The London Marathon, now known as the TCS London Marathon, has cemented its place as a beloved national treasure. With over 53,000 finishers in 2024 and more than 840,000 applicants competing for a place in the 2025 event, it has become one of the world’s most renowned marathons. But how did this legendary race reach such incredible heights? Let’s explore its fascinating journey, from its inception in 1981 to its current status as one of the largest and most celebrated races worldwide.
The Spark of Inspiration: The Birth of the London Marathon
The London Marathon owes its existence to the vision of two British Olympians, Chris Brasher and John Disley. Their journey began after Brasher participated in the New York City Marathon in 1979. Inspired by the sense of unity and excitement generated by the event, he returned to London with a dream: to create a race that would showcase the city’s beauty and bring people together in a unique way. Teaming up with Disley, they set out to turn this vision into reality.
That dream became a reality on March 29, 1981, when the first London Marathon was held. The inaugural race attracted over 22,000 applicants, but safety concerns limited the starting field to around 7,000. Thousands of spectators lined the streets, cheering on the participants along the 26.2-mile course.
Leading the race in its final stages were American Dick Beardsley and Norwegian Inge Simonsen. In a now-iconic display of sportsmanship, the pair joined hands as they approached the finish line, choosing to share the victory rather than compete for it. This powerful gesture set the tone for the camaraderie and unity that have since become hallmarks of the event.
Such was the impact of the first London Marathon that the number of starters more than doubled the following year, with 16,350 runners at the starting line in 1982
Expansion and Evolution: The Marathon Grows Up
Over the years, The London Marathon has transformed into a global spectacle, drawing participants and spectators from around the world. Today, the event features the following competitions:
- Mass participation race: open to the public
- Elite professional races: for men and women
- Elite Wheelchair races: for men and women
- Mini-marathon: for runners under 17
In 2006, the London Marathon became part of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors, an elite series that then included Boston, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. Tokyo was added in 2013, and with Sydney recently announced as the newest addition, the series now includes seven major marathons. This series celebrates the pinnacle of marathon running, attracting elite athletes who compete not only for victory but also for points in the Majors standings, which offer significant prize money and global recognition. Being part of this exclusive group has further cemented the London Marathon’s reputation as one of the premier marathons in the world.
Course Changes
Since the first London Marathon in 1981, the course has undergone several adjustments. Here is a quick look at how the course has shaped up throughout the years:
The Early Days (1981): The first London Marathon took runners on a scenic route that included a loop around Southwark Park, passing St Katherine Docks, and even a cobblestoned section near the Tower of London. To help prevent injuries on the uneven stones, organizers later carpeted this stretch, a small change that made a big difference for runners.
A New Finish Line (1982 & 1994): Construction work in 1982 saw the finish line moved from Constitution Hill to Westminster Bridge. Twelve years later, the finish was moved again—this time permanently—to its current location on The Mall, right in the heart of London.
Isle of Dogs Reversal (2005): In a bid to optimize the route, the section through the Isle of Dogs was switched from clockwise to anti-clockwise. This was also the year that the race was re-routed to bypass the cobblestone area near the Tower of London altogether.
COVID-19 (2020) The most significant recent change came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the marathon shifted from April to October for three consecutive years, with the 2020 event held on a closed-loop course around St. James’s Park. To ensure safety, a virtual event was also introduced for mass participants.
Legendary Feats: Record-Breaking Moments
The London Marathon has been the stage for many historic marathon moments. World record-breaking feats have occurred here no fewer than seven times, starting with Khalid Khannouchi’s men’s record in 2002. On the women’s side, legends such as Grete Waitz, Ingrid Kristiansen, and Paula Radcliffe have all left their mark, with Radcliffe’s 2003 time of 2:15:25 still standing as the women’s course record for over 20 years. The late Kelvin Kiptum’s 2:01:25 stands as the men’s course record.
Paula Radcliffe, responsible for some of the London Marathon's most unforgettable moments, leads the elite women as she strides across Tower Bridge during the 2005 race
In the elite wheelchair races, Marcel Hug set the men’s wheelchair course record in 2023 with a time of 1:23:44, while Catherine Debrunner set the women’s wheelchair course record in 2022 with a time of 1:38:24.
Running with Purpose: The Marathon’s Charitable Impact
The London Marathon is more than a race—it’s a powerful force for good. Since its beginning, it has raised over £1 billion for various charities, with the 2024 event alone generating an astounding £67 million, making it the highest single-day fundraising event in history. Thousands of participants run to support causes close to their hearts, amplifying the marathon’s charitable focus.
The event also fosters a vibrant sense of community, with volunteers from running clubs across the country working tirelessly to ensure everything runs smoothly. It's often overlooked, but the dedication of these volunteers is crucial to the event's success every year.
Overcoming Obstacles: Challenges and the Road Ahead
Over the years, the London Marathon has faced numerous challenges that have tested its resilience. Managing the overwhelming scale of the event, with over 50,000 runners, is a logistical feat—especially when dealing with the hopelessly high number of applicants compared to available spaces. Ensuring participant safety, controlling crowds, and minimizing disruptions to the city are ongoing concerns, made even more complex by unpredictable weather and, more recently, the impact of COVID-19. As previously mentioned, the pandemic caused significant disruptions to the race's schedule. In addition to shifting the event date, other adjustments were made to accommodate health guidelines and safety measures. These changes allowed the race to continue during uncertain times while ensuring the safety of participants..
Environmental issues also pose a significant ongoing challenge. With increasing participation comes a rise in waste, particularly single-use plastics and discarded race materials. While efforts to implement sustainable practices are underway, balancing eco-friendly initiatives with the demands of a large-scale event is a constant struggle. Moreover, ensuring inclusivity and securing long-term sponsorship in an ever-evolving landscape are vital to the marathon's continued success.
FINAL WORD
From its modest beginnings in 1981 to its status as one of the biggest marathons in the world, the London Marathon has become a symbol of endurance, charity, and community. Whether breaking records or raising millions for good causes, it continues to inspire participants and spectators alike. Looking to the future, the marathon is poised to set new standards, uniting people in a celebration of athleticism, generosity, and the indomitable human spirit.