London Marathon 2025: The Biggest Marathon
The London Marathon 2025 is going to be a landmark moment in global events. Not only because of its name but because it is going to become the largest marathon in UK. This year on Sunday, 27 April 2025 we are going to witness the biggest event. This year edition marks the 45th running of the event and could break the record for the most finishers in any marathon in history.
Historic Year for London Marathon 2025
56,000 runners are expected to cross finish line this year. Surpassing the current world record of 55,646 finishers set at the 2023 New York Marathon. Since 1981, over 1.3 million runners have completed the London Marathon. Making it a biggest event on British sports culture.
One of the biggest discussions has been the record-breaking number of applications received. More than 840,000 people entered the London Marathon ballot 2025, smashing the previous world record of 578,304 applications for the 2024 edition. This interest is the ever-growing global popularity of race.
Hugh Brasher, Event Director of London Marathon Events quoted “The 45th edition is a landmark year for us. It would be wonderful to mark it by becoming the biggest marathon ever staged anywhere in the world.”
London Marathon Ballot 2025: Breaking Records
The London Marathon ballot 2025 saw amazing numbers. In the UK applicants, 49% were women, and there was a 105% increase in applications received from runners aged 20–29, showing interest from younger athletes and a growing gender balance in sports.
While the public ballot has already closed for 2025, there are still ways to gain entry through charity places and international tour operators.
London Marathon 2025 timings:
Scheduled at:
- 8:50am – Elite wheelchair races (men and women)
- 9:05am – Elite women’s race
- 9:35am – Elite men’s race and mass start
How to Watch the London Marathon 2025 from Home
The London Marathon will be broadcast live on the BBC, with extensive coverage on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website. International viewers will also be able to watch via their designated sports networks.
The Classic Route for Marathon
The 26.2-mile course has remained largely unchanged since 1981 and takes runners on a scenic tour through most iconic landmarks. Starting from Greenwich and on way there will be Woolwich, Tower Bridge, and Canary Wharf, ends on central London. Runners will pass sights such as the Tower of London, London Eye, Big Ben, and will cross the finish line on The Mall, just outside Buckingham Palace.
Key Landmarks on the Route:
- Mile 6: Cutty Sark
- Mile 12: Tower Bridge
- Mile 22: Tower of London
- Mile 25: London Eye and Big Ben
- Finish: The Mall near Buckingham Palace
Star-Studded Elite Fields in 2025
The London Marathon 2025 will showcase an extraordinary lineup of athletes. Including Olympic and Paralympic champions from the 2024 Paris Games. Defending champions and the fastest runners in history will be there.
Women’s Elite Field details:
- Peres Jepchirchir (KEN) 2021 Olympic champ and reigning London winner.
- Ruth Chepngetich (KEN) World record holder.
- Tigst Assefa (ETH) Second fastest woman ever.
- Sifan Hassan (NED) Olympic champion and London debut winner.
- Eilish McColgan (GBR) making her London Marathon debut.
Joyciline Jepkosgei, Charlotte Purdue, Megertu Alemu, Rose Harvey, Fatima Ezzahra Gardadi, and more.
Men’s Elite Field details:
- Alexander Mutiso (KEN) defending champion.
- Tamirat Tola (ETH) Olympic champion.
- Sabastian Sawe (KEN) Fastest debut marathon ever.
- Emile Cairess (GBR) Returning after a strong podium finish in 2024.
- Alex Yee (GBR) Olympic triathlon gold medalist.
Milkesa Mengesha, Mohamed Esa, Abdi Nageeye, Amanal Petros, and Jacob Kiplimo (UGA).
Equal Prize Money and Recognition
Precedent set in 2024, the London Marathon 2025 continues to offer equal prize money for all. Each winner in the elite men, women, and wheelchair races will receive $55,000 (£44,000) from a total prize pot of £243,000.
A Day of Unity and Charity
Elite performances and weather of London is a charm. The event is a celebration of charity and personal achievement. Every year, runners raise tens of millions of pounds for charitable causes, making this not just the world’s biggest race in numbers, but undoubtedly the biggest in hearts.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are running, watching, or dreaming of taking part one day, the London Marathon 2025 promises to be a special. And if you’re hoping to join in future editions, be sure to keep an eye for the London Marathon ballot 2026, which typically opens shortly after race day.
Stay tuned, train hard, and maybe next year, your name will be on that start line.