This year’s London Marathon will be officially started by The Queen

Today it was announced The Queen will be the official starter for the 2018 London Marathon, which takes place next month.

Perched atop a special podium in front of the Round Tower on the ground of Windsor Castle, dear Liz will push the button at 10am sharp to set 40,000 runners on their merry way.

Live coverage of her digits pushing down will be streamed to big screens at Blackheath, where the 26.2-mile race begins. From there, professional athletes, fancy-dress fundraisers and a sprinkling of celebrity runners will pound the streets of London ending at the finish line at The Mall.

The London Marathon 2018 takes place on Sunday April 22. Check out our winning guide to the race. 

Not quite ready for 26.2 miles? Ease yourself in with one of London’s running groups or try out London’s best alternative fitness classes