London Marathon

The London Marathon is an annual marathon held in London, England. It was started by athletes Chris Brasher and John Disley in 1981 and usually happens in April. For 2020, 2021, and 2022, it moved to October because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The course is mostly flat and follows the River Thames. It starts in Blackheath and ends at The Mall. Hugh Brasher, Chris's son, is the current race director, and Nick Bitel is the chief executive.

The marathon has many types of races. There is a mass race for anyone who wants to run, professional races for men and women long-distance runners, elite-level wheelchair races for men and women, and a shorter 3-mile mini marathon for athletes under 17. In 2026, a new paid 5km run called Friday Night Lights will happen at Battersea Park on the Friday before the main event.

A big part of the London Marathon is its charity running tradition. Runners often join to help raise money, and the event has helped collect over £1.4 billion for good causes since it began.

Since 2006, the elite races have been part of the World Marathon Majors, a group of seven top marathons around the world. Many amazing records have been set in London. Notable achievements include Sabastian Sawe breaking the 2-hour barrier in 2026, and women like Grete Waitz, Ingrid Kristiansen, Paula Radcliffe, and Mary Jepkosgei Keitany setting new best times. The current elite course records are held by Sabastian Sawe and Paula Radcliffe. The current wheelchair records belong to Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner. The race is also supported by a title sponsor and has been called the "TCS London Marathon" since 2022.

Editions

The London Marathon began in 1981 and happens every year in London, England. Usually, it is in April, but it moved to October for three years during the COVID-19 pandemic. The race runs along the River Thames, starting in Blackheath and finishing at The Mall. In 2020, only a few top athletes and special guests could race.

History

The London Marathon started in 1981. It was created by Olympic champion Chris Brasher and athlete John Disley. The race goes around the River Thames. It begins in Blackheath and ends at The Mall. Many people run each year, and the race has become very popular.

The first London Marathon had over 6,000 runners finish. People in wheelchairs can also join, which helps show that everyone can be part of sports. The race remains a big event in London every year.

Organisation

The London Marathon is led by Hugh Brasher and Nick Bitel. In the past, they helped change the race, like updating the course in 2005.

Medical care for the marathon is provided by doctors and volunteers from St. John Ambulance. The BBC provides live coverage of the event. There are different groups of runners, including Elite Women, Wheelchair racers, and Elite Men, followed by everyone else.

There are plans for 2027 to possibly split the marathon over two days to allow more people to participate.

Course

The London Marathon is run on a flat path near the River Thames. It is 26.2 miles long and is one of the fastest marathons in the world.

Runners start at three points close to Blackheath. They follow markers each mile and pass famous spots like the Old Royal Naval College, Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace. They finish at The Mall. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 race had a shorter route around St James's Park.

Results

Main article: List of winners of the London Marathon

London is one of the top seven world marathons in the World Marathon Majors competition. The first marathon in 1981 had many runners. The men's race was tied between American Dick Beardsley and Norwegian Inge Simonsen. The first women's race was won by Briton Joyce Smith. In 1983, the first wheelchair races began with racers from the British Sports Association for the Disabled.

Many world records have been set in the London Marathon. Khalid Khannouchi of the United States set the men's record in 2002, and British runner Paula Radcliffe set the women's record in 2003. In 2017, Mary Keitany of Kenya set a record for women’s marathons, and in 2023, Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum set a men’s course record. In 2026, Sabastian Sawe broke the men's world record with a great time. Marcel Hug of Switzerland and Manuela Schär hold the wheelchair race records.

Amateur runners

The London Marathon is popular with amateur runners. They make up most of the thousands of participants. Many run in fun costumes to support charity causes.

Some amazing stories have come from these runners. In 2002, Lloyd Scott finished the race wearing a deep sea diving suit. In 2003, former boxer Michael Watson finished the marathon over six days. In 2006, Olympic champion Steve Redgrave raised a lot of money for charity. The London Marathon is a special event for everyone.

Entry

Runners can enter the London Marathon in different ways. Most places are for people who raise money for charities. These runners help support important causes.

Other ways to enter include a general lottery, which is now very hard to get a spot in, and a special group for runners who are very fast for their age. There are also places for teams, famous people, and top athletes.

Mini Marathon

The Virgin Money Giving Mini London Marathon is a fun race for young runners, and it is linked to The London Marathon. Kids aged under 13, under 15, and under 17 from all of London's areas can join, along with teams from ten parts of England and three nearby countries — Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The race uses the last part of the main marathon course, which is about 3 miles long. There is also a special race for athletes in wheelchairs, and the event is the British Athletics 3-mile Championships.

BBC live coverage

The BBC has shown the London Marathon on TV since 1981. They have broadcast it live since 1984. Famous presenters have included Sue Barker, Jonathan Edwards, and Gabby Logan on BBC One. Others like Jonathan Edwards, Sonali Shah, and Helen Skelton have been on BBC Two. Well-known commentators have included David Coleman and Paula Radcliffe.

Each year, the BBC uses a special theme tune from the film The Trap. It was written by Ron Goodwin and played by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

Sponsorship and marketing

The London Marathon has had many sponsors over the years. It started with Gillette in the early 1980s. Later sponsors included Mars, ADT, NutraSweet, and Flora. In 2010, Virgin Money became the sponsor, and the race was called the Virgin Money London Marathon. In 2022, Tata Consultancy Services became the new sponsor.

Other companies also use the marathon to show off their brands. These include New Balance, Lucozade Sport, and Fuller's Brewery.