Govind Tekale
The 2025 TCS London Marathon is poised to make history this April as it aims to surpass New York’s record and become the world’s largest marathon ever.
With over 56,000 runners expected to cross the finish line on April 27, London is targeting the Guinness World Record currently held by the TCS New York Marathon, which saw 55,646 finishers in November 2024.
“The 45th edition is a landmark year for us, and it would be wonderful to mark that by becoming the biggest marathon ever staged anywhere in the world,” said Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Giant
The contrast with the first London Marathon in 1981 is stark. That inaugural event, organized by Chris Brasher (Hugh’s father) and John Disley, featured just 6,255 finishers – with fewer than 300 women participants.
By comparison, the 2025 event received a record-breaking 840,318 applications, with nearly half (49%) of UK applicants being women. The event has grown steadily over four decades:
- Second edition (1982): 15,115 finishers
- 1988: Broke the 20,000 barrier
- 1999: Surpassed 30,000 finishers
- 2018: Exceeded 40,000 finishers
- 2024: First time over 50,000 finishers (53,890)
More Than Just Numbers: A Focus on Inclusion
The 2025 event will be “the most inclusive London Marathon in history,” according to Brasher, featuring more women, people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, and participants with disabilities than ever before.
Statistics show a 105% increase in applications from the 20-29 age bracket compared to 2024, while the number of participants from ethnically diverse backgrounds has doubled over the past three years. Last year, more than 1,200 people with disabilities took part.
“Our ambition is to make the TCS London Marathon the most inclusive marathon in the world and truly reflect the population of this great city,” Brasher emphasized.
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Economic and Charitable Impact
The marathon’s growth brings substantial benefits beyond breaking records. Last year alone, participants raised £73.5 million for various charities, contributing to the more than £1.3 billion raised since the event’s inception.
The economic impact is equally impressive, with Brasher noting that the marathon “drives over a quarter of a billion pounds worth of economic benefit.”
Elite Competition and Notable Participants
Distance-running great Eliud Kipchoge will return to London for the first time since 2020. The women’s race features an extraordinary field including women’s world record holder Ruth Chepngetich, Olympic champion Sifan Hassan, and silver medallist Tigst Assefa – the three fastest women in marathon history.
British hopes in the men’s race now shift after Emile Cairess withdrew from the 2025 TCS London Marathon. Olympic and world triathlon champion Alex Yee remains in the elite field. Eilish McColgan will make her marathon debut in the women’s event.
More Than Just a Race
Brasher reflects on the deeper meaning of the event in today’s world: “We live in a world that is more divided than ever before… yet on this day in London you will find people from all walks of life, from all nationalities, all ethnicities, from all demographics, come together and conquer their fears and help one another even though they have never met before.”
The marathon will feature a special celebration in central London on Friday, April 25, to mark the 45th edition. Past participants are invited to submit photos or videos of their marathon experiences using the hashtag #MyLondonMarathon for a chance to be featured in a digital display.
Additionally, the TCS Mini London Marathon will take place on Saturday, April 26, with around 17,000 children participating in what Brasher believes will be “the biggest timed kids’ event in the world.”
Why is the 2025 London Marathon aiming to break a world record?
The 2025 TCS London Marathon is aiming to become the world’s largest marathon to mark its 45th edition. While Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, states it’s “definitely not about chasing a record,” the milestone would recognize the event’s growth from 6,255 finishers in 1981 to potentially over 56,000 in 2025. Breaking the record would allow more people to participate and raise more money for charity.
How many people are expected to run in the 2025 London Marathon?
More than 56,000 runners are expected to complete the 26.2-mile course on Sunday, April 27, 2025. This would exceed the current record of 55,646 finishers set by the New York Marathon in November 2024, making it the world’s largest marathon ever staged.
How has the London Marathon changed since it began?
The London Marathon has grown dramatically since its first edition in 1981, which had just 6,255 finishers with fewer than 300 women. In 2025, nearly half of UK applicants are female, participation from ethnically diverse backgrounds has doubled in three years, and more people with disabilities are participating than ever before. The event has steadily increased in size, breaking the 20,000 barrier in 1988, 30,000 in 1999, 40,000 in 2018, and exceeding 50,000 finishers for the first time in 2024.
Which elite athletes will be competing in the 2025 London Marathon?
The 2025 London Marathon will feature distance-running legend Eliud Kipchoge returning for the first time since 2020. The women’s race includes world record holder Ruth Chepngetich, Olympic champion Sifan Hassan, and silver medallist Tigst Assefa – the three fastest women in marathon history. British interests will be represented by Emile Cairess in the men’s race, alongside Olympic and world triathlon champion Alex Yee, while Eilish McColgan will make her marathon debut.
How much money does the London Marathon raise for charity?
The London Marathon has raised over £1.3 billion for charity since it began in 1981. Last year alone, runners raised £73.5 million for various charitable causes. The event also drives over a quarter of a billion pounds worth of economic benefit, according to Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events.
What special events are planned for the 45th London Marathon?
To celebrate the 45th edition, London Marathon Events is taking over a central London location for a special celebration on Friday, April 25, 2025. Past participants can submit photos or videos of their marathon experiences using the hashtag #MyLondonMarathon for a chance to be featured in a digital display that people can enter and view for free. Additionally, the TCS Mini London Marathon will take place on Saturday, April 26, with around a7,000 children participating in what is expected to be the world’s largest timed kids’ event.
