The London Marathon is one of the world’s most prestigious and highly anticipated marathon events. In 2025, it will celebrate its 45th edition, bringing together thousands of participants from across the globe, including elite runners, celebrities, and everyday runners supporting various causes. This year, the event is not just about completing a marathon; it’s about setting world records, making history, and showcasing human endurance at its best.
London Marathon 2025 Route: A Scenic and Historic Journey
The London Marathon route is famous for its flat terrain, making it a prime location for runners attempting to break world records. The course starts at Greenwich Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and leads through the heart of London, allowing participants to pass some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as:
- Tower Bridge
- Canary Wharf
- Big Ben
- Westminster Abbey
- Buckingham Palace
Runners will experience the excitement of crossing the finish line on The Mall, a road located in front of Buckingham Palace, marking the end of a challenging yet scenic journey. The route is designed to offer both the runners and the spectators an incredible experience, as London’s streets will be lined with cheering crowds.
The Elite Runners: World-Class Athletes Competing for Glory
Every year, the London Marathon attracts the best marathon runners from around the world, and 2025 will be no different. The elite field promises to be exceptionally competitive, with top runners gunning for the men’s and women’s race records, and several world records potentially within reach.
- Eliud Kipchoge, the marathon legend and the first person to run a marathon in under two hours, is returning to London after a hiatus. Having won the London Marathon four times previously, Kipchoge will be a key contender for the win in 2025.
- Alexander Mutiso Munyao, the defending champion in the men’s race, will aim to retain his title. He clinched the victory in 2024 with an impressive finish time of 2:04:01, and he’ll look to improve on that this year.
- Tamirat Tola, the Olympic marathon champion from Ethiopia, will also compete in the men’s race, adding more depth to the elite field.
In the women’s race, there’s plenty of excitement as well. While world record holder Ruth Chepngetich and 2024 winner Peres Jepchirchir have withdrawn, Sifan Hassan, the Olympic gold medalist, and Tigst Assefa, the Paris 2024 silver medalist, will be racing for victory. These athletes are among the fastest women marathoners in history, and the competition will be fierce.
Prize Money and World Record Bonus
The London Marathon’s prize money is among the highest for marathon events globally, with the winner receiving £41,000. Additionally, there’s a £112,000 bonus for breaking the marathon world record:
- Men’s World Record Bonus: For any man running under 2:02:00
- Women’s World Record Bonus: For any woman running under 2:15:00
This incentive is a major motivator for the world’s fastest runners, and 2025 could see a new marathon world record set.
Notable British Athletes Competing: Hope for the Home Crowd
The London Marathon is a highly significant event for British runners, and 2025 sees several top British athletes making their mark. Among them:
- Alex Yee, the Olympic and world triathlon champion, will be making his highly anticipated marathon debut. Yee, who’s widely regarded for his speed and endurance, is expected to be a major contender in the men’s race.
- Eilish McColgan, Britain’s leading middle-distance runner, will be competing in her first-ever marathon. Having faced injury setbacks in 2023, McColgan is looking to prove herself in the 26.2-mile race and could make a splash with a strong debut performance.
- David Weir, the iconic British wheelchair racer, returns to compete for his 9th London Marathon victory in his 26th consecutive race. Weir has become synonymous with the London Marathon, and his participation is one of the highlights of the event.
Celebrity Runners and Charity Participation: Making a Difference
The London Marathon is not just for elite athletes—it’s also a massive event for charity fundraising. Many celebrities take part in the race each year, running to raise money for causes close to their hearts. Among the celebrities participating in 2025 are:
- Sir Jason Kenny, Britain’s most successful Olympian with seven gold medals, will run to raise money for various charitable causes.
- Romesh Ranganathan, the comedian and TV personality, is running again for Teenage Cancer Trust, continuing his journey from the previous year.
- Alexandra Burke, a well-known singer, will be participating for the first time to support Diabetes UK.
- Jack Wilshere, former Arsenal and England footballer, is taking part in the marathon for charity, joining John Terry and other famous footballers in supporting the Ruth Strauss Foundation.
Additionally, participants will attempt to break a range of Guinness World Records in categories like running in costumes, including:
- Fastest marathon in a firefighter’s uniform
- Fastest marathon dressed as a knight
- Fastest marathon dressed in a tent
These efforts will add an element of fun to the event while raising awareness for various causes.
London Marathon 2025: Key Facts, Stats, and Fun Challenges
- A record number of applications were received for the London Marathon 2025, with 840,318 people entering the public ballot.
- The marathon is known for being the largest annual one-day fundraising event, with more than £1.3bn raised for charity since 1981.
- 103 participants will attempt to break 87 Guinness World Records, adding to the spectacle and excitement of the day.
Start Times and Schedule for the London Marathon 2025
The start times for the various events are as follows:
- 08:50 BST: Elite Wheelchair Race
- 09:05 BST: Elite Women’s Race
- 09:35 BST: Elite Men’s Race
- 09:35–11:30 BST: Mass Event
- 11:30–14:00 BST: Continued Races and Finish Line Coverage
Weather Forecast for London Marathon 2025
The weather forecast for the day is expected to be ideal for running:
- Morning Temperature: Around 12°C (perfect for starting the race)
- Afternoon Temperature: Rising to 20°C, ideal for finishing
- Conditions: Expect sunny intervals with light winds; there might be some rain early in the morning, but conditions should clear as the race progresses.
How to Watch the London Marathon 2025
For those who cannot make it to the event, there are several ways to enjoy the live coverage of the marathon:
- BBC iPlayer & BBC Sport Website for live-streaming and updates
- BBC Radio London for race commentary
- BBC One & BBC Two for extended coverage
Check your local listings for full coverage details.
Conclusion: A Historic Race Ahead
The London Marathon 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark event, filled with world-class athletes, historic records, and inspiring charity runners. Whether you are participating, spectating, or simply following along at home, the 2025 edition of the marathon will be an unforgettable experience. Be sure to tune in on April 27, 2025, and witness history in the making!
