WeeklySA_Admin45th EDITION: More than 840 000 people applied to enter this year’s race with a 105% increase in applications from people aged between 20-29.
By Sports Reporter
The 2025 London Marathon is set to make history as the world’s largest field in the discipline. More than 56,000 runners are expected to complete the 26.2 miles on Sunday, 27 April.
That would exceed the current record of 55,646 finishers set by the New York Marathon in November. Since the first London Marathon in 1981, more than 1.3 million runners have completed the event.
More than 840,000 people applied for the ballot to enter this year’s race, breaking the world record of 578,304 for the 2024 edition. Of UK applicants 49% were female, while there was a 105% increase in applications from people aged between 20-29.
“The 45th edition is a landmark year for us, and it would be wonderful to mark that by becoming the biggest marathon ever staged anywhere in the world,” said Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events.
“Marathon Day is an extraordinary day when communities come together to celebrate the very best of humanity as tens of thousands of participants take on the legendary 26.2-mile challenge from Greenwich to The Mall and raise tens of millions for charity on the way.”
Distance-running great Eliud Kipchoge is returning to the London Marathon this year for the first time since 2020. Women’s world record holder Ruth Chepngetich, Olympic champion Sifan Hassan and silver medallist Tigst Assefa – the three fastest women in history – have been confirmed in the women’s race, in which Eilish McColgan will make her debut.
Emile Cairess will lead British interest in the men’s race, where he could have Mo Farah’s British record in his sights and will be joined by Olympic and world triathlon champion Alex Yee.
Whether you’re tackling the 26.2-mile challenge or just braving the crowds to cheer on your loved ones, the London Marathon is a thrilling celebration of endurance, community, and charity. Expect a buzzing atmosphere, iconic landmarks and plenty of inspiration as thousands take on this legendary race.
Weather: April can bring anything from sunny skies to unpredictable rain showers, so dress in layers and be prepared for wet weather.
History of the London Marathon
The year is 1981 – Live Aid is making music history, Lady Diana is saying “I do” (in THAT dress) in the royal wedding of the century, and the first ever London Marathon is born. Founded by British Olympic medallists Chris Brasher and John Disley, the race was designed to showcase the best of the city while promoting fitness and charity.
The inaugural race on 29 March 1981 saw over 20,000 applicants, with less than half of those making it to the start line. Dick Beardsley (USA) and Inge Simonsen (Norway) famously finished hand-in-hand in 2:11:48, while Joyce Smith won the women’s race in 2:29:57.
Fast forward to today, and the TCS London Marathon attracted more than 800,000 applicants for this year’s event, while participants have raised more than £1 billion for charity since 1981. The 2024 event was the largest in history and 2025, the historic 45th edition, is set to be even bigger.
Did you know? The fastest-ever London Marathon time is 02:01:25, set by Kelvin Kiptum in 2023. This year, all eyes are Jacob Kiplimo who is making his London Marathon debut after recently smashing the world record for the half-marathon in Barcelona with a time of 56:42.
What is the London Marathon 2025 route?
The TCS London Marathon route starts in Blackheath and ends at The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace, making it one of the most iconic finishes of any sporting event in the world.
The route itself takes you past some of London’s most famous attractions, including the historic Tower Bridge, views of London Eye from Embankment and the iconic Buckingham Palace.
