London Marathon

The London Marathon is an annual road running event that ranks among the most prestigious long-distance races on the planet. Held each spring, typically in April, the race draws tens of thousands of participants, from elite athletes chasing world records to first-time marathoners raising money for charity. The largely flat course begins in Greenwich Park, passes landmarks such as Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf, and finishes on The Mall near Buckingham Palace. The event is organized by London Marathon Events Limited and has been sponsored by TCS since 2021, following a long partnership with Virgin Money.

What sets the London Marathon apart is its extraordinary charitable impact. Since its founding in 1981, participants have raised over £1.4 billion for thousands of causes. In 2025 alone, the event generated £87 million in charitable donations, the highest single-day fundraising total in the world. The race also features elite wheelchair divisions, which have been part of the event since 1983, and a mass participation field that in 2026 saw a record 59,830 finishers. Entry is highly sought after; the general ballot for 2027 attracted over 1.3 million applications for a success rate below 3%.

The London Marathon is one of the six World Marathon Majors, alongside events in Boston, New York, Chicago, Berlin, and Tokyo. It is broadcast in over 196 countries and watched by millions on the BBC in the UK. The event has evolved significantly over the decades, with plans to expand to a two-day format in 2027 to accommodate growing demand, splitting the men's and women's elite races across two days and allowing over 100,000 participants to take part. [edit]

The London Marathon was conceived in 1979 after Chris Brasher, a former Olympic steeplechase gold medalist, ran the New York City Marathon and was inspired by its festive, community atmosphere. He wrote an article for the Observer asking if London could stage such an event, and the response was overwhelming. Along with fellow Olympian John Disley, Brasher secured a three-year sponsorship deal with Gillette for £75,000 and established the race as a charitable trust. The first London Marathon took place on March 29, 1981, with 7,747 entrants accepted from over 20,000 applicants, and 6,255 finishers. Americans Dick Beardsley and Norwegian Inge Simonsen famously crossed the finish line hand in hand, tying for first place in the men's race, while Joyce Smith won the women's race in a British record time.

From the start, the event grew rapidly. Wheelchair races were introduced in 1983. By the 1990s, the marathon had become a fixture of the British sporting calendar, attracting world-class fields and record participation. In 2003, Paula Radcliffe set a women's world record of 2:15:25, a mark that still stands as the course record. The race's charitable fundraising became a defining feature, with millions raised annually. In 2016, the one millionth finisher crossed the line. The event has been part of the World Marathon Majors series since its inception in 2006, and in 2026, Sabastian Sawe became the first man to break the two-hour barrier in the London Marathon, running 1:59:30.

The London Marathon has continually innovated. In 2027, the event will expand to a two-day format for the first time, with the men's and women's elite races held on separate days and mass participation on both days, aiming for over 100,000 participants. This evolution reflects the race's enduring popularity and its ability to adapt while maintaining its core identity as a celebration of running and charity. [edit]

The London Marathon has become a fixture of British culture, drawing over 750,000 spectators annually who line the streets to cheer runners. Its charity fundraising model has inspired similar initiatives worldwide, making it a benchmark for socially responsible mass-participation events. The race has featured in numerous films and television shows, often symbolizing personal achievement and community spirit. As part of the World Marathon Majors, it has helped elevate road running to a global professional sport, while its inclusive atmosphere encourages participation from all ages and abilities. [edit]

The London Marathon has faced relatively few major controversies. In 2018, there was criticism over the handling of the elite women's start, where a pacemaker inadvertently led the women's field off course, disrupting the race. Organizers acknowledged the error and implemented changes to prevent recurrence. More recently, the announcement of a two-day format for 2027 drew mixed reactions from some traditionalists who felt the event's character might change, though most feedback was positive. [edit]