London Marathon

London Marathon. The London Marathon is one of the six World Marathon Majors and is among the most prestigious and popular long-distance running events globally. Founded by the former Olympic champion and journalist Chris Brasher and athlete John Disley, the inaugural race took place on 29 March 1981. It is renowned for its fast, flat course, massive charitable fundraising, and iconic route past landmarks like Tower Bridge and The Mall.

History

The concept for the event was inspired by Chris Brasher's experience running the 1979 New York City Marathon. Upon returning, he penned an article in The Observer questioning whether London could host a similar festival of sport. With co-founder John Disley, they secured initial funding and support from various entities, including the Greater London Council. The first race, organized under the banner of the newly formed London Marathon Ltd, attracted over 20,000 applicants and around 7,500 starters. Early races were sponsored by companies like Gillette and saw immediate growth, cementing its place in the national sporting calendar. The event has been held every year since, with only the 2020 London Marathon being postponed to October due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Course and organization

The race traditionally starts in three main waves at Blackheath and Greenwich, with elite wheelchair, elite women, and elite men's races commencing separately. The route passes numerous iconic landmarks, including the Cutty Sark in Greenwich, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and along the Victoria Embankment before finishing in front of Buckingham Palace on The Mall. The course is known for being largely flat and fast, contributing to many world record attempts. Organization is overseen by London Marathon Events, with significant logistical support from Transport for London, the Metropolitan Police Service, and thousands of volunteers. The current race director is Hugh Brasher, son of the founder.

Participation and records

The event features mass participation alongside elite competition, with ballot entry being famously oversubscribed; many runners also gain places through charity entries. Elite fields regularly include Olympic champions and world record holders from nations like Kenya, Ethiopia, and the United Kingdom. Notable course records include the men's mark set by Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya and the women's record held by Mary Keitany, also of Kenya. British athletes like Paula Radcliffe and Mo Farah have also recorded historic victories. The race also incorporates a significant wheelchair marathon division, where athletes such as David Weir and Tatyana McFadden have dominated.

Charitable fundraising

It is the world's largest annual fundraising event, with participants raising money for thousands of charitable causes. Since its inception, the event has raised over £1 billion for charity. Major charity partners include the official race charity, the London Marathon Charitable Trust, but most funds are raised for individual runner's chosen causes, ranging from large organizations like Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation to small local groups. The iconic fancy dress costumes worn by many fundraisers have become a hallmark of the event.

Notable moments and winners

The race has witnessed numerous historic performances and emotional stories. In 2003, Paula Radcliffe set a women's world record of 2:15:25, a time that stood for over 16 years. The 2018 edition saw Eliud Kipchoge win in a then-course record, while the 2022 race featured a thrilling victory for Amos Kipruto. Memorable moments extend beyond the elite races, such as the multiple victories of wheelchair athlete David Weir and the inspirational runs of fundraisers like the late Captain Sir Tom Moore. The event has also been a stage for political statements, such as the 1981 run by John Trewhella wearing a Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament shirt.