The London Marathon might take place every year, but 2025’s event could mark something particularly special. Organisers are hoping that this year’s race will mark the largest marathon in the world, with the total number of runners set to surpass the amount that ran the New York City Marathon in November last year.
55,646 is the current record from the Big Applebut organisers of the London Marathon reckon that the number of finishers in the 2025 event can move past this total and set a new record for the field.
This would, of course, make it the largest London Marathon to date, with more than 56,000 expected to complete the 45th event as running’s surge in popularity continues to show itself in the capital.
The London Marathon also held a world record for the largest number of applicants to the event with 578,304 to the 2024 event… which was subsequently smashed by (*checks notes*) the 2025 London Marathon, which had over 840,000 people sign up. This year’s marathon also saw a 105% increase in applications from those aged 20-29.
Signing up involves applying to a ballot, which keeps it fair, though many hopeful runners miss out. There are also plenty of spaces to run through chosen charities each year, however.
Speaking ahead of the 2025 event, CEO of London Marathon Events Hugh Brasher said: “The 45th edition is a landmark year for us, and it would be wonderful to mark that by becoming the biggest marathon ever staged anywhere in the world.
“Marathon Day is an extraordinary day when communities come together to celebrate the very best of humanity as tens of thousands of participants take on the legendary 26.2-mile challenge from Greenwich to The Mall and raise tens of millions for charity on the way.”
The London Marathon is set to take place on April 27, 2025.
