The London Marathon set to make history with a world record
19/03/2025 22:51Running 42.195 km is an achievement in its own right, but participating in the London Marathon is the ultimate dream for many runners. For the 2025 edition, the organizers are thinking big. The iconic race on the Abbott World Marathon Majors circuit is set to make more history by becoming the largest marathon ever organized. A world record is anticipated with over 56,000 finishers expected. For its 45th edition, London is set to make its mark in the running world by celebrating diversity and inclusion.
| More than just a race, a global phenomenon
Since its inception in 1981, the TCS London Marathon has consistently brought together elite athletes and masses of runners, blending records with personal narratives. This year, the event reaches new heights in ambition and scale. With over 56,000 finishers anticipated, the British capital is ready to outshine New York and leave a lasting mark on the history of road running.
For Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, this edition is a true call to the spirit of community: “Marathon day is an extraordinary moment when communities come together to celebrate the best of humanity, as tens of thousands take on the legendary 42.195 km challenge from Greenwich to The Mall, while raising tens of millions for charity.” This philosophy elevates the event well beyond mere athletic competition.
| Inclusion at the heart of the London Marathon’s DNA
Once reserved for male athletes, the marathon has evolved over decades, but never has an edition been so representative of diversity and inclusion. For the first time, 49% of runners from the UK ballot will be women. The number of participants identifying as ethnically diverse has doubled in three years, and over 1,200 runners with disabilities will take part. This major transformation highlights the evolution of running as a universal practice. Running now belongs to all, without exception.
This year, we will organize the most inclusive London Marathon in history, with more women, more participants from diverse ethnic backgrounds, and more people with disabilities than ever before. Our ambition is to make the TCS London Marathon the most inclusive marathon in the world, truly reflecting the diversity of this great city.
Hugh Brasher
CEO of London Marathon Events
| The ultimate goal for every marathoner
If there is one marathon to tick off the dream list, it’s this one. The London Marathon is legendary. It’s a race where Olympic champions and people with incredible stories meet. It’s a city filled with history that pulses with each stride, where every kilometer is a celebration, from the Thames Embankment to the finish line on The Mall, in front of Buckingham Palace.
| An elite field promising a spectacular event
While the mass participants will be celebrating, the marathon also remains a place for records and extraordinary performances. As every year, the TCS London Marathon will host an elite field worthy of the world’s greatest competitions. The top marathoners from around the globe will compete on this legendary course, as one of the seven World Marathon Majors, alongside Tokyo, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, New York, and Sydney.
This year, the suspense is palpable: Eliud Kipchoge, Kenenisa Bekele, Jacob Kiplimo, Sebastian Sawe, Ruth Chepngetich, Tigist Assefa, Sifan Hassan. Who will etch their name into the annals of this already legendary edition?
This Sunday, April 27, 2025, the eyes of the running world will be on the British capital. Because a marathon is not just a race, it’s a journey. And thousands of stories are written with every step. This year, London is poised to write one of the most beautiful chapters.
