London Marathon
The London Marathon is an annual marathon running event that takes place in London, United Kingdom. The race is conducted every year during spring and it is one of the six World Marathon Majors.
The race which began in 1981 was founded by journalist Chris Brasher and athlete John Disley, who after taking part in the 1979 New York City Marathon were inspired by it and wanted to replicate a similar event in London. The event currently sees participation from over 35,000 people.
The current men's course record is 2:01:25 set by Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum in 2023. Paula Radcliffe of Great Britain holds the women's course record at 2:15:25 set in 2003 which at the time was a women's marathon world record.
The course is mostly flat and is set around the River Thames. The race starts at three different points and all three courses merge after the 4.5km mark. The course has undergone only a very few changes since it was first set in 1981.
The event has to-date claimed the lives of 11 participants, the most recent being the death of 30 year old UK woman Claire Squires.
Trivia
- The first men's race in 1981 was tied between American Dick Beardsley and Norwegian Inge Simonsen, who crossed the finish line holding hands.
- The first wheelchair races took place in 1983
Related Pages
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
Current Events