Stars Align for 2025 London Marathon with Record Participation Expected

LONDON, England – The excitement is building as the 2025 London Marathon gears up for its 45th edition on Sunday, April 27. With over 56,000 participants expected, the event could eclipse last year’s record of 55,646 finishers at the New York Marathon. Runners will vie for course and world records, spurred on by a £98,000 bonus for breaking those records in the men’s and women’s races.

This year’s marathon is notable for the impressive elite field, including Kenya’s Alexander Mutiso Munyao, the reigning champion, and the legendary Eliud Kipchoge, who holds the title of the fastest marathon runner ever. Kipchoge, a four-time London Marathon winner, will be joined by top athletes such as Ethiopia’s Olympic champion Tamirat Tola.

On the women’s side, despite the absence of world record holder Ruth Chepngetich and last year’s victor Peres Jepchirchir, the race will still feature fierce competition. Olympic champion Sifan Hassan and other top runners like Tigst Assefa promise an electrifying contest.

The marathon will start at Greenwich Park and finish on The Mall, passing iconic landmarks such as Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and Canary Wharf along the 26.2-mile route. This year’s race will also include exciting wheelchair events, with Swiss athletes Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner aiming for glory.

The weather forecast looks favorable, with temperatures starting at a mild 9C and potentially reaching 21C later in the day. Organizers have implemented extra precautions, including 18 showers along the course, to help participants cope with the heat.

Race director Hugh Brasher emphasized the importance of adjusting expectations: ‘It’s not the day to try and run your fastest marathon. Slow down, smile, enjoy it,’ he said.

This year’s marathon continues to raise substantial funds for charities, showcasing London’s spirit as the largest annual one-day fundraising event. A record number of 840,318 people applied for this year’s spots, making the competitive entry process for future marathons even more intense.

As the marathon draws closer, spectators and participants alike are encouraged to prepare for an unforgettable experience filled with personal stories and community spirit.