The 45th London Marathon: A Day for Records and Rivalries
This Sunday, the streets of London will host the 45th edition of the iconic London Marathon, promising record-breaking performances and thrilling competitions. With elite athletes vying for course and world records under the tantalizing lure of a £98,000 bonus, the event’s ambitions don’t stop there. The 2025 race seeks to set a new world benchmark for the most marathon finishers. An anticipated 56,000 runners could surpass the previous high set by New York’s marathon of 55,646 finishers. London’s vibrant crowds will be out in force, supporting a mix of passionate amateur runners and world-class athletes over the celebrated 26.2-mile course.
Streaming live on the BBC, the marathon kicks off on Sunday, 27 April at 08:30 BST, available on iPlayer and through the BBC Sport website and app. Beginning at Greenwich Park and concluding at The Mall after a scenic trip past Buckingham Palace, the mostly flat course takes runners by iconic sites such as Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and Big Ben.
Returning champions and world-record holders make up a distinguished field of competitors. Alexander Mutiso Munyao will defend his title, having clinched victory in the previous year with a time of 2:04:01. Women’s record-setter Peres Jepchirchir will not participate, leaving the women’s field to tackle times in her wake. Running legends, including four-time winner Eliud Kipchoge, make their return, while new aspirants like Jacob Kiplimo debut their marathon talents. Minus the presence of Ethiopian star Kenenisa Bekele, who has withdrawn, the competition remains stacked with formidable contenders.
The elite women’s lineup holds world-record pedigree and Olympic glory, featuring stars such as Sifan Hassan and Tigst Assefa. Notably, absentees Ruth Chepngetich and Jepchirchir create opportunities for new champions to emerge. Meanwhile, in the elite wheelchair races, Swiss athletes Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner are poised to add to their impressive victories.
British athletes are set to shine alongside their international peers. Alex Yee, an Olympic and world triathlon champion, steps into marathon running. Eilish McColgan and other talented women from Britain will aim to leave their mark. The men’s wheelchair race promises further excitement with David Weir pursuing his 26th marathon and possible 9th win.
For those running, the weather forecast offers mild temperatures with a mild start that rises throughout the day to possibly reach 21C, welcoming conditions yet potentially challenging due to high pollen levels. To mitigate the sun’s effects, shower stations and extra hydration stops are set along the route.
Runners will be chasing formidable records. The men’s course record stands at 2:01:25, held by Kelvin Kiptum, and the women’s at 2:15:25 by Paula Radcliffe. On top of prize money, lucrative bonuses await those achieving landmark times below existing men’s and women’s standards.
The marathon’s popularity ensures that runners will share the route with celebrated figures. Legendary cyclist Sir Jason Kenny, cricket captains Sir Andrew Strauss and Sir Alastair Cook, and a host of celebrities, including comic Romesh Ranganathan and singer Alexandra Burke, add further star quality to the ranks.
A staggering 840,318 hopefuls entered the marathon ballot, with over 56,000 now expected to participate. The race cements its status as the preeminent fundraising marathon, having generated more than £1.3 billion for charity. Guinness World Record challenges abound this year, from costumed athletes to Adele Roberts attempting a marathon with a special distinction.
For viewers, Saturday through Sunday offers coverage across BBC platforms, ensuring fans won’t miss a step of this exhilarating event. Tune in for everything from live race updates to highlights showcasing the day’s unforgettable moments.