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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Liam Llewellyn

London Marathon 2021 tracker: How to follow your family and friends as they run race

The annual London Marathon, one of the world's biggest and most famous long-distance running events, will take place this Sunday.

It will take place on its traditional course and for the first time in its history, it will be held in October with up to 40,000 runners - with last year solely working as a 'virtual' event.

There is good news for Marathon spectators as it is now easier than ever to follow your family and friends as they take on the challenge of running 26.2 miles.

Fans can keep an eye on their loved ones using the Virgin Money London Marathon’s official mobile app.

The app is the go-to place for event week and race day information, as well as letting you track particular runners through the race.

The 2021 London Marathon gets underway on Sunday morning (Getty Images)

Split times and finishing positions are updated as the race goes on, with first aid and drinks spots all included on the interactive map.

All the updates are calculated using timing mats each time a runner crosses 5km throughout the race.

"The app basically pulls in all the information from our timing system," said Jason Ochoa from the London Marathon team several years ago.

"That information is based on timing mats that runners cross over after every five kilometers.

"The app extrapolates from pace a rough position of each runner between each five kilometers."

The app also allows you to donate to your chosen charity and features the 'Ones to Watch' segment, where you can keep track of the world's best athletes.

The Android version is available here and the iPhone version here.

However, a little warning before you go crazy on the app: it can be a little draining on your phone battery, so ensure you pull the app back to the homescreen, meaning it will be operating in the background.

It is still advisable to check your phone is fully charged before you leave the house, or consider taking a portable charging device along with you.

Up to 40,000 runners are expected to line the streets of London (Reuters)

If you are unable to get on the app at any time during the marathon, it may be due to overload.

The average time it takes a male to finish the marathon is three hours 48 minutes, while it’s approximately four hours 23 minutes for female runners.

For those who are unable to head down to the course, catch the London Marathon live on BBC One from 10am.

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