The London Marathon has become one of the capital’s most iconic events, drawing runners, spectators, and global attention each year. As we approach the 2025 race on 27 April, the marathon’s legacy continues to grow, blending athleticism with charity and community spirit. While some unwind post-race with a visit to casinos not on gamstop for a different kind of thrill, the marathon itself remains a test of endurance rooted in a rich history. Here’s how this world-famous event came to be and evolved into the spectacle it is today, based on its milestones and records.
The Birth of an Idea
The London Marathon was born from a moment of inspiration in 1979. Chris Brasher, a former Olympic steeplechase gold medallist, and his friend John Disley, a fellow athlete, ran the New York City Marathon that year. Struck by the energy and inclusivity of the event—where elite runners raced alongside everyday joggers—they wondered why London couldn’t have something similar. Brasher wrote about it in The Observer, pitching a marathon that would showcase the city’s landmarks. By 1981, their vision took shape, backed by the Greater London Council and a £50,000 prize pot from Gillette. On 29 March 1981, the first London Marathon kicked off with 7,741 runners crossing the start line near Blackheath.
The Early Years
That inaugural race set the tone for what was to come. A course winding from Greenwich to The Mall—passing Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and Buckingham Palace—gave runners a scenic 26.2-mile tour. American Dick Beardsley and Norwegian Inge Simonsen crossed the finish line together in 2:11:48, sharing the men’s title, while Joyce Smith took the women’s crown in 2:29:57. Over 20,000 spectators lined the streets, and the BBC’s live coverage brought it into homes nationwide. The event raised £250,000 for charity, a figure that hinted at its future impact. By 1982, entries doubled to 18,059, cementing its popularity.
Growth and Global Status
The 1980s saw the London Marathon expand rapidly. By 1984, it joined the ranks of the New York and Boston marathons as a must-run event, with 16,500 finishers. The introduction of wheelchair races in 1983 broadened its appeal—David Weir, who’d later dominate, debuted in 1992. Prize money grew too; in 1986, Japan’s Hiromi Taniguchi won £25,000 for his 2:10:05 finish. The marathon’s flat, fast course earned a reputation, attracting elite runners like Kenya’s Martin Lel, who won three times between 2005 and 2008. By the 1990s, it was a fixture on the global stage, joining the World Marathon Majors in 2006 alongside Tokyo, Berlin, Chicago, Boston, and New York.
Charity at the Core
Charity has been a driving force since day one. In 1990, the marathon raised £7 million, a leap from its modest start. The 2000s saw this soar—£36.5 million in 2006 alone—making it the world’s largest single-day fundraising event. Runners don costumes, from rhinos to giant bananas, to support causes like Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation. By 2024, the total raised since 1981 passed £1.2 billion, per official figures. The 2020 virtual race, forced online by Covid-19, still pulled in £20 million, showing its resilience. In 2025, over 50,000 participants are expected to contribute even more.
Records and Milestones
The London Marathon has seen its share of record-breaking moments. In 2002, Paula Radcliffe smashed the women’s world record with a 2:15:25 finish—a time that stood for 16 years. Eliud Kipchoge’s 2:02:37 in 2019 remains the men’s course record, set during his streak of four wins (2015-2019). Wheelchair racing has its legends too—David Weir holds eight titles (1999-2018), while Marcel Hug’s 1:26:27 in 2021 is the fastest yet. Mass participation hit a peak in 2019 with 42,549 finishers, though 2023’s 49,272 total entrants (including virtual) reflects its growing reach. The 2025 ballot saw 620,000 applications, a new high, per organisers.
Adapting to Challenges
The marathon hasn’t been without hurdles. Weather has played a role—2007’s heatwave saw temperatures hit 23°C, slowing times, while 2018’s 24.1°C tested runners again. The 2020 pandemic shifted the elite race to a looped St James’s Park course, with amateurs running virtually. Security tightened after the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, with bag checks and barriers now standard. Yet, the event adapts—2024 introduced eco-friendly medals made from recycled plastic, aligning with sustainability goals. The 2025 race will feature enhanced hydration stations following 2023’s supply issues, ensuring smoother logistics.
A Cultural Institution
By 2025, the London Marathon is woven into the city’s fabric. It’s one of six World Marathon Majors, with a qualification standard—sub-2:45 for men, sub-3:15 for women—drawing elites worldwide. The BBC’s coverage pulls in 8 million viewers annually, while 750,000 spectators cheer along the route. Local businesses thrive on race day—pubs like The Anchor Tap near Tower Bridge see a 40% sales bump, per a 2024 Hospitality UK report. The event’s economic impact topped £150 million in 2023, boosting tourism and trade.
Looking Ahead
As the 44th London Marathon approaches on 27 April 2025, its history reflects a blend of sport, charity, and community. From Brasher and Disley’s 1979 brainstorm to a global phenomenon, it’s grown beyond a race into a celebration of London itself. With over 50,000 runners set to tackle the course—raising millions more for charity—its legacy is secure, shaped by decades of grit, innovation, and goodwill.