Inspiring members of Team GOSH opened the TCS London Marathon Running Show at ExCeL London this morning.

Great Ormond Street Hospital is the Official Charity of the Year for the 2023 TCS London Marathon and Team GOSH is made up of more than 850 people running for the charity on Sunday (23 April).

Attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony along with Team GOSH participants were Liz Tait, GOSH’s Head of Fundraising, Rifka Noronha, Head of Corporate Affairs for TCS UK and Ireland, and Catherine Anderson, Executive Director of the London Marathon Foundation.

‘Hero runner’ Suzie Yardley, who was at the opening, is running for GOSH in memory of her son Max, who died of a malignant rhabdoid tumour, a rare childhood cancer.

She said: “I’m nervous, excited and everything in between. This is my first marathon and I’m doing it in memory of my son Max. I began running as a coping mechanism to deal with what happened and that, in turn, inspired me to take one step further and see how far I can go.

“I wasn’t a runner, but I am now. This is far cry from running a few minutes on a treadmill. I can’t wait to see my friends and family. I have cheered others on before, but to be on the other side and running will be a once-in-a-lifetime feeling.”

Excitement for Marathon Day was sky-high, with participants queueing in droves to collect their all-important Event Pack, which contains their bib numbers. It is likely there will be a record number of starters at this year’s event, with more than 45,000 people registered.

First in line was Jack Simmonds, 29, from Bedfordshire, who is running for Cancer Research UK.

He said: “I loved it so much last year I had to do it again this year. I couldn’t wait to get my number. I’m already excited for the closing stretch. The atmosphere at Embankment is incredible, so that’s the moment to take your earphones out and take it all in. I think about the stories that have inspired me to run for the final 2km – that’s what gets you over the Finish Line.”

The TCS London Marathon Running Show, which is free to enter, hosts exhibitors and features fun activities for all. A packed programme of talks and interviews on the Centre Stage also delivers important Marathon Day tips and information from elite runners, celebrity guests and industry experts. You can view the line-up here.

Among the many activities to enjoy at this year’s TCS London Marathon Running Show is the London Marathon Foundation stand, where the Foundation will be celebrating reaching the funding milestone of £100 million awarded to projects that inspire activity across the UK.

Catherine Anderson, Executive Director of the London Marathon Foundation, said: “It's so exciting to be here, opening the TCS London Marathon Running Show in the week we announced we've awarded £100 million since the very first London Marathon back in 1981. We can't wait to meet this year's participants at the TCS London Marathon Running Show over the days to come.”

TCS are title sponsors for the London Marathon for a second year. Rifka Noronha, Head of Corporate Affairs for TCS UK and Ireland, said: “It is an incredible feeling to see the marathon participants here today, as they get ready to take to the streets of London this weekend. To be here alongside Great Ormond Street Hospital and the London Marathon Foundation is humbling, with both organisations doing such great work.

“This is TCS’s second year as Title Partner of the TCS London Marathon as we continue to leverage technology to enhance participant experience while inspiring healthier choices in the community. Best of luck to all the participants!”

Every mass participant in this year’s TCS London Marathon, the 43rd edition of the event, must visit the TCS London Marathon Running Show to pick up their Event Pack – but that’s not all.

Visitors can also browse a huge variety of stands from exhibitors in the health and fitness industry – and even book a pre-event massage! – as well as shop the extensive range of official TCS London Marathon kit by New Balance.

In addition, there is a variety of fun activities to enjoy, such as the giant Tumbleator – where people can test their speed against the pace set by the world’s best marathon runners.

Event info and pacing advice

At the information stand, the team from London Marathon Events will be answering Marathon Day questions, while the stand opposite will offer advice about pacing, plus guidance for back-of-the-pack runners and those who’ll complete the event in more than seven hours.

New for 2023!

Want to grab an exclusive signed selfie with Sir Mo Farah, Paula Radcliffe or David Weir? Using augmented reality technology in one of our booths, you can experience meeting one of our London Marathon stars and receive a personal good luck message from them.

Pledge and win a 2024 TCS London Marathon place!

Head to the TCS London Marathon Sustainability Stand to pick a pledge and be part of our #WePledgeTogether digital screen – by pledging, you can also enter a prize draw to be in with a chance of winning a place in the 2024 event.

Wall of Fame

Every participant in the 2023 TCS London Marathon will have their name in print on our giant feature wall. Come and find yours and look in awe at the 45,000 others who will be joining you on Sunday 23 April in celebration of our theme, #WeRunTogether.

Doors close at 17:30 on Saturday 22 April, so if you’re joining us, make sure you don’t miss out!