Big Ben struggled to cross the finish line at today’s London Marathon

Tens of thousands of people gathered for the London marathon today.

Eliud Kipchoge won the 2019 edition of the men's race in record time, with Sir Mo Farah coming fifth, while 25-year-old Brigid Kosgei won the women's race - becoming the youngest female winner in history.

Really, though, little of the interest in the marathon is directed at its elite runners, unless they're shitting themselves outside Marble Arch. Most of those watching are there for the masochistic angels. The washing machine-carrying, Big Ben costume-wearing flagellants, usually for sick children or some other worthy cause. That's the appeal. So when this Big Ben-wearing animal, this Leviathan, finished his 26.2 miles it is poetic their achievement was nearly impeded by the very structure of the finish line. So tall was Big Ben's spire, 96 metres if you're interested, it could not finish the marathon without the assistance of a helpful steward, forcing the costume through and bending its owner double in the process. https://twitter.com/JimMFelton/status/1122496810331852801 Ride on you crazy diamond. Run another 26.2 miles, and another 26.2. Nothing can stop your fundraising desire, bar the physical infrastructure of the race you're running.