London Marathon breaks world record for most finishers

The 2025 London Marathon set a new world record for finishers. This was despite hot conditions during the event's 45th edition.

At 18:35 BST on Sunday, the number of finishers surpassed 55,646. This previous record was set by the New York Marathon in November. The tally is expected to grow as more runners finish on The Mall.

Hugh Brasher, chief executive of London Marathon Events, expressed his excitement. He said, "The TCS London Marathon is the world's greatest marathon." He added that it is now officially the world's biggest marathon.

Brasher noted the unprecedented support from spectators lining the streets. He emphasized how important this support is for participants running for good causes.

He stated, "The good the TCS London Marathon does is unrivalled." He encouraged those inspired by the event to enter the ballot for the 2026 marathon.

More than 840,000 people applied for this year's race ballot. This broke last year's record of 578,304 applicants. Among UK applicants, 49% were female. There was also a 105% increase in applications from those aged 20-29.

Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa won the elite women's race with a world record time. Kenya's Sebastian Sawe triumphed in the men's event.

In wheelchair races, Switzerland had a double victory again this year. Catherine Debrunner broke her own course record in the women's race. Marcel Hug secured his seventh victory in the men's race.

On Saturday, over 15,000 young people participated in the Mini London Marathon. This made it the largest Mini Marathon since its start in 1986.