For decades, London Marathon runners have spurned lightweight, breathable gear for fancy dress and this year was no different.

Competitors have donned all manner of bizarre outfits from cans of baked beans and toilet roll over the years.

Others have impersonated the Pope and Charlie Chaplin.

Swiss-born restaurateur Roger Bourban was one of the first to don a costume, wearing a waiter suit and carrying a tray as he completed the marathon in the early 1980s.

This year runners dressed as a shoe, Paddington Bear and Big Ben.

Here are some of the best costumes: