ll be taking part for the sixth time.
Sophie Raworth is an English newsreader and journalist and the main presenter for the BBC News at One. Last year, Sophie ran her first marathon. At 24 miles, she blacked out, leaving her unconscious for 20 minutes. After two hours of care from St’ John Ambulance volunteers, she went on to run the last two miles. This year, she’s raising money for St John Ambulance as a thank you.
6. Alex Reid
Celebrity Big Brother winner and former cage fighter Alex Reid is raising money for the British Heart Foundation after his father suffered a heart attack two years ago. This will be The Reidernator’s first London marathon.
7. Jai McDowall
Last year, Scottish singer Jai McDowall became the fifth winner of Britain’s Got Talent. The current talent show champ will be putting down the mic in favour of a pair of running shoes to raise money for Mencap.
British actress Amanda Mealing is best known for playing Connie Beauchamp in Holby City. Amanda was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2002. She has since made a full recovery. Amanda is running for Breast Cancer Care in memory of her close friend who lost their battle with the disease in 2010.
9. Graham Bell
Former five times Olympian skier, TV presenter, adventurer and journalist Graham Bell is raising money for Nordoff Robbins (UK). Regarded as one of the finest Downhill skiers the UK has ever produced, Graham has set himself the challenging target of completing the marathon in three hours, 45 minutes.
10. Giles Long MBE
Giles Long overcame bone cancer twice as a teenager. He has since gone on to be one of the most successful and well-respected Paralympic swimmers of our time. He’s running the London marathon for Teenager Can Trust as “they fixed me & are doing so for thousands more.”
11. Shaun Dingwall
Actor Shaun Dingwall has had an extensive career in theatre, film and television. Shaun’s running the London marathon to raise funds for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. He’s also running as he’s “always wondered what it felt like to be wrapped up in bacofoil like a Christmas turkey at the end of a 26 mile run.”
12. Mark Heyes
Mark Heyes is a Scottish fashion presenter best known for his appearances on GMTV with Lorraine. This year is his first London marathon. He’s raising money for Retail Trust.
13. James Argent
James Argent is one of the leading starts of the ITV series The Only Way Is Essex. Last year the show took home the YouTube Audience prize at the BAFTA television awards. James is running for Cancer Research UK.
14. James Toseland
James Toseland was a World Superbike Champion at just 23-years-old. Unfortunately, he had to retire from the sport in September 2011 after sustaining an injury to his wrist. James will be running the London marathon alongside his big brother, Simon. The two are raising money for CLIC Sargent.
15. Ivan Masso
After suffering an aneurysm that nearly killed him 18 months ago, British Entrepreneur and financial advisor Ivan Masso decided to take on the London marathon challenge. He’s running for the children’s communication charity I CAN.
Good luck to everyone running. Each and every one of you is a star in our eyes!
Tags: alex reid, amanda mealing, celebrities, celebrity, ed balls, fundraisers, georgie o'kell, giles long MBE, Gordon Ramsay, graham bell, ivan masso, jai mcdowall, james argent, james toseland, London Marathon, london marathon 2012, Nell McAndrew, running, shaun dingwall, sophie raworth, will young