There’s something electric about London in April: daffodils blooming in St. James's Park, the river shimmering in spring sunshine—and more than 50,000 runners pounding the streets from Greenwich to Buckingham Palace. On Sunday 27 April 2025, the London Marathon returns for its 45th edition, and we’ve got the lowdown on everything you’ll want to know (with a twist for brand buffs and bus‑spotters alike).
When Two Athletes Dreamed a Race
Back in 1981, steeplechasers Chris Brasher and John Disley were inspired by the success of New York’s marathon to create an event “for all” in the UK capital. Their bold idea—just 7,747 entrants in that first year—sparked a phenomenon that now boasts over 40,000 finishers and millions in charity donations every April. A detour into October in 2020–22 couldn’t dim the marathon’s sparkle; this spring, London will reclaim its place as the world’s greatest urban run.
Landmarks at Every Mile
One of the marathon’s greatest thrills is its course art gallery, framed by heritage and modern marvels:
- Cutty Sark (mile 6): Feel the breeze as runners skirt Greenwich’s famed tea clipper.
- Tower Bridge (mile 12): Snap that classic “up and down” shot—ideal for your Instagram.
- Canary Wharf (mile 18): Racing past glass towers that glitter like medals in the sun.
- Big Ben & the London Eye (mile 25): The dramatic crescendo before the final dash down The Mall.
Records to Beat: The Bar Runners Are Eyeing
Think you’ve got it tough at mile 20? These legends make it look easy. On the London course, the times to chase are:
- Men’s – 2:01:25 by Kelvin Kiptum (KEN), 2023
- Women (mixed) – 2:15:25 by Paula Radcliffe (GBR), 2003
- Women (women-only) – 2:16:16 by Peres Jepchirchir (KEN), 2024
- Wheelchair men – 1:23:44 by Marcel Hug (SUI), 2023
- Wheelchair women – 1:38:24 by Catherine Debrunner (SUI), 2022
And if you really want the global gold-star list, the marathon world records stand at 2:00:35 (Kiptum, 2023) for men, 2:09:56 (Ruth Chepngetich, 2024) for mixed women, and wheelchair marks of 1:17:47 (Hug, 2021) and 1:34:16 (Debrunner, 2023). Will someone smash one on Sunday?
Home-Grown Heroes: Who’s Flying the Union Jack?
Britain’s finest are champing at the bit this year:
- Alex Yee, Olympic and world triathlon king, swaps bike and swim for 26.2 miles in his marathon debut.
- Mahamed Mahamed and Philip Sesemann step in after Emile Cairess’s withdrawal, eager to shake up the men’s front pack.
- Eilish McColgan finally tackles London’s 26.2 after her 2023 plans went south—expect fireworks.
- Joining McColgan are Charlotte Purdue, Rose Harvey and Phily Bowden, all chasing that podium thrill.
- Wheelchair stalwart David Weir rolls into his 26th consecutive London start, still eyeing that record eighth win.
- And watch out for ultra-strong Eden Rainbow-Cooper, last year’s Boston champ, who’s determined to upgrade her best London finish (third, 2022).
Elite Field & Prize Money: The Big Names and Big Bucks
Legendary Eliud Kipchoge is back in London for the first time since 2020, joined by defending champion Munyao and Olympic gold-medalist Tamirat Tola (minus Bekele’s late withdrawal). Half-marathon world record-setter Jacob Kiplimo makes his 26.2-mile bow after blitzing 57 minutes in February. On the women’s side, even with Chepngetich and Jepchirchir out, Olympic champ Sifan Hassan and Paris 2024 silver medallist Tigst Assefa keep the pace blistering.
All four reigning Olympic and Paralympic marathon champs—plus Swiss wheelchair stars Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner—are duking it out too. First place bags £41,000, and there’s a £112,000 bonus for a sub-2:02:00 men’s or sub-2:15:00 women’s performance. Cha-ching!
Race Day Kick-Off: When the Streets Go Wild
Mark your alarms:
- 08:50 BST – elite wheelchairs roll out
- 09:05 – elite women start
- 09:35 – elite men lining up (and mass runners flood the course until 11:30)
Grab your coffee, nab a deckchair—or hop on a bus for that perfect moving grandstand—and cheer every beat of the clock.
Weather Watch: Sun, Smiles & a Hint of Heat
According to BBC’s Elizabeth Rizzini, Sunday in London will be “dry all day, with a crisp 9 °C kick-off that warms to around 21 °C by late finishers at The Mall.” Expect sunny breaks, light breezes, and a pollen warning for the sniffles —just enough warmth to make those final miles sparkle (and maybe slow you down a tad).
Quirky Facts to Amaze Your Mates
- Guinness Records Galore: From running backwards to juggling footballs, more than 100 record attempts have taken place on this course.
- “Ever Presents”: Only a handful of runners have crossed every single finish line since 1981.
- Charity Powerhouse: It’s the UK’s biggest one‑day fundraiser—last year saw over £60 million raised for good causes.
- Free Travel Treat: If you’re running (or cheering), show your bib on race day and travel free on Tube, DLR, Overground and buses until 18:30.
The Best Double‑Decker Viewing Gallery
Want a front‑row seat without jostling at the kerb? London’s red buses become moving grandstands on marathon day. Here’s how to make the most of them:
- Pick Your Photo‑Op Stops:
- Route 11 (Fulham ↔ Liverpool Street) glides past Big Ben, St Paul’s and the City.
- Route 24 (Pimlico ↔ Hampstead Heath) passes Trafalgar Square and Downing Street.
- Route 9 (Aldwych ↔ Hammersmith) showcases Piccadilly Circus and Knightsbridge.
- Plan Ahead with TfL: Some stations switch to exit‑only on race day—check before you travel.
- Brand Spotlight: Imagine your artwork unfurling on a bus wrap or peeking from a bus side. It’s prime moving real estate for maximum impact.
Brands, Buses and the Big Day
Whether you’re cheering a friend or planning your next campaign, the marathon offers a unique stage. Sample some winning ideas:
- Full‑Surface Drama: A 360° bus-wrap can mirror the race’s curve, stopping jaws in their tracks.
- Split‑Side Stories: Highlight your brand’s journey alongside runners’ stories with bus-sides.
- Interior Immersion: Give passengers a mini-marathon experience with custom bus-interiors that engage from floor to ceiling.
- Experiential Pop‑Ups: Elevate excitement at key spectator hubs—think branded gazebos or selfie-spots in partnership with our experiential takeovers.
Curious about who you’ll reach? Dive into our audience insights, design tips and campaign successes for inspiration:
- Discover your crowd with Our audience
- Fresh ideas in Design services
- Real results in our Campaign gallery
- Got questions? We’ve got you covered in our FAQs
Ready to Jump On Board?
From the thundering start at Blackheath to the glorious finish outside Buckingham Palace, the London Marathon is London at its finest: historic, high‑energy and utterly unmissable. Make your brand part of the story—whether that’s a bold bus-rear teaser or a luxury interior escape, we’ll help you find the perfect fit.
Don’t let this opportunity pass you by—get in touch today and put your brand in the fast lane!
