- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- HealthSports
- Where:
- United Kingdom
- Date change rule:
- Every April 23
- Holiday emoji:
- 🏃♀️
The London Marathon takes over the streets of the UK capital every April 23. As one of the six World Marathon Majors, it draws elite athletes and thousands of charity runners. Lace up your shoes, cheer on participants, or find a cause to support for this incredible event.
Want to sponsor London Marathon? Learn how
Expected London Marathon Deals
While the London Marathon is primarily a sporting and charity event, brands often offer promotions around training and gear. Look for deals from sportswear giants like Nike, Adidas, and Brooks Running on running shoes, apparel, and accessories. Many sports nutrition brands, such as SiS (Science in Sport) and High5, will likely have sales on gels, hydration, and recovery products. Fitness trackers from Garmin and Apple may also see discounts. Additionally, some charities involved in the marathon may offer special merchandise or fundraising incentives. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as April 23 approaches.
Platform Guide for London Marathon
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #LondonMarathon. Share your training journey, race day photos, or inspiring stories of runners.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #LondonMarathon. Follow live race updates, share runner shout-outs, and engage with charity campaigns.
YouTube
Subscribe to @NationalToday for holiday video content. Watch highlights, course previews, or interviews with past marathon participants.
London Marathon Hero
Chris Brasher
History of London Marathon
The London Marathon was founded by athletes, Chris Brasher and John Disley in 1981 and has been an ongoing event ever since. It is the third-largest running event in the U.K after the Great North Run and Great Manchester Run and since its inception, participants have helped raise over 1.2 billion dollars, including approximately 73.4 million dollars at the 2019 London Marathon which is the highest amount for a single-day fundraising event.
The London Marathon, as popular as it is today, was not the first long-distance running event in the UK. That title belongs to the Polytechnic Marathon which was founded in 1909 but was slowly overtaken by the London Marathon and finally folded in 1996. In the first edition of the London Marathon held on March 29, 1981, more than 20,000 people applied to run with 6,747 being accepted and 6,255 people crossing the finish line on Constitution Hill. The first wheelchair marathon race was held in 1983 and was credited with reducing the stigma surrounding disabled athletes.
Since then, the race and charity event has steadily grown seeing athletes from all over the world assemble in London for the event yearly. In 2010, about 36,549 people crossed the finish line and this is still the largest number seen since the race began. The marathon world record has been broken on seven occasions at the London Marathon. Eliud Kipchoge (2:02:37 in 2019) and Paula Radcliffe (2:15:25 in 2003) hold the current elite course records. The wheelchair course records are held by Marcel Hug (1:26:27 in 2021) and Manuela Schär (1:39:52 in 2021).
London Marathon timeline
Chris Brasher and John Disley organize the first edition of the London Marathon.
The first wheelchair marathon race is held in the London Marathon.
Paula Radcliffe sets a new world record with 2:15:25.
About 36,500 people crossed the finish line to set the record for most finishes in the London Marathon.
Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge sets a new world record at 2:02:37.
Marcel Hug in 1:26:27 and Manuela Schär in 1:39:52 break the record for the wheelchair race for men and women respectively.
How Businesses Can Celebrate London Marathon
Local businesses in London can embrace the marathon by offering special deals for runners with race bibs or medals, such as discounts on post-race meals or massages. Pubs and cafes along the route can create a festive atmosphere with themed decorations and special menus for spectators. Fitness studios and sports shops can host pre-race workshops or offer exclusive promotions on running gear and recovery services, engaging with the community spirit of the event.
London Marathon FAQs
When is London Marathon?
In 2027, the London Marathon is scheduled for Friday, April 23. Participants will once again tackle the challenging 26.2-mile course through the historic streets of London.
How many people run the London Marathon?
The London Marathon consistently sees tens of thousands of participants, making it one of the largest single-day fundraising events globally. The 2027 race is expected to maintain this high level of engagement.
How much money does the London Marathon raise for charity?
Building on its incredible legacy, the 2027 London Marathon is poised to continue its monumental fundraising efforts. The event is a vital platform for countless charities to generate crucial income and awareness.
Is the London Marathon a World Marathon Major?
As a proud member of the World Marathon Majors series, the London Marathon in 2027 will uphold its reputation for elite competition, mass participation, and significant charitable impact.
London Marathon Activities
Participate in the marathon
Celebrate the day by applying to join the race. However, please keep in mind that this event is not for everyone. Only apply if you are capable and healthy.
Watch the race from home
Make it an event and watch the marathon with friends. Whether you’re present to watch it live, or you’re at home watching it, it’ll be a good experience.
Donate to a charity
Donate to a charity to celebrate the day. In terms of charity, nothing is ever too small to help another person.
5 Facts About The London Marathon
Over a million have finished the race
There have been 1,125,810 runners who have finished the London Marathon since its inception.
The fastest Briton record holder
Sir Mo Farah completed the London Marathon, in two hours, five minutes, and 39 seconds in 2019.
The oldest runner to complete the race
In 2002, 90-year-old Jenny Wood-Allen became the oldest runner to finish the race.
Couples get married at the Marathon
It won’t be a surprise to see wedding dresses at the marathon as couples have been known to get married at the event.
The fastest age group
According to Strava, the fastest runners at the event are in the 35 to 44 age group.
Why We Love London Marathon
It supports physical fitness
The event, as it is a sports event, supports physical fitness. This helps people around the world to be more health-conscious, especially with physical activity.
It supports charity
The event serves to raise funds for charity. It even holds the record for the most amount of funds raised for charity in a single day.
It serves to end discrimination
The event allows men, women, younger age groups, and the disabled to participate. This goes a long way in ending discrimination in the World.
Social Media Tips for London Marathon
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