On Sunday, April 27, 2025, the streets of London will come alive as the London Marathon celebrates its 45th edition, drawing a record number of participants and spectators. This iconic race, often regarded as the most popular marathon in the world, has attracted an astonishing 840,318 runners, marking a 43% increase from the previous year. With spring in full bloom, the excitement builds as athletes from around the globe lace up their running shoes, ready to tackle the 42.195 kilometers of this historic course.
The marathon will be broadcast live on Eurosport, starting at 10:00 AM, with a delayed showing on Eurosport 2 at 11:00 PM. Fans eager to follow their favorite runners can also track their progress through the official London Marathon app, available on both Android and iPhone. This feature allows family and friends to enter the name or bib number of the runner they wish to follow, providing real-time updates on their location along the route.
Among the elite athletes competing this year is Jacob Kiplimo, the world record holder for the half marathon, who will be making his marathon debut. Kiplimo, who recently shattered the semi-marathon record with a time of 56 minutes and 42 seconds in Barcelona, is expected to be a strong contender. He will be joined by the legendary Eliud Kipchoge, the marathon world record holder with a time of 2 hours, 0 minutes, and 35 seconds, and Tamirat Tola, the Olympic champion from Paris 2024.
As the elite men prepare to start at 10:35 AM, they will aim for a target pace of 2 hours and 2 minutes, with a halfway split of 1 hour and 1 minute. Kipchoge, despite facing challenges in recent races, including a withdrawal in Paris due to back pain, remains a formidable presence on the course. Kiplimo expressed his desire to perform well, stating, "I think first about having a good race, without thinking about a possible record. A good race would be to stand on the podium.”
The elite women's race is set to kick off at 10:05 AM, featuring fierce competitors like Tigist Assefa and Sifan Hassan. Assefa, who clocked a remarkable 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 53 seconds in 2023, will be looking to claim victory against Hassan, the 2024 Olympic champion. Both athletes are returning to the marathon after a memorable finish in the Olympic race, where Hassan edged out Assefa for the gold medal.
This year's marathon is not just about elite competition; it also serves as a platform for charity. Since its inception in 1981, the London Marathon has raised over 1.3 billion pounds for various charities, with approximately 75% of participants running for a charitable cause. This year, more than 700 runners are raising funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK, aiming to support the development of a cancer detection test.
The event will also honor the memory of Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice da Silva, two young girls tragically killed in 2024. Their fathers will participate in the marathon to raise funds for a playground in their honor, ensuring that their legacies live on. Another inspiring participant is Dave Heeley, known as "Blind Dave," who will run his 17th and final marathon at the age of 67, accompanied by his three daughters. Heeley made history in 2008 as the first blind person to complete seven marathons on seven continents in seven days.
In a remarkable display of determination, Alex Gibson, a 47-year-old man with a rare neurodegenerative disease, will participate in a wheelchair but plans to walk the final kilometer to demonstrate that "everything is possible.”
Among the unique stories this year, Jamie Campbell aims to break the record for the fastest marathon run in a crustacean costume, set at 3 hours, 13 minutes, and 18 seconds. His playful ambition adds a lighthearted touch to the serious competition.
With the marathon’s rich history and its commitment to charity, the London Marathon continues to unite runners and spectators alike. The event promises to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing not only elite athleticism but also the human spirit's resilience and capacity for compassion.
As the countdown to the race begins, the anticipation grows. Will Kiplimo make a stunning debut? Can Kipchoge reclaim his dominance? And how will the charity efforts unfold? The London Marathon is set to be a day of unforgettable moments and inspiring stories, drawing the world’s attention to the heart of London.
