The London Marathon was first held in 1981 and has been an annual event since then. It was founded by former Olympic champion and journalist Chris Brasher and athlete John Disley. The first London Marathon had around 7,700 participants.
The London Marathon is typically held in late April, usually on a Sunday. The exact date may vary slightly from year to year.
The race starts in Greenwich in southeastern London and finishes in front of Buckingham Palace on The Mall. The course takes runners past several iconic London landmarks, including the Tower Bridge, the River Thames, Canary Wharf, and the London Eye.
The London Marathon is well-known for its strong charitable component. Many participants run to raise money for various charities, and the event has raised millions of pounds for different causes over the years.
The London Marathon attracts some of the world’s top elite long-distance runners. It is one of the six World Marathon Majors, along with races in Boston, Chicago, New York City, Berlin, and Tokyo.
In addition to elite athletes, the London Marathon welcomes thousands of amateur runners from around the world. Participants must qualify for a place in the race through a ballot, charity entry, or a “Good For Age” qualification time.
The London Marathon has seen numerous world records, course records, and memorable performances. The current men’s world record for the marathon was set by Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya in the 2019 race.
The London Marathon is known for its unique features, including celebrity participants, a famous costume race, and bands and entertainment along the course to support and entertain runners and spectators.
The London Marathon typically hosts over 40,000 runners, making it one of the largest marathons in the world.
In recent years, security measures have been enhanced to ensure the safety of participants and spectators, given the importance and profile of the event.