And among the crowd there are a number of Wirral residents who deserve your support taking part in this year's London Marathon. 

Here is just a selection of their stories, in their own words, ahead of one of the world's most famous races: 

Rob Hillock, Heswall

"Why am I doing it? Well I’m not really sure, I hope I don’t regret it, but mainly I hope to make my family proud of me.

"In my 20s I had a pacemaker fitted. Never thought I’d be able to do this, but pretty sure I can!"

David Ward

"I'm running the London Marathon to raise funds for Children with Cancer UK.

"I've been a regular contributor to Cancer Research after losing my father several years ago.

"For this race I wanted to help those who haven't had the chance to live a life and yet are facing this awful disease."

You can donate by clicking here

Jodi Wickham, Wallasey

"I am running the London Marathon 2019 because of a beautiful little girl called Ava-Grace. 

"Ava-Grace was diagnosed with a rare brain condition called Leukodystrophy, for anybody that may not know about this condition, there is no cure.

"To give you an insight as to how severe this condition is, 2 years ago Ava-Grace was walking and talking.

"She is now approaching her 4th birthday and doesn't have any control over any muscles, currently feeds through a peg and has lost her sight.

"Ever since the diagnosis, a childrens charity called Claire House have been involved and have gone above and beyond for Ava-Grace and her family and will continue to do so for the rest of her life creating lots of special memories and bringing a sense of normalilty back to life."

You can donate by clicking here

Jeni Bowden, Upton

"I’m a 35-year-old nurse from Upton and I’m running the London Marathon for the British Heart Foundation.

"In 2015, my Dad Phil collapsed at home from a massive heart attack.

"I performed CPR on my Dad until the paramedics arrived but sadly he couldn’t be saved and passed away.

"I decided I wanted to start running so I could raise money for the British Heart Foundation, so they could continue their amazing research into heart disease and help prevent other families experiencing what we had.

"So far I’ve run the New York City Marathon three times for the British Heart Foundation raising over £5000.

"This is the first time I will be running London and I’m honoured to have a charity place through the British Heart Foundation.

"I pledged to raise £2000, my fundraising total is currently over £3000.

"Running London will be such a fantastic experience and I know my Dad will be with me every step of the way." 

You can donate by clicking here

Kelly Descombes, New Brighton

"I am running the 2019 London Marathon in aid of Lymphoma Action.

"The loss I felt will never go away after my dad passed away in February 2011 when I was 15 from Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Cancer after a 2 year battle.

"I want to help give something back and help find a cure for those still fighting Lymphoma.

"After already taking part in the Liverpool Rock N Roll Half Marathon, Aintree Half Marathon,Oulton Half Marathon , Oulton Park 20 mile Grand Prix and Liverpool Half Marathon and many other 10k races, London Marathon will be my biggest challenge yet."

You can donate by clicking here

Rachel Brown

"Myself and a team from Mums To Marathons will be running the London Marathon this year.

"I have just turned 50 and this will be my 5th time.

"Mums TO Marathons CIC is a group for complete beginners and helps combat mental health."

Click the gallery above to see more stories from readers.