London Marathon

The London Marathon is an annual 42.195 km road race held in London, United Kingdom, usually in April. Founded in 1981, it draws elite athletes, wheelchair racers, and tens of thousands of amateur runners, many raising money for charity, along a scenic route beside the River Thames.

• Over £1.4 billion raised for charity since 1981
• Elite, mass, and wheelchair races held on the same day
• Course passes Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and Buckingham Palace
• World records set by Sabastian Sawe and Paula Radcliffe
• Mini marathon for under-17 athletes

What it is

The London Marathon is one of the world’s premier long-distance running events, attracting elite athletes, wheelchair racers, and a vast field of amateur participants from across the globe. Each year, tens of thousands of runners take on the 42.195 km course, weaving through London’s historic streets and past its iconic landmarks. For many, it is more than a race: it is a personal challenge, a celebration of community, and a powerful force for charity, with participants raising significant funds for causes close to their hearts. The atmosphere is electric, with crowds lining the streets to cheer on runners of all abilities.

Where it comes from

The London Marathon was founded in 1981 by Chris Brasher and John Disley, inspired by the sense of unity and joy they witnessed at the New York City Marathon. Their vision was to create an event that brought people together, regardless of background or ability, to celebrate human achievement and community spirit. The first race saw over 6,000 finishers and quickly grew in popularity, eclipsing older marathons in the city. Over the years, the event has expanded to include elite wheelchair races and a mini marathon for young athletes, and has played a significant role in promoting inclusivity and charitable giving.

How it is celebrated

On race day, London transforms into a festival of endurance and goodwill. The marathon starts in Blackheath, with runners setting off from three different points before merging and following a flat, scenic route along the River Thames. The course winds past landmarks such as the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and the London Eye, before finishing on The Mall near Buckingham Palace. The event features elite races for men, women, and wheelchair athletes, as well as a mass race open to the public. Spectators line the streets, offering encouragement and creating a lively, supportive atmosphere. Many runners wear costumes or charity vests, and the sense of camaraderie is palpable. The Friday before the marathon, a 5km run in Battersea Park adds to the festivities.

Joining in

Visitors can experience the London Marathon by joining the enthusiastic crowds along the route, especially at famous spots like Tower Bridge or The Mall. The city’s transport system makes it easy to reach various viewing points, and the atmosphere is welcoming to newcomers. Those wishing to participate as runners must enter a ballot or secure a charity place well in advance. Even if you’re not running, being part of the cheering crowd is a memorable way to witness the determination and spirit that define this iconic event.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article London Marathon, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• London Marathon on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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