The London Marathon returns for 2025 with a star-studded elite field and a historic prize pot for the second straight year. Following the groundbreaking event in 2024, which became the first marathon in the world to ensure equal distribution of prize money between able-bodied athletes and wheelchair racers, this year promises to deliver another thrilling competition. In 2024, the winners took home $55,000 (£44,000) each, part of a total prize pool of $308,000 (£243,000). Organizers hope for a similarly closely contested elite women’s race, which was won last year by 2021 Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir in a world-record time for a women’s only race, finishing in 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 16 seconds. Meanwhile, Alexander Mutiso Munyao claimed victory in the men’s race with a time of 2:04:01.
As the excitement builds, let’s take a closer look at what awaits runners and spectators at the 2025 London Marathon.
What is the prize money on offer at the London Marathon?
This year’s prize money remains unchanged from 2024, with $55,000 going to each winner. Runners-up will earn $30,000 (£23,100), while third place will receive $22,500 (£17,400). Additional performance bonuses are also available: $150,000 (£115,900) for running sub-2:02 for men and sub-2:15 for women, $125,000 (£96,500) for setting a new world record, and $25,000 (£19,300) for a new course record.
When is the London Marathon?
The 2025 London Marathon is set for Sunday, April 27, 2025. The start times are as follows: 8:50 am for the elite wheelchair races, 9:05 am for the elite women’s race, and 9:35 am for the elite men’s race, followed by the mass start.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can catch the London Marathon live on the BBC, with extensive television coverage and online streaming available via the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website. Coverage begins at 8:30 am.
What is the route?
The London Marathon features a 26.2-mile course that has remained largely unchanged since its inception in 1981. The race begins in Greenwich and takes participants on a scenic route through the city, passing iconic landmarks such as the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye, before concluding at The Mall near Buckingham Palace.
What is the women’s elite field?
This year’s women’s elite field includes Olympic champion Sifan Hassan and Tigst Assefa, the second-fastest woman and previous world record holder. Unfortunately, world record holder Ruth Chepngetich and reigning champion Peres Jepchirchir had to withdraw two weeks prior to the race. The British contingent features Eilish McColgan, a European medallist across 3,000m, 5,000m, and 10,000m, making her marathon debut 29 years after her mother, Liz McColgan, won the event.
Here are some of the key contenders:
- Tigst Assefa (ETH, 2:11:53)
- Sifan Hassan (NED, 2:13:44)
- Joyciline Jepkosgei (KEN, 2:16:24)
- Megertu Alemu (ETH, 2:16:34)
- Stella Chesang (UGA, 2:18:26)
- Haven Hailu Desse (ETH, 2:19:29)
- Susanna Sullivan (USA, 2:21:56)
- Charlotte Purdue (GBR, 2:22:17)
- Sofiia Yaremchuk (ITA, 2:23:16)
- Rose Harvey (GBR, 2:23:21)
- Fatima Ezzahra Gardadi (MAR, 2:24:12)
- Philippa Bowden (GBR, 2:25:47)
- Lucy Reid (GBR, 2:26:37)
- Emily Durgin (USA, 2:26:46)
- Molly Bookmyer (USA, 2:28:52)
- Louise Small (GBR, 2:29:33)
- Eilish McColgan (GBR, Debut)
- Holly Archer (GBR, Debut)
What is the men’s elite field?
The men’s elite field features Eliud Kipchoge, widely regarded as the greatest marathon runner of all time, making his return to London for the first time since 2020, aiming for his fifth victory. Jacob Kiplimo, the world record holder in the half-marathon, will also make his marathon debut. Other notable competitors include Olympic champion Tamirat Tola and 2024 London champion Alexander Mutiso.
Key contenders in the men’s race include:
- Eliud Kipchoge (KEN, Personal best 2:01:09)
- Alexander Mutiso (KEN, 2:03:11)
- Sabastian Sawe (KEN, 2:02:05)
- Timothy Kiplagat (KEN, 2:02:55)
- Milkesa Mengesha (ETH, 2:03:17)
- Tamirat Tola (ETH, 2:03:39)
- Mohamed Esa (ETH, 2:04:39)
- Abdi Nageeye (NED, 2:04:45)
- Hillary Kipkoech (KEN, 2:04:45)
- Amanal Petros (GER, 2:04:58)
- Sondre Nordstad Moen (NOR, 2:05:48)
- Yemaneberhan Crippa (ITA, 2:06:06)
- Andrew Buchanan (AUS, 2:06:22)
- Mahamed Mahamed (GBR, 2:07:05)
- Brett Robinson (AUS, 2:07:31)
- Jacob Sommer Simonsen (DEN, 2:07:51)
- Philip Sesemann (GBR, 2:08:02)
- Adam Lipschitz (RSA, 2:08:54)
- Jonathan Mellor (GBR, 2:09:06)
- Dewi Griffiths (GBR, 2:09:49)
- Weynay Ghebresilasie (GBR, 2:09:50)
- Jake Smith (GBR, 2:11:00)
- Jack Rayner (AUS, 2:11:06)
- Kevin Salvano (USA, 2:11:26)
- Luke Caldwell (GBR, 2:11:33)
- Marcelo Laguera (MEX, 2:11:54)
- Dan Nash (GBR, 2:12:59)
- Andrew Heyes (GBR, 2:13:52)
- Alexander Lepretre (GBR, 2:15:01)
- David Bishop (GBR, 2:15:19)
- Logan Smith (GBR, 2:15:49)
- William Mycroft (GBR, 2:15:54)
- James Hoad (GBR, 2:16:29)
- Alex Milne (GBR, 2:16:30)
- Chris Thomas (GBR, 2:16:32)
- Carl Avery (GBR, 2:17:01)
- Sean Hogan (GBR, 2:17:02)
- Jacob Kiplimo (UGA, Debut)
- Alex Yee (GBR, Debut)
- Jonathan Davies (GBR, Debut)
- Jacob Allen (GBR, Debut)
- Jack Rowe (GBR, Debut)
The London Marathon continues to be a beacon of athletic achievement and community spirit, bringing together elite athletes and everyday runners alike. As the race day approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be another unforgettable event.
With a record 56,000 participants expected, the London Marathon is set to be a celebration of endurance, resilience, and the human spirit. Whether you’re running for personal glory, charity, or simply the joy of the race, the streets of London will be alive with excitement on April 27, 2025.
