2011 Virgin London Marathon: Sir Richard Branson Starting the race

Sir Richard Branson to start the Virgin London Marathon

Sir Richard will drop the starter’s
flag at the ‘blue start’ on Shooters Hill Road in Blackheath to set the
31st London Marathon’s three elite races for men, women and wheelchair
athletes underway. They will be followed by more than 36,000 UK
championships competitors, club runners, joggers, charity fund raisers
and fancy dress costume wearers.

“Once again it’s a great privilege
to be starting this fantastic event,” said Sir Richard, who ran part of
the route in 2010. “I wish everybody in this, the second Virgin London
Marathon the very best of luck with the race.

“After taking part last year I know
what a special event it is. I know the atmosphere will be fantastic and
hope everyone has a wonderful day. The weather looks great and I’m sure
we’ll raise even more money than we did in 2010.”

Meanwhile, 23.2 miles away in Old
Billingsgate, Sir Richard’s daughter Holly will start the Virgin Money
Giving Mini London Marathon together with world and European triple jump
champion Phillips Idowu.

More than 2,500 11-17 year-old boys
and girls representing London Boroughs, English regions and home
countries will compete over the final three miles of the London Marathon
course in the UK’s first official road running championships for young
athletes. There will also be mini wheelchair races for under-14 and
under-17 youngsters.

Twelve months ago Holly Branson,
plus her brother Sam and Princess Beatrice, formed a 34-person human
caterpillar which broke the Guinness World Record for the most linked
runners to complete a marathon course.

Holly Branson said: “The Mini
Marathon is a great event for young runners and a perfect introduction
to distance running. It gives youngsters a first taste of competition
and a chance to experience the thrill of London’s big day. I am
delighted to be involved this year and wish all the runners the best of
luck.”

The full list of official starters and medal presenters for Sunday’s event is below.

The official starters of the Virgin London Marathon on Sunday 17 April will be:

Holly Branson, Sir Richard Branson’s daughter
Phillips Idowu, World and European triple jump champion
08.55              Virgin Mini London Marathon       Old Billingsgate

Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group
09.00              Elite Women             Blue start
09.20              Wheelchair races     Blue start
09.45              Elite Men                   Blue start

Sir Steve Bullock, Mayor of the London Borough of Lewisham
09.45              Mass race                  Green start

Councillor Barbara Barwick, Mayor of the London Borough of Greenwich
09.45              Mass race                  Red start

The medal presenters of the Virgin London Marathon on Sunday 17 April will be:

10.30              Virgin Money Giving Mini               Holly Branson
                        London Marathon                            Phillips Idowu, World and European
                                                                                    triple jump champion

12.15              Virgin London Marathon                John Spurling, Chairman of the
                                                                                    London Marathon
                                                                                    Jayne-Anne Gadhia, Chief
                                                                                    Executive of Virgin Money