London Marathon Set to Smash Record with Historic Turnout
On Sunday 27th April, the London Marathon is set to make history with over 56,000 runners expected to cross the finish line. With a record number of 840,318 applications, this year marks a monumental leap in the race’s global appeal, surpassing the 2024 New York Marathon’s previous record of 55,646 finishers.
A Surge in Popularity: From 6,255 to 56,000+
Since the first London Marathon in 1981, where only 6,255 runners took part, with fewer than 300 women, over 1.3 million people have completed the race! This year, a staggering 49% of applicants are women, and there’s been a 105% increase in participants aged 20-29.
Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, says:
“The 45th edition is a landmark year for us, and it would be wonderful to mark that by becoming the biggest marathon ever staged anywhere in the world”.
Why is Running So Trendy?
With the London Marathon 2025 receiving a record number of applicants, especially in the 20-29 age range, it is no surprise that long-distance running has increased in popularity.
From Strava kudos to TikTok training hacks, social media has become a driving force behind the growing popularity of running, turning it into a global community movement. Through the effects of online communities, influencer culture, virtual races and the constant stream of motivational content, Instagram, Strava and TikTok platforms help individuals connect, share achievements and encourage each other. For example, running clubs, groups and challenges foster a sense of community and engagement.
Influencers and elite athletes share their journeys, making marathon training more relatable which, in turn, attracts new runners to the sport. They showcase the latest shoes, apparel, and technology making running feel trendy.
Hashtags such as #MarathonTraining keep individuals accountable as well as virtual races and leaderboards on apps like the Nike Run Club which connects competing runners globally.
Finally, short and engaging videos make learning about running fun and accessible. Coaches and experienced runners share advice on running form, nutrition and injury prevention.
The Greatest Elite Line-Up Ever Seen
The 2025 London Marathon is expected to have some of the fastest men and women attending, where potential world records could be broken (2:00:35 for men and 2:09:56 for women).
The 26.2 mile race has the strongest men’s elite field ever, featuring 10 men with a personal record (PR) of under 2:05. Headlining the race is marathon legend and favourite Eliud Kipchoge from Kenya (2:01:09). Four-time winner of the London Marathon, Kipchoge last competed in the London race in 2020, who at age 40 continues to compete at the highest level with the world’s best runners.
Alongside Kipchoge, half marathon world record holder Jacob Kiplimo from Uganda is making his marathon debut. He will be joined by Sabastian Sawe from Kenya (2:02:05), Alexander Munyao from Kenya (2:03:11) and Tamirat Tola from Ethiopia (2:03:39) making this one of the most competitive and stacked lineups.
Furthermore, Alex Yee, the Olympic triathlete champion, is making his marathon debut in London. With the sole focus on marathon specific training, the British athlete hopes to complete the course in 2:07 to 2:10. In his four part series on YouTube called ‘The London Detour’, Yee and his coach Adam Elliot offer a glimpse into how they are preparing for the upcoming race.
In addition to the men’s lineup, the women's elite field is also unmatched. Defending champion, Peres Jepchirchir from Kenya (2:16:16) will go head to head with the world record holder Ruth Chepngetich from Kenya (2:09.56), second-fastest all time Tigist Assefa from Ethiopia (2:11.53) and Olympic champion Sifan Hassan from the Neverlands (2:13:44).
British long-distance runner and daughter of Liz McColgan, winner of the 1996 London Marathon, Eilish McColgan is set to make her marathon debut alongside Alex Yee.
With a lineup featuring major champions, world record holders and rising stars, the women’s race is set to deliver a highly strategic and thrilling run, one that has the potential to redefine the limits of marathon performance with the same intensity and ambition that Paula Radcliffe displayed when she rewrote history at London with a three-time win.
“This is quite simply the greatest elite field in the history of the London Marathon”,
said Brasher in a World Athletics statement.
Molly Blizard
Sources:
- Runner’s World: https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/news/a64172120/london-marathon-2025-worlds-lar gest-marathon/
- TCS London Marathon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/londonmarathon/?hl=en
- Alex Yee YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJXLr1NfvBg