Were you in London for the Marathon? Send us your photos - see below. 

Hundreds of runners and their supporters from across Oxfordshire were out of bed bright and early yesterday morning as they made their way to London for the 37th London Marathon.

Competitors of all ages and athletic backgrounds saw their painstaking training schedules pay off today as they pounded the 26.2-mile course around the streets of the capital.

Those taking part enjoyed free travel from Oxford Bus Company on the X90 route, as well as from Chiltern Railways.

Runners received a royal send-off as a record number began the feat in Blackheath at 10am.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry joined hands to press the traditional red button which started the elite men's and mass races.

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The royal trio then dropped back to spots along the course to lend their support to the 40,000 competitors pounding the streets of the capital.

William, Kate and Harry champion the official charity of 2017's London Marathon, Heads Together, and earlier met racers competing for their campaign.

Hundreds of police were on duty to keep about 800,000 spectators and runners safe, barely a month after crowds were targeted in the Westminster terror attack.

Oxfordshire runners tackling the course include Headington mum-of-three Karen Holliday, who is planning to complete a total of 10 gruelling races this year to raise money for breast cancer research.

This year will mark the 10th London Marathon that Didcot runner Eileen Naughton has taken part in, fundraising for Children with Cancer charity.

On the other end of the scale are marathon newbies Jade Hewlett, who teaches at Springfield School in Witney and is raising money for a new wheelchair-accessible minibus, as well as Wantage musician Heather Wells who is running for a Methodist housing association.

Organisers said a total of 40,382 people collected their race packs on Saturday, meaning the 37th event is poised to outstrip last year's record of 39,140 competitors.

With an election race in full flow, the annual challenge also fittingly played host to a record number of MPs.

A total of 16 members - five from Labour, nine Conservatives, one independent and one from the SNP - joined the throngs of racers.

As well as the army of amateur runners, Olympic and Paralympic heroes will also make the journey from Blackheath or Greenwich to Buckingham Palace, including Rio gold medallist rowers Heather Stanning and Helen Glover, cyclist Chris Newton and Paralympic rower Pamela Relph.

Sunshine broke over the course as the runners limbered up for the start of the mass race.

William, Kate and Harry said they hope it will be the year of the "mental health marathon", with blue headbands likely to be worn by many competitors this year in support of Heads Together.

Some fundraisers received medals from the royals as they crossed the finish line on The Mall while Harry presented trophies to the top three elites and World Para Athletics Marathon World Cup competitors.

The races started at Blackheath and Greenwich Park from 8.55am and end in the shadow of Buckingham Palace.

Community answers

London Marathon 2017 Oxfordshire

"Are you taking part? Or perhaps you're cheering on a loved one? Send us your pictures and let us know why you are running!"

We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.

From Eileen Naughton

What is your response?10th London Marathon finished in 3:38. No pb this time despite months of training. But the most incredible feeling knowing my running is helping Children With Cancer. Crossing the finish line I was greeted by a parent who spotted her child's name on my vest, she was overjoyed to think I had offered the 26.2 miles up for all the children receiving cancer treatment. Sometimes it's not about what time you achieved more the effect you have on others.

Your pictures

Bicester Advertiser: 10th London Marathon finished in 3:38.No pb this time despite months of training.But the most incredible feeling knowing my running is helping Children With Cancer.Crossing the finish line I was greeted by a parent who spotted her child's name on my vest, she was overjoyed to think I had offered the 26.2 miles up for all the children receiving cancer treatment. Sometimes it's not about what time you achieved more the effect you have on others.10th London Marathon finished in 3:38.No pb this time despite months of training.But the most incredible feeling knowing my running is helping Children With Cancer.Crossing the finish line I was greeted by a parent who spotted her child's name on my vest, she was overjoyed to think I had offered the 26.2 miles up for all the children receiving cancer treatment. Sometimes it's not about what time you achieved more the effect you have on others.
Bicester Advertiser: 10th London Marathon finished in 3:38.No pb this time despite months of training.But the most incredible feeling knowing my running is helping Children With Cancer.Crossing the finish line I was greeted by a parent who spotted her child's name on my vest, she was overjoyed to think I had offered the 26.2 miles up for all the children receiving cancer treatment. Sometimes it's not about what time you achieved more the effect you have on others.10th London Marathon finished in 3:38.No pb this time despite months of training.But the most incredible feeling knowing my running is helping Children With Cancer.Crossing the finish line I was greeted by a parent who spotted her child's name on my vest, she was overjoyed to think I had offered the 26.2 miles up for all the children receiving cancer treatment. Sometimes it's not about what time you achieved more the effect you have on others.

From George Vlachonikolis

What is your response?George Vlachonikolis, Economics teacher at doverbroecks school in North Oxford, completed the London Marathon in 4:21. So far, he has raised £2000+ for the Motor Neuron Diesease Association.