One of the marquee events on the running calendar, the 2025 London Marathon is set to take place on Sunday, April 27, 2025. This iconic race, which traditionally takes runners from Greenwich to The Mall, showcases London in all its glory, featuring landmarks such as the famous Tower Bridge, the iconic silhouettes of Big Ben, and the London Eye. The excitement this year is palpable, particularly with the return of marathon superstar Eliud Kipchoge. The four-time champion is back and hungry for more success, and all eyes will be on whether the Kenyan legend can add another chapter to his remarkable story.
The women's race also boasts a star-studded lineup, featuring three of the fastest women in history: Olympic champion Sifan Hassan, world record holder Ruth Chepngetich, and Tigst Assefa. Each of these athletes is poised to make a significant impact on the race, and fans are eagerly anticipating an exhilarating showdown.
For those looking to watch the 2025 London Marathon, there are several options available. In North America, the marathon will not have a traditional TV broadcast, but fans can follow along via live streaming on FloTrack and the FloSports app in the United States, Australia, and Canada. The race is set to start early on Sunday morning, with the elite wheelchair men's and women's races kicking off at 3:50 a.m. ET (5:50 p.m. AEST), followed by the elite women's race at 4:05 a.m. ET (6:05 p.m. AEST) and the elite men's race at 4:35 a.m. ET (6:35 p.m. AEST), which will be followed by a mass start.
The prize money for this year's marathon remains unchanged, with $55,000 awarded to each winner, $30,000 (£23,100) going to the runners-up, and $22,500 (£17,400) for the third-place finishers. Additionally, there are performance bonuses on the line, with runners who dip under 2:02 (men) or 2:15 (women) eligible for an additional $150,000 (£115,900). Setting a new world record will earn $125,000 (£96,500), while breaking the course record will net an extra $25,000 (£19,300).
As the London Marathon enters its 45th year, more than 50,000 runners are expected to take on the 26.2-mile route, which has remained largely unchanged. The run will begin at the historic Greenwich Park and head east to Woolwich. With its predominantly flat course, runners will pass some of London's most iconic sights, including Tower Bridge, the towering skyscrapers of Canary Wharf, and the timeless visage of Big Ben, before finishing at The Mall near Buckingham Palace.
In terms of past winners, the men's race has seen some fierce competition in recent years. In 2024, Alexander Mutiso from Kenya won the men's race in 2:04:01, while 2023 saw Kelvin Kiptum also from Kenya set a course record with a time of 2:01:25. The previous years featured notable winners such as Amos Kipruto (Kenya) in 2022 (2:04:39), Sisay Lemma (Ethiopia) in 2021 (2:04:01), and Shura Kitata Tola (Ethiopia) in 2020 (2:05:58).
On the women's side, Brigid Kosgei (Kenya) won in 2024 with a time of 2:18:20, while Joyciline Jepkosgei (Kenya) won in 2023 at 2:18:58. Yalemzerf Yehualaw (Ethiopia) took the title in 2022 with a time of 2:17:26, and Sifan Hassan (Netherlands) won in 2021 with a time of 2:18:33. Peres Jepchirchir (Kenya) won in 2020 with an impressive time of 2:16:16.
This year, the London Marathon is not just about elite athletes; it is also a platform for charity. More than £66 million was raised for charity in 2024, and race organizers are optimistic that this figure can be surpassed in 2025. The forecast for race day is promising, with temperatures expected to reach up to 21°C, creating favorable running conditions.
Among the participants, the marathon will feature some notable figures from the world of cricket. Former England captains Sir Andrew Strauss and Sir Alastair Cook are running to support the Ruth Strauss Foundation. Their involvement adds an extra layer of excitement for cricket fans and highlights the marathon's commitment to charitable causes.
As the anticipation builds, the 2025 London Marathon is shaping up to be one for the ages. With Olympic champions Tamirat Tola and Sifan Hassan competing, and a £98,000 bonus up for grabs for breaking the world record, the stakes are high. Hassan, who won the London Marathon on her debut in 2023, is particularly noteworthy. Her rivalry with Tigst Assefa promises to be a highlight of the day, especially considering their previous encounters, including Assefa's narrow loss to Hassan for Olympic gold last year.
The marathon is not just a sporting event; it is a celebration of community, charity, and athletic excellence. With over 56,000 participants expected, including the oldest runner, 84-year-old Mohan Kudchadker, this year's marathon embodies the spirit of determination and resilience. The race will weave through the heart of London, passing iconic landmarks like the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, and Big Ben, before reaching the finish line at The Mall near Buckingham Palace.
For those interested in following the event, the BBC will provide comprehensive coverage, with live broadcasts starting at 8:30 a.m. local time on BBC One and streaming available on BBC iPlayer. Commentary will be provided by a team of experts, including Andrew Cotter, Steve Cram, Paula Radcliffe, and Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, with reporters stationed along the route to capture every moment of this monumental event.
As the world prepares for the 2025 London Marathon, the excitement is palpable. With a rich history, a vibrant atmosphere, and a commitment to charity, this marathon promises to be unforgettable. Whether you're a participant or a spectator, the London Marathon is a celebration of human spirit and athletic achievement, and this year's event is set to raise the bar even higher.
