This weekend marks the 45th London Marathon, a highly anticipated event that brings together over 56,000 runners from all walks of life, each ready to tackle the iconic 26.2-mile course through the streets of London. As the runners prepare to take on this ultimate challenge, supporters have a myriad of ways to cheer them on, whether in person or from the comfort of their homes.
The marathon, known for its vibrant atmosphere, will kick off early in the morning on April 27, 2025. The elite wheelchair race is set to start at 8:50 AM, followed by the elite women's race at 9:05 AM, and the elite men's race at 9:35 AM. The general start will see waves of runners depart from 9:35 AM to 11:30 AM. This year, the event aims to break the world record for the most finishers in a marathon, surpassing the previous record of 55,646 participants set at the New York Marathon.
Viewers can catch all the action live on BBC One, with coverage beginning at 10 AM and running until 2 PM. Gabby Logan will host the coverage, joined by notable commentators including Andrew Cotter, Steve Cram, Paula Radcliffe, and Tanni Grey-Thompson. Reports will be provided by Abby Cook, JJ Chalmers, Jeanette Kwakye, and Sarah Mulkerrins, ensuring that viewers stay updated on the progress of their favorite runners.
Last year, the men's and women's elite races were won by Kenyan athletes Alexander Mutiso Munyao and Peres Jepchirchir, who set a women’s only world record with a stunning time of 2:16:16. This year, the competition is expected to be fierce, with many elite runners aiming to challenge those records.
In addition to the elite runners, a host of celebrities will be participating, including former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere, former Chelsea and England captain John Terry, comedian Romesh Ranganathan, and former England cricketers Sir Andrew Strauss and Sir Alastair Cook. Their involvement adds an extra layer of excitement to the event, as fans will be eager to see how their favorite stars fare in the race.
For those unable to attend in person, the London Marathon tracker app offers a fantastic solution. Available for free on both Apple and Android devices, the app allows supporters to track runners by their name or bib number. Users can receive updates every 5 kilometers, and if a runner opts to share their location via GPS, supporters can see their live position on the course.
The app also features a "Belief Booster," which enables users to send motivational messages that may appear on course screens, providing encouragement to runners as they push through the grueling miles. Additionally, the app gives insights into the elite leaderboard and results, making it an essential tool for marathon enthusiasts.
This year, the London Marathon is expected to raise tens of millions of pounds for charity, continuing its legacy as the world's largest annual one-day fundraising event. Since its inception in 1981, the marathon has raised over £1.3 billion for various charitable causes, making it a significant event not just for the runners but for the communities they support.
Among the participants is Roy Caine, who is running the marathon in memory of his best friend, Alan Haselden. Caine hopes to raise £2,000 for the British Liver Trust, sharing his emotional journey and the bond he had with Haselden. "Over the next 20 years he became one of my best friends," Caine reflected. His story adds a personal touch to the marathon, reminding everyone of the deeper connections that motivate many runners.
The marathon route itself is a stunning showcase of London’s landmarks, starting at Greenwich Park and finishing on The Mall, where runners will cross the finish line in front of Buckingham Palace. Participants will pass iconic sites such as Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and Big Ben, making the race a visual treat for both runners and spectators alike.
As the countdown to the marathon continues, excitement builds among participants and supporters. Whether cheering from the sidelines or tracking progress from home, the London Marathon is set to be a memorable event filled with inspiration, determination, and community spirit. With the combination of elite competition, celebrity appearances, and heartfelt personal stories, this year’s marathon promises to be one for the books.
In conclusion, the 45th London Marathon is not just a race; it’s a celebration of resilience, charity, and the human spirit. As thousands lace up their shoes and hit the streets, the world will be watching, celebrating every stride taken towards the finish line.
