Many were tackling 10K for the first time and running as part of a community group, which included KYN Collective, LGBTQIA+ group Les Running Club, plus Runners and Stunners, who inspire new members through prioritising inclusivity over speed.
The final wave of the day was Celebrate You, the campaign that champions body positivity.
Thousands of participants joined founders Bryony Gordon, journalist and author, and Helen Thorn, comedian and author, to complete the famous course that finishes outside Buckingham Palace.
Bryony said: “When we did the first one in 2019, the idea of running to have a good time rather than to get a good time was quite alien, and I think now the wonderful thing is it has become super inclusive and everyone is so welcoming.
“Spectators see so many different shapes and sizes of people out there running and you never know who you will inspire.”
It capped an incredible weekend of activity following the record-breaking action at the Vitality Westminster Mile on Saturday.
Elaine Rayner, Vitality London 10,000 Event Lead, said: “What a weekend. We had more than 27,00 people across both days and today was a real celebration of doing things with your friends and family, and as part of a community.
“It's about getting people out there enjoying it; it doesn't have to be competitive, it might be your first 10K, or your 100th, it was simply a fantastic day.”
Community celebration
Steph Greenstreet and Del Mortty, founders of community run crew KYN Collective, led 50 of their runners through the streets of London.
The pair want to get more people moving and empower them to try things they’ve never done before and find confidence.
Steph, 29, said: “With this community we’re focused on getting new runners to start a race and the Vitality London 10,000 is one of the best races you can do as your first time. It was both of our [Steph and Del’s] first race, and we are really passionate about getting girls to do this.
“We have 50 runners today, 40 of which are new runners and 10 of them who ran it last year for the first time.
“So they mentored the new girls, it is all about passing the baton along and getting new girls to get across the Start Line and encouraging them to do whatever they think they can do in this life.”
KYN Collective runner Som Ezemonye-Agwuegbo, 25, said: “This is my first event, my first-ever race and the furthest I have run to date.
“I love that women are getting involved more and even along the way with women cheering, saying ‘You’ve got this.’”
Fun and games in the Vitality Wellness Festival
The Vitality Wellness Festival in Green Park was packed out with participants and their supporters enjoying fun challenges across movement, wellbeing and refuel zones.
There was free Hotpod Yoga and runners could pay for a massage to kickstart their recovery.
Frances Freeman, 42, from Suffolk, was taking on her first Vitality London 10,000, cheered on by her husband, Rob, and son, Jack.
Frances said: “It was hard work but great fun. There was a great atmosphere out on the course and we’ve enjoyed the activities [in the Vitality Wellness Festival].
“I did the Vitality warm-up this morning, had a wander over to the New Balance area and the bubble and balloon area too.
Jack added: “I’ve enjoyed the activities; my favourite was probably the cycling.”
The family plan to return next year and make a weekend of it by taking on the Vitality Westminster Mile, which takes place every year the day before the 10K.
Cousins Sujal Shah and Tej Shah, from north London, were taking part in their first Vitality London 10,000 as part of a larger family group.
Sujal, 50, said: “It was brilliant, I really enjoyed it. I did better than I thought I would.
“I am a better 5K runner, I never go beyond five, so I am really pleased. The crowds were really good, they cheered us, and the weather has been amazing.”
Tej, 45, added: “It was so nice to see London from a different perspective. I am not much of a runner and I only started training about four weeks ago but it was really good.”
McColgan wins record fourth title
Eilish McColgan won the women’s race in 31:50 to claim a record fourth title.
In the men’s race, Kadar Omar Abdullah won his first Vitality London 10,000, following up on his Big Half triumph just three weeks ago with another strong performance in the capital.
David Weir won the men’s wheelchair race and Claudia Burrough was the first woman across the line. Full reaction is available online.