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Launched in 1981 by former Olympic champions Chris Brasher and John Disley, the London Marathon was inspired by the community spirit and enthusiasm of the New York and Boston marathons. What began as a modest race with a few thousand participants has transformed into one of the most famous sporting events in the world, attracting over 40,000 runners each year and raising millions of pounds for charity.

Route

The London Marathon course is famed for its flatness and speed, offering runners the chance to achieve personal best times while passing by some of London's most iconic landmarks. The race starts at Blackheath, goes through Greenwich before entering central London, passing sights such as the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye. The route then snakes along the Thames, past the Tower of London and Canary Wharf, before finishing majestically in front of Buckingham Palace on The Mall. This layout not only showcases the historic and modern beauty of London but also creates a memorable backdrop for both runners and spectators.

Records

• Among men, the course record is held by Kelvin Kiptum of Kenya, who posted an impressive time of 2 hours, 1 minutes, and 25 seconds in 2023.
• Among women, the course record belongs to Paula Radcliffe of the United Kingdom, with a time of 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 25 seconds set in 2003.