What is it?

The London Marathon is one of the world's most famous long-distance running events, held annually in London, England. It covers 26.2 miles (42.195 km) along a largely flat course that follows the River Thames, starting in Blackheath and finishing at The Mall near Buckingham Palace. The race typically takes place in April, though it moved to October for 2020–2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Founded in 1981 by Olympic champion and journalist Chris Brasher and athlete John Disley, the marathon was inspired by the New York City Marathon. The first event had over 20,000 applicants, with 6,747 accepted and 6,255 finishers. Since then, it has grown into a massive global event, with tens of thousands of runners each year.

The London Marathon is part of the World Marathon Majors, a series of seven elite marathons that includes Boston, New York, Chicago, Berlin, Tokyo, and Sydney. It has been the site of multiple world records, including Paula Radcliffe's women's record of 2:15:25 in 2003 and Sabastian Sawe's men's record of 1:59:30 in 2026.

The race features several components: a mass public race, professional races for men and women, elite wheelchair races, and a 3-mile mini marathon for under-17 athletes. Since 2022, it has been branded the TCS London Marathon after a sponsorship deal with Tata Consultancy Services.

Charity running is a major aspect, with participants raising over £1.4 billion since the marathon began. Many runners secure places through charity entries, making it one of the largest fundraising events in the world.

Key Facts

The London Marathon was first held on 29 March 1981.
It was founded by Chris Brasher and John Disley.
The course is largely flat, with only 278 feet (85 m) of elevation gain.
The race starts at three points: red, green, and blue starts in Blackheath.
The finish line is on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace.
Since 2006, it has been part of the World Marathon Majors.
The men's course record is 1:59:30 by Sabastian Sawe (2026).
The women's course record is 2:15:25 by Paula Radcliffe (2003).
Wheelchair records: Marcel Hug (1:23:44 in 2023) and Catherine Debrunner (1:38:24 in 2022).
Over 1.4 billion pounds has been raised for charity through the marathon.
The 2020 race was restricted to elite athletes due to COVID-19.
In 2025, organisers announced they would no longer post on X (formerly Twitter).

Full Explanation

Race Format and Participants

The London Marathon is a mass-participation event open to runners of all abilities. Participants can enter through a public ballot, charity entries, or by achieving a qualifying time for elite or championship start areas. The race also includes elite professional athletes competing for prize money and world record attempts.

There are three separate starting groups: Elite Women, Wheelchair (men and women), and Elite Men followed by the Mass Race. The staggered start ensures fair competition and reduces congestion. The wheelchair race has been held since 1983 and has helped reduce stigma around disabled athletes.

Course Details

The route begins at three points around Blackheath, south of the River Thames. The courses converge after about 4.5 km in Woolwich. Runners pass iconic landmarks including the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, the Tower of London, and the London Eye. The final stretch along The Mall finishes near Buckingham Palace.

The course is known for being fast and flat, making it popular for personal bests. Mile markers are placed every mile, but timing splits are provided in kilometers. The route has changed slightly over the years, including a 2005 modification that replaced a cobbled section near the Tower of London with a flat stretch along The Highway.

Charity and Community Impact

Charity running is a cornerstone of the London Marathon. Many participants run for causes, and the event has raised over £1.4 billion since 1981. The marathon also supports community initiatives and has a strong volunteer network, including over 1,500 St John Ambulance volunteers providing medical cover.

In recent years, the marathon has introduced policies to support pregnant and postpartum women, allowing them to defer their place to a later date. This change followed pressure from campaigners like Sophie Power and sheRACES.

History

The London Marathon was not the first marathon in the city. The Polytechnic Marathon (the Poly) was first held in 1909 and continued until 1996, when it folded due to the popularity of the London Marathon. The modern event was inspired by Chris Brasher's experience at the 1979 New York City Marathon, which he described in an article for The Observer as "the greatest folk festival the world has seen."

The first London Marathon on 29 March 1981 had 6,255 finishers. The event grew rapidly, and by 2010, 36,549 people crossed the finish line. The wheelchair race was introduced in 1983, and the event became part of the World Marathon Majors in 2006.

Notable moments include the 2013 race, when a 30-second silence was held for victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. Security was reviewed but no specific threats were identified. In 2020, the race was restricted to elite athletes due to the pandemic, and it moved to October for three years.

In 2025, organisers announced they would stop posting on X, reflecting changing social media strategies. For 2027, there is a proposal to hold the marathon over two days to increase capacity, with men's and women's races on separate days.

Why it matters

The London Marathon is a premier global sporting event that showcases elite athletic performance while promoting mass participation and charity fundraising. It has been a platform for world records and has inspired millions to take up running.

The marathon's charitable impact is immense, with over £1.4 billion raised for thousands of causes. It also drives community engagement and tourism, bringing significant economic benefits to London.

As part of the World Marathon Majors, the London Marathon helps set the standard for professional road racing. Its inclusive approach, from wheelchair athletes to charity runners, makes it a model for major sporting events worldwide.