The annual event has been moved from its April date to give it the best chance of operating at full capacity

Charities are set for a much-needed funding boost, after it was announced that the London Marathon will take place this autumn.

Organisers confirmed this week that the 2022 TCS London Marathon will take place on Sunday 2 October.

Event director Hugh Brasher confirmed the race has been moved to allow for the "best chances" of a full-capacity event, including crowds.

Shura Kitata won the men's elite race in 2020, while Brigid Kosgei defended her women's title, but there were no crowds or fun runners because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The event delivered millions of pounds for charities from across the UK before the pandemic began.

Brasher said:

“The London Marathon is an extraordinary and unique celebration of the family of humankind coming together. We believe that by moving the 2022 event to October we give ourselves the best chances of welcoming the world to the streets of London, enabling tens of millions to be raised for good causes and giving people the certainty that their hard work and training will allow them to experience the amazing crowds cheering them every step of the way from Greenwich to Westminster.

“We are extremely grateful to the Mayor of London, the London boroughs of Greenwich, Lewisham, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, the City of Westminster and the City of London, Transport for London, The Royal Parks, BBC TV and our many other partners for their support in confirming the 2 October date for 2022.

“For 39 years, the London Marathon has been a spring event and we will return to our traditional slot in the calendar in 2023, when the TCS London Marathon will take place on Sunday 23 April.”