The 45th edition of the TCS London Marathon is set to take place on Sunday, April 27, 2025, promising an exhilarating day filled with elite competition and thousands of passionate participants. This year, the marathon aims to break the world record for the most participants, with over 56,000 runners expected to tackle the iconic 26.2-mile course through the heart of London. The race will start at Greenwich Park and finish at The Mall, right in front of Buckingham Palace, a sight that never fails to inspire.
The action kicks off early in the morning, with the elite wheelchair races starting at 8:50 AM BST. Following that, the elite women's race will begin at 9:05 AM, and the elite men, along with the mass start for amateur runners, will commence at 9:35 AM. For those tuning in from different time zones, that's 10:35 AM in Central Europe, 4:35 AM Eastern Time, and 1:35 AM Pacific Time.
Fans can catch all the action live on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK, with coverage starting at 8:30 AM and continuing until 2 PM. In the United States, viewers can watch the race on ESPN2 and ESPN3, ensuring that marathon enthusiasts around the world can follow their favorite runners.
This year's elite men's field is exceptionally strong, with the spotlight on Eliud Kipchoge, the four-time London Marathon champion and world record holder. Kipchoge returns to the London course for the first time since 2020, having dominated the event in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. He will face stiff competition from defending champion Alexander Mutiso, who won last year’s race with a time of 2:04:01, as well as Olympic champion Tamirat Tola and Sabastian Sawe, who made headlines with a debut time of 2:02:05 at the Valencia Marathon.
However, the absence of Kenenisa Bekele, who withdrew due to injury, is a significant loss for the race. Bekele had previously set an over-40s world record with a time of 2:04:15 last year, and his rivalry with Kipchoge was highly anticipated. In his withdrawal statement, Bekele expressed disappointment, saying, "I am very disappointed. I was very much looking forward to returning to the TCS London Marathon on Sunday, especially after how well I ran there last year. But a series of small niggles have prevented me from getting in the training block I require to be at my best and I have had to make the difficult decision to withdraw. I wish everyone who is running the very best of luck."
Eyes will also be on Jacob Kiplimo, who recently shattered the half-marathon world record with a stunning time of 56:42 in Barcelona. This will be Kiplimo's full-distance marathon debut, and many are speculating whether he can challenge Kelvin Kiptum’s world record of 2:00:35 or even the elusive two-hour mark in an actual race.
The women's elite field, while missing some notable names, promises to deliver its own excitement. Olympic champion Sifan Hassan, who won the London Marathon in 2023, will face off against Tigst Assefa, the former world record holder who clocked an impressive 2:11:53 at the 2023 Berlin Marathon. Assefa and Hassan are expected to be in a thrilling battle, especially after both athletes have demonstrated exceptional form in recent competitions.
Unfortunately, the women’s race will not feature Ruth Chepngetich or Peres Jepchirchir, both of whom have been ruled out due to injuries. The British contingent is also looking strong, with Eilish McColgan making her marathon debut. McColgan, who holds multiple British records in shorter distances, is excited to follow in the footsteps of her mother, Liz, who won the London Marathon in 1996.
As the marathon draws near, the weather forecast suggests warm conditions, with temperatures expected to reach highs of 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit). Runners have been advised to reconsider wearing fancy dress and to pace themselves, as the heat could pose a challenge during the race.
In addition to the elite races, the London Marathon is a celebration of community and charity, with many participants running to raise funds for various causes. Notable figures such as Sir Jason Kenny, Sir Andrew Strauss, and Sir Alastair Cook will be among the thousands of participants, each with their own story and motivation for running.
For spectators, the atmosphere promises to be electric, with friends and family lining the streets to cheer on their loved ones. The marathon route will take runners past some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including the Tower Bridge and the London Eye, making it a visual feast for both participants and viewers alike.
As the countdown to the TCS London Marathon continues, anticipation builds for what promises to be a historic and memorable event. With world-class athletes, a record number of participants, and a vibrant atmosphere, the 2025 London Marathon is set to be a remarkable celebration of endurance and community spirit.
