London Marathon sets world record for number of finishers

Total surpasses previous record of 55,646 set in New York, and event also broke record for crowd numbers

The London Marathon's organisers have hailed an extraordinary" day in the nation's capital, as the 45th edition beat the world record for number of finishers and attracted record crowds.

By 6.30pm on Sunday evening, the number of finishers had surpassed the previous best of 55,646 for a mass participation race set in New York.