London Marathon 2025: Records on the Line This Sunday

London, England – The 2025 London Marathon is poised to take place Sunday, promising elite fields and a bustling crowd of more than 56,000 runners. The marathon is set to shatter records, with world and course records within reach and a £98,000 bonus for any runner who achieves them in the men’s or women’s race.

Starting at Greenwich Park and concluding at The Mall, the route spans 26.2 miles past iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge and Big Ben. Last year, Kenya’s Alexander Mutiso Munyao claimed the men’s title in a time of 2:04:01, while compatriot Peres Jepchirchir set a women’s-only world record of 2:16:16.

Returning for the event is Eliud Kipchoge, the first athlete to run a marathon in under two hours, aiming to secure a fifth London Marathon victory. He will face defending champion Munyao and Olympic champion Tamirat Tola, though his long-time rival Kenenisa Bekele has withdrawn.

In the women’s race, record holder Ruth Chepngetich and 2024 winner Jepchirchir are absent, yet Olympic champion Tigst Assefa remains a contender. This year’s race will also see all four reigning Olympic and Paralympic marathon champions, including wheelchair stars Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner.

Hug, who won his third consecutive Paralympic marathon in 2024, seeks his seventh London victory, while Debrunner aims for her third following five golds at Paris 2024. The overall race winners will receive £41,000 each, with additional bonuses for record-breaking finishes.

Notably, Olympic triathlon champion Alex Yee will debut on this course, while the British contingent includes Eilish McColgan, competing in her first marathon after injury. The women’s race will also feature Charlotte Purdue and Phily Bowden.

Among charity runners, former Olympian Jason Kenny will participate, alongside ex-footballers like Jack Wilshere and John Terry, all supporting various causes. A remarkable 840,318 hopefuls applied for spots, making this the world’s largest annual one-day fundraising event, amassing over £1.3 billion for charity since it began in 1981.

Additionally, 103 participants will attempt to break 87 Guinness World Records, including broadcaster Adele Roberts, aiming to become the fastest woman with a stoma to complete six major marathons in eight months.

Weather forecasts predict dry conditions with a mild start, reaching up to 21C in the afternoon, possibly affecting runners. Coverage of the event will be available across multiple BBC platforms, ensuring viewers can follow every moment of the action.