marathon. it was back. the london marathon. it was back. the london marathon finally _ marathon. it was back. the london marathon finally under _ marathon. it was back. the london marathon finally under way. - over 36,000 began, a little down on recent years, but a great street—filling expression of normal. our annual view returned of everyday people taking on the extraordinary. of course, there are those who make the distance appears simple. marcel hug of switzerland out on his own in the men�*s wheelchair race, winning in a course—record time. but now have a look at this sprint finish. that�*s david weir in the grey helmet, taking third place in yet another london marathon, looking as committed as ever — although retirement, he admitted, had been on his mind. it is my 22nd in a row, i don�*t know how many more i will do. it must be a record for me to keep on going. manuela schar, the other swiss star, was a clear winner, breaking her own course record. the weather was kind — cool, dry and still. for all the elite, that meant quick.