Protesters Throw Red Powder at London Marathon

Two activists from Youth Demand disrupted the London Marathon by jumping barriers at Tower Bridge and throwing red chalk-based powder paint on the course in front of the men's elite race, calling for a UK trade embargo on Israel and protesting arms sales amid the Gaza conflict. The protesters, Willow Holland and Cristy North, wore 'Youth Demand: Stop Arming Israel' shirts and said direct action was necessary after other protest methods failed. Marathon staff and police quickly removed and arrested them on suspicion of causing a public nuisance. Authorities confirmed the powder was chalk-based and harmless to runners, allowing the elite race to proceed without disruption. The demonstration highlighted concerns about UK arms exports and the humanitarian situation in Gaza, as emphasized by the activists. The action attracted media attention but did not impact the marathon’s progress.