Published: 10 December 2025
There is an elite collection of annual events in London that always instil civic pride and act as a cause for huge celebration. For well over 40 years, the London Marathon has most definitely been amongst them.
Every spring, it rallies the city together in a festival of motion that works just like the season itself to wake the capital up. This is a glorious procession where athletes, keen amateurs and runners of all abilities lace up their trainers and take to some of the most famous streets in the world for a challenging test of endurance and fitness.
The 2026 London Marathon is happening on Sunday the 28th April and it promises to be the biggest and best yet.
Who Created The London Marathon?
Chris Brasher was an Olympic Gold medallist in the 3000m steeplechase at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. In 1979, he ran the New York City Marathon as a 51-year-old and was bowled over by the friendliness and incredible spirit of a race that effectively combined real competition with mass participation, all in a festival atmosphere. Brasher realised that the city of London could do exactly the same and with the help of another former Olympian, John Disley, they put a plan in motion to make it happen.
A New Vision for City Marathons
Brasher and Disley had a clear philosophy from the very beginning. As athletes of the highest level, they understood the importance of competition and proper race infrastructure. However, as regular participants in running events as members of the general public, they also knew what was required to make it as attractive as possible for runners and spectators. This meant designing a new structure that could attend to every element in the most successful way possible.
The London Marathon would therefore become:
- An elite race as part of the international marathon calendar
- A huge participatory event for the widest audience of amateur runners
- A spectacle that could be broadcast on television
- A vehicle for fundraising and charities to use
This structure was somewhat radical at the time, but it is now the blueprint that all major global running events follow.
On Your Marks
The inaugural London Marathon took place on the 29th of March 1981, with just 7741 runners taking part. Organisers had been overwhelmed with interest as more than 20,000 had applied, giving them a clue as to how well the race would be received in the future. Importantly, the BBC had deemed it worthy of a live broadcast, and a precedent had been set that would be followed for over four decades to bring all the action into millions of viewers' homes.
A Helping Hand
The London Marathon’s connections with charity are almost as spectacular as the event itself. Many reports suggest that the race is the largest annual one-day fundraising event in the world, with over £1.3 billion raised so far, for thousands of charities. In true London Marathon style, a large element of this money has been raised in unique ways, with runners completing the gruelling 26.2-mile course dressed as:
- Dinosaurs
- Vegetables
- London Landmarks
- Gorillas
- Sharks
- Musical Instruments
Undoubtedly, the most challenging of these was Lloyd Scott’s 2002 run dressed in an antique diving suit that weighed around 130lbs. His official finishing time was five days, eight hours, 39 minutes and 46 seconds, raising tens of thousands of pounds in the process.
What is The London Marathon Route?
There are three defining reasons why runners love the London Marathon. The first is the festival atmosphere that makes it feel like the most active party anywhere in the world. The second is the fact that, as far as marathons go, the course is relatively fast and offers a great opportunity to record a personal best time. And the third, and perhaps the most important, is the iconic landmarks and scenery that provide the most engaging backdrop for a run anywhere on the planet.
Begin at Blackheath
The parkland and streets of South East London are home to the starting zones. Across Greenwich Park and Blackheath, the red, green and blue zones get things off to a staggered start.
The Cutty Sark
At Greenwich, the famous Cutty Sark delivers maritime history in a fantastic way, with the famous ship leading the way as the runners begin their own journey in earnest.
Tower Bridge
Running across this iconic bridge with thousands of cheering supporters is an experience nobody will ever forget. Crucially, it also provides a halfway point for the run for even more motivation.
Canary Wharf and the Docklands
This part of the capital represents the modern evolution of the city. Runners here are treated to a privileged view at the foot of these modern monuments as they prepare for the final push.
Westminster & The Mall
There is a buzz of pageantry and ceremony as the race enters its last act. The exquisite architecture of Westminster watches on from above as the ultimate finishing line of The Mall welcomes every finisher home in a celebratory style that only London can offer.
Runners' Tips & Tricks to Try
If you are fortunate enough to be one of the lucky runners at the 2026 London Marathon, then you should be well into your training programme by now. Around 1.2 million people applied for a place this year, breaking the record for ballot applications, so you will already be aware of what a coveted bib you will be wearing on the day.
Ensuring that you are not overwhelmed by the occasion will always give you the greatest chance of finishing and hanging that all-important medal around your neck. Here are three tried and tested tips to keep in mind on the day.
Remember Restraint
The atmosphere is bound to be electric. Sticking to your plan with restraint is key to the first few miles without letting the occasion raise your pace.
Use the Crowd
You will never experience better cheerleaders than the people lining the streets for the London Marathon. Use their energy to drive you forward when you feel you need it the most.
Breathe
Your body is capable of incredible things, just like this run. Let your breath guide you and it will take care of the rest, one foot in front of the other.
Go!
A world record 56, 640 runners finished the London Marathon in 2025. Every single one of them was carrying their own individual story with them as they crossed the finishing line. Hundreds of thousands of spectators, residents, business owners and visitors also took to the streets to make it a day unlike any other in one of the greatest cities in the world.
This year is sure to be a fantastic day for all involved. Your participation or support is the most vital element of all, so make sure to be there on Sunday, 26th April, ready to help the capital celebrate in true London style.
