In a remarkable display of endurance and community spirit, the London Marathon showcased the growing popularity of running in the UK, as over 56,000 participants crossed the finish line on April 27, 2025. This year’s event was historic, not just for the sheer number of finishers but also for the record-breaking 1.1 million applications received for the 2026 marathon, eclipsing last year's record of 840,318. With more than 90,000 runners taking on the 26.2-mile challenge across the London and Manchester marathons, it was the largest day of marathon running ever witnessed in the UK.
The surge in marathon participation reflects a broader trend of increased running enthusiasm across the nation, particularly among women. In the 2025 London Marathon, women accounted for an impressive 45% of the participants, a significant rise from just 4% during the inaugural marathon in 1981. This year, women also made up 49.55% of the applications for the 2026 ballot, indicating a growing female presence in the sport.
Molly Slater-Davison, founder of the women-only running club "These Girls Run," has been instrumental in encouraging female participation. She noted, "It's that social effect - 'if my friend's doing it, then I can.' People starting to do 5km and sharing it on social media has really helped women to feel like, 'oh, this is something that I can do.'" Slater-Davison established her club in 2021, aiming to create a welcoming environment for women who may have had negative experiences in traditional running settings.
The popularity of events like Parkrun has also played a crucial role in promoting running as an accessible and enjoyable activity. With over 450,000 participants weekly, Parkrun emphasizes participation over competition, fostering a community spirit that appeals to new runners. The average finish time for Parkrun has notably increased from 22 minutes in 2005 to 33 minutes last month, reflecting a more inclusive atmosphere.
As the demand for running events grows, so does interest in completing marathons. The coveted Six Star Medal, awarded to those who finish all six world marathon majors, has seen a dramatic increase in participants, with 2,023 finishers from the UK in 2025, up from just 97 in 2015. This trend underscores a shift in the running culture, highlighting a collective desire for achievement and community.
Among the inspiring stories from this year’s marathon was that of Carl Morris from NLTG, who completed the race in 4 hours, 30 minutes, and 9 seconds to raise funds for Milly's Smiles, a charity supporting families facing childhood cancer. Morris exceeded his fundraising goal of £500, collecting £1,625 to honor the memory of 11-year-old Milly, who lost her battle with leukaemia a decade ago. He described the London Marathon experience as unforgettable, stating, "The noise from the crowds was unbelievable – there was a real sense of the best of humankind."
Another remarkable participant was Mohammed 'Ash' Ashraf, a 53-year-old grandfather from Peterborough, who completed the marathon despite having only run his local Parkrun once prior. Ashraf faced significant self-doubt and injuries during training but persevered, completing the race in 7 hours and 1 minute. He shared, "I just kept focusing on one step at a time, and not thinking about how far I still had to go. The energy from the crowd and the adrenaline rush just kept me going." His emotional finish was made even more special by the presence of his children and grandchildren cheering him on.
The marathon's success is indicative of a larger movement towards fitness and health in the UK. According to Sport England’s Active Lives survey, the number of people engaging in sports and physical activities reached record levels between November 2023 and November 2024. While the number of adults who run is currently 6.5 million, a growth of 350,000 year on year, it suggests a deeper commitment to running and fitness among the populace.
Elite runner Phily Bowden, who finished as the third British female in the elite race, reflected on the growing popularity of running. "It's definitely growing. When you first start running, if you're not fit, it is hard. But once you get a level of fitness, you can enjoy a run or enjoy a session, it's the best thing. I hope as long as the memories of that live on, the running stays." Bowden's sentiments resonate with many, as the benefits of running for mental health and physical fitness become increasingly recognized.
The London Marathon not only highlights individual achievements but also a collective cultural shift towards running as a lifestyle. Events like Friday Night Lights, which promote running as a social activity, have attracted younger generations eager to swap late-night partying for early-morning runs. Founder Charlie A noted, "The growth has been rapid and proof that people are crying out for something social that doesn't wreck their weekend with crippling hangovers."
As the running boom continues, the future of marathons in the UK looks bright. With a record number of applications for the London Marathon and an ever-increasing number of events, it’s clear that running is more than just a trend; it's becoming a fundamental part of the UK’s sporting culture.
In conclusion, the London Marathon serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of runners across the UK. With inspiring stories of individual triumph and a growing community of participants, the running boom shows no signs of slowing down. Whether it’s for charity, personal achievement, or simply the joy of running, the spirit of the marathon continues to thrive.
