London Marathon

The London Marathon was founded in 1981, during the golden age of mass-participation running. Now 45 years old, it has established itself as a beloved fixture in London, growing from its early editions into a race with genuine character and loyal following.

Kelvin Kiptum etched their name into running history by setting the course record of 2:01:25 in 2023. That time places the London Marathon among the fastest courses in the world — a flat, fast stage where records are not just possible but expected.

Runners come to the London Marathon for one reason: personal bests. The flat, fast course through London has a reputation as a PB factory, with the roads seemingly designed to keep your pace honest and your splits consistent from start to finish.

As one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors, the London Marathon occupies a place in the sport's highest tier. Completing all six Majors earns the coveted Six Star Medal — and for thousands of runners, this race in London is either the beginning or the culmination of that pilgrimage.

Getting into the London Marathon is a race before the race. The entry lottery draws far more applicants than available spots, and the notification email — accepted or rejected — has become an annual ritual that defines the running calendars of thousands.

With over 48,000 finishers, race day transforms London into a celebration of human endurance. The streets fill with runners, spectators, and the electric hum of a city united by the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other. It's less a sporting event than a civic holiday.

The London Marathon is the single largest annual fundraising event on Earth. Since 1981, runners have raised over £1 billion for charity. The ballot system means most runners enter through charity places, creating a unique culture where personal achievement and philanthropy are inseparable.

In 2003, Paula Radcliffe ran 2:15:25 — a women's world record so far ahead of its time that it stood for 16 years. She ran the race essentially alone, pulling away from the men's pacing group in the second half. The time was considered almost superhuman when it was set.

At mile 6, runners pass the Cutty Sark in Greenwich — and the crowd noise bouncing off the enclosed space creates a wall of sound that rivals any stadium. The tight turns around the famous clipper ship have become one of the race's most iconic moments.