'Hardest Geezer' Russ Cook joins 50k runners in London Marathon race - just two weeks after completing epic 10,000-mile African odyssey across 16 countries in 352 days

'Hardest Geezer' Russ Cook has today joined the record 50,000 people taking part in the London Marathon - just two weeks after completing his epic 10,000-mile run across the entire length of Africa.

The British runner, 27,  only completed his near year-long challenge - that saw him start in the continent's most southern point, Cape Agulhas in South Africa before crossing the finish line in Ras Angela, Tunisia - on April 7. 

Speaking to the BBC ahead of the race, the bearded red-headed ultra runner joked how he had enjoyed himself by scoffing some pastries over the last couple of weeks so now needed to go 'burn them off'.

Cook, from Worthing in West Sussex, who is taking part in support of the Running Charity, looked to be barely breaking a sweat as he waved to the crowds along the 26.2-mile route. 

He was embraced by loved ones and serenaded by fans chanting 'Geezer, Geezer, Geezer' when he completed his African odyssey earlier his month, before he declared that he wasn't finished with running challenges and may run across north America next.

The epic trek in which he was robbed at gunpoint, held hostage and almost forced to stop the challenge after he was left visaless at the Mauritanian border, took him 352 days to finish and was the equivalent of running 385 marathons. 

Asked by the BBC ahead of the London Marathon what his next challenge would be, Mr Cook hinted he had some 'things in the works' but he was 'just chilling at the minute'. 

He rubbed his stomach as he joked: 'I've enjoyed myself in the last couple of weeks and got the pastries in and pizza in so I need to go burn a little bit of it off.' 

Other famous faces taking part in the London Marathon today include 20 MPs and peers - the most in the event's history - including Chancellor Jeremy Hunt.

Miles of road closures are in place across the city with security railings line the 26.2 mile route, with police lining the roads amid the the threat of disruption from protesters.

There was 30 seconds of applause held before the race begins in memory of last year's elite men's race winner Kelvin Kiptum, who died in a car accident in February at the age of 24.

He set a new London Marathon record of two hours, one minute and 25 seconds last year with his third win, and set a new world record of two hours and 35 seconds in Chicago in October.

Those taking part will be treated to balmy weather of 12C on a dry and bright day as they take on the mammoth task.

Police are on standby amid a threat of potential protests from pro-Palestine and Israel demonstrators - with bosses of the event urging them not to disrupt the Marathon and focus on 'coexistence and togetherness'.

Previously the marathon - which is one of the largest in the world - has been threatened with protests in the past, with Just Stop Oil saying last year it would 'never rule out anything'.

Bosses at the event say measures are in place to protect participants and prevent potential protests.

Last week London Marathon Director, Hugh Brasher, said: 'What we've always tried to do is bring people together. Coexistence and togetherness is what the London Marathon is all about.

'And we hope that message will resonate with anyone who thinks it is a good thing to disrupt the race, because it isn't.'

All four winners of the elite races will receive £44,000, with the runner-up receiving £24,000 and third place £18,000.