2025 London Marathon Set for Record Participation This Sunday

London, England – The 45th edition of the London Marathon is poised to attract over 56,000 runners on Sunday, April 27, 2025. This year’s event aims to break the record of 55,646 finishers set at last year’s New York Marathon. With a top prize of £98,000 for anyone who breaks the world record, elite athletes will be eager to chase significant performances.

The marathon kicks off at 8:50 a.m. with the elite wheelchair races, followed by the women’s elite race at 9:05 a.m. and the men’s elite race at 9:35 a.m. The course begins in Greenwich Park and finishes at The Mall, passing iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace along the way.

The defending champion, Kenya’s Alexander Mutiso Munyao, won last year’s men’s race in a time of 2:04:01, while compatriot Peres Jepchirchir set a women’s-only world record of 2:16:16. This year, elite fields also feature the renowned Eliud Kipchoge, the first person to run a marathon in under two hours, and other top competitors like Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola.

To combat expected high temperatures, race organizers have introduced extra cooling measures, including 18 shower stations along the route. Race director Hugh Brasher advised runners to wear lightweight clothing, saying, “It’s not the day to try and run your fastest marathon. Slow down, smile, enjoy it.”

The atmosphere promises to be electric, with numerous charity runners supporting personal causes. High-profile participants include former Olympic cyclists Sir Jason Kenny and football legends Jack Wilshere, John Terry, and Leonardo Bonucci. Notably, broadcaster and DJ Adele Roberts will attempt a Guinness World Record for fastest woman with a stoma to complete all six world marathon majors.

The London Marathon has become the world’s largest annual one-day fundraising event, raising £1.3 billion for charities since 1981. This year, 103 participants will aim to break 87 Guinness World Records. Coverage of the marathon will be available live on BBC One, BBC Two, and via the BBC iPlayer, ensuring fans worldwide can follow the action.