London Marathon

The London Marathon is an annual marathon held in London, United Kingdom. It was founded by athletes Chris Brasher and John Disley in 1981.[1] It is usually held in April, but the 2021 and 2022 events were moved to October due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The largely flat course is set around the River Thames. It starts in Blackheath and finishes at The Mall.[2]

Runners crossing Tower Bridge in the 2021 London Marathon

The 2026 London Marathon set many new world records. 59,830 people competed, making it the largest marathon in the world.[3] Winner Sabastian Sawe from Kenya and a second runner, Yomif Kejelcha from Ethiopia, finished in under two hours. This was the first time anyone ran a marathon in under two hours. Tigst Assefa from Ethiopia set a new world record for women.[4][5]

London Marathon Media

References

  1. ↑ Flora London Marathon website: Marathon History: Course History'. Retrieved 1 February 2007.
  2. ↑ "The 2009 London Marathon Highlights". Steve Cram (presenter). London Marathon. British Broadcasting Corporation. BBC Two. 26 April 2009.
  3. ↑ London Marathon Reclaims World Record for Largest Marathon With Nearly 60,000 Finishers. Runner's World (2026-04-27)Hearst Magazines. Retrieved 2026-04-27.
  4. ↑ London Marathon 2026: All results, times and standings - full list. Olympics.com (2026)International Olympic Committee. Retrieved 2026-04-27.
  5. ↑ Sabastian Sawe wins London Marathon and becomes first man to run marathon under two hours. Sky Sports (2026-04-26)Sky UK. Retrieved 2026-04-27.