Contents
Overview
The London Marathon was founded by athletes Chris Brasher and John Disley in 1981, with the first race held on March 29, 1981. The idea for the marathon was inspired by the New York City Marathon, which Brasher had participated in. The London Marathon has since become one of the six World Marathon Majors, along with the Boston Marathon, Chicago Marathon, Berlin Marathon, Tokyo Marathon, and the New York City Marathon. The current race director is Hugh Brasher, son of Chris Brasher, and the chief executive is Nick Bitel.
🗺️ Course Overview
The London Marathon course is largely flat and set around the River Thames, starting in Blackheath and finishing at The Mall. The course takes runners through some of London's most iconic landmarks, including Tower Bridge and Big Ben. The course has undergone several changes over the years, with the most recent change being the addition of a new finish area in 2019. The course is also home to the London Marathon Events organization, which has partnered with Friday Night Lights to host a paid-for 5km run at Battersea Park on the Friday prior to the marathon.
🏆 Components & Events
The London Marathon has several components, including a mass race for the public, professional races for men and women long-distance runners, elite-level wheelchair races for men and women, and a 3-mile mini marathon event for under-17 athletes. The race also features a significant charity running aspect, with participants helping to raise over £1 billion for various charities since its inception. The charity aspect is supported by organizations like Charity Commission and UK Athletics. In 2026, the London Marathon launched a collaboration with Friday Night Lights, a paid-for 5km run at Battersea Park on the Friday prior to the marathon.
💰 Charity Aspect & Impact
The London Marathon has a significant impact on the city of London, with thousands of runners and spectators descending upon the city each year. The race is supported by several organizations, including London Marathon Events, TCS, and BBC Sport. The race is also covered by several media outlets, including BBC Sport and Sky Sports. The London Marathon has become an iconic event in the running calendar, with many runners aiming to complete the race as part of their running goals, including completing the Six Star Finishers program, which requires runners to complete all six World Marathon Majors.
Key Facts
- Year
- 1981
- Origin
- London, England
- Category
- fitness
- Type
- event
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of the London Marathon?
The London Marathon was founded by athletes Chris Brasher and John Disley in 1981, with the first race held on March 29, 1981. The idea for the marathon was inspired by the New York City Marathon, which Brasher had participated in. The London Marathon has since become one of the six World Marathon Majors, along with the Boston Marathon, Chicago Marathon, Berlin Marathon, Tokyo Marathon, and the New York City Marathon.
What is the course of the London Marathon?
The London Marathon course is largely flat and set around the River Thames, starting in Blackheath and finishing at The Mall. The course takes runners through some of London's most iconic landmarks, including Tower Bridge and Big Ben. The course has undergone several changes over the years, with the most recent change being the addition of a new finish area in 2019.
What are the components of the London Marathon?
The London Marathon has several components, including a mass race for the public, professional races for men and women long-distance runners, elite-level wheelchair races for men and women, and a 3-mile mini marathon event for under-17 athletes. The race also features a significant charity running aspect, with participants helping to raise over £1 billion for various charities since its inception.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the London Marathon?
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the London Marathon, with the 2020, 2021, and 2022 events postponed to October. The pandemic has also led to changes in the way the event is organized, with a greater emphasis on virtual events and charity running.
What is the significance of the London Marathon in the running calendar?
The London Marathon is one of the most iconic events in the running calendar, with thousands of runners and spectators descending upon the city each year. The race is supported by several organizations, including London Marathon Events, TCS, and BBC Sport. The London Marathon has become an iconic event in the running calendar, with many runners aiming to complete the race as part of their running goals, including completing the Six Star Finishers program, which requires runners to complete all six World Marathon Majors.