Organisers hope the 45th edition of the London Marathon will set a world record Records will be under threat when the 45th edition of the London Marathon takes place on Sunday. Stacked elite fields will have course and world records in their sights, with a £98,000 bonus available to anyone successful in achieving the latter in the men's and women's races. This year's event isaiming to break the world recordfor the most participants in a marathon, with more than 56,000 people expected to compete. That record had been the 55,646 finishers at last year's New York Marathon, but this month's Paris Marathon recorded 56,950 participants. The streets of London will be packed with people running for causes close to their hearts, some pursuing their own records and being cheered throughout the 26.2 miles by electric crowds. Here's everything you need to know about the 2025 London Marathon, including how to follow it live across the BBC. The course begins at Greenwich Park and ends on The Mall, where runners will cross the finishing line after passing Buckingham Palace. The mostly flat route takes in several other London landmarks, including Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and Big Ben. Kenya's Alexander Mutiso Munyao won the men's race in two hours four minutes one second last year, with compatriot Peres Jepchirchir victorious in a women's only world record of 2:16:16. The London Marathon starts in Greenwich and finishes on The Mall outside Buckingham Palace Eliud Kipchoge, who became the first athlete to run a marathon in under two hours in 2019 and is widely regarded as the greatest distance runner in history, returns to the London Marathonfor the first time since 2020. The record four-time winner is joined in the elite men's race by defending champion Munyao and Ethiopia's Olympic championTamirat Tola,but Kipchoge'slong-time rival Kenenisa Bekele was a late withdrawal. Half marathon world record holderJacob Kiplimomakes his debut after becoming the first person to run a half marathon in under 57 minutes in February. World record holderRuthChepngetichand 2024 winnerJepchirchirhave withdrawn from this year's elite women's race. But a stacked line-up still features two of the three fastest women in history in Olympic championSifan HassanandParis 2024 silver medallistTigst Assefa. All four reigning Olympic and Paralympic marathon champions will be present, with Swiss athletesMarcel HugandCatherine Debrunnercontesting the elite wheelchair events. Hug, who won a third consecutive Paralympic marathon in 2024, bids for a seventh - and fifth consecutive - London Marathon triumph, while compatriot Debrunner aims for a third London victory following five golds at Paris 2024. The race winners will receive £41,000, while a £112,000 bonus will be paid to any man running under 2:02:00 or woman under 2:15:00. Olympic and world triathlon champion Alex Yee will make his marathon debut in London Olympic and world triathlon championAlex Yeewill make his highly anticipatedmarathon debut. With Emile Cairess forced to withdraw because of injury,Mahamed MahamedandPhilip Sesemannare among the British men aiming to star towards the front. Eilish McColganwillmake her debutat this year's London Marathon, competing over 26.2 miles for the first time after injury prevented her participation in 2023. Among the Britons joining McColgan in the women's race areCharlotte Purdue,Rose HarveyandPhily Bowden. Record eight-time winnerDavid Weirreturns for his 26th consecutive appearance in the men's wheelchair race. In the women's event, last year's Boston Marathon championEden Rainbow-Cooperwill aim to improve on her best London finish of third in 2022. London Marathon course records: Men: 2:01:25, Kelvin Kiptum (Ken), 2023 Women (mixed): 2:15:25, Paula Radcliffe (GB), 2003 Women only: 2:16:16, Peres Jepchirchir (Ken), 2024 Wheelchair men: 1:23:44, Marcel Hug (Swi), 2023 Wheelchair women: 1:38:24, Catherine Debrunner (Swi), 2022 Marathon world records: Men: 2:00:35, Kelvin Kiptum (Ken), 2023 Women (mixed): 2:09:56, Ruth Chepngetich (Ken), 2024 Women only: 2:16:16, Peres Jepchirchir (Ken), 2024 Wheelchair men: 1:17:47, Marcel Hug (Swi), 2021 Wheelchair women: 1:34:16, Catherine Debrunner (Swi), 2023 Those participating in this year's London Marathon will share the course with Britain's most successful Olympian of all time - seven-time gold medal-winning cyclist Sir Jason Kenny. Also among the sporting royalty present will be former England cricketers Sir Andrew Strauss and Sir Alastair Cook, running for the Ruth Strauss Foundation - the charity set up following the death of Strauss' wife. Comedian Romesh Ranganathan returns after his debut last year to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust, while singer Alexandra Burke runs for the first time in support of Diabetes UK. Well-known footballers including former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere, former Chelsea and England captain John Terry, and former Juventus and Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci are taking part. A record 840,318 people applied to take part in this year's London Marathon via the public ballot, with more than 56,000 expected to compete on the day. The race is the world's largest annual one-day fundraising event, with more than £1.3bn raised for charity since 1981. There will be 103 participants attempting to break 87 Guinness World Records at this year's London Marathon. Broadcaster and DJ Adele Roberts, already the fastest woman with a stoma to complete the London Marathon, will attempt to become the fastest woman with a stoma to complete all six world marathon majors in the space of eight months. Attempts will be made to break records in two, four and 10-person costumes. Also watch out for: Fastest marathon in a firefighter's uniform and breathing apparatus Three separate attempts at fastest marathon dressed as a knight Fastest marathon dressed in a tent Fastest marathon on crutches 08:50 BST- elite wheelchairs 09:05- elite women 09:35- elite men 09:35-11:30- mass event The forecast for London on Sunday is currently looking good for marathon runners. Sunny intervals and light winds are forecast, although there could be some rain in the morning. Temperatures of about 12C are predicted for the start of the race, although that is expected to rise to a warm 20C for those finishing later in the afternoon. BBC weather forecast for Sunday, 27 April 2025 Here is how to follow coverage of the London Marathon on Sunday, 27 April across BBC platforms (all times BST and subject to late changes): Thursday, 24 April 19:30-21:00BBC Radio 5 Live - London Marathon preview Saturday, 26 April 08:30-10:30BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website & app - Mini London Marathon 13:15-13:45BBC One - My Reason To Run Sunday, 27 April 08:00-18:00BBC Radio London - live coverage 08:30-14:00BBC One - live coverage 08:30-15:00BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website & app - uninterrupted coverage 11:00-14:00BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website & app - Tower Bridge camera 12:30-18:00BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website & app - finishing-line camera 14:00-15:00BBC Two - live coverage 18:00-19:00BBC Two - highlights
London Marathon 2025 - everything you need to know
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"2025 London Marathon Aims for Record Participation and Elite Competition"
Bbc News
7.4
TruthLens AI Summary
The 2025 London Marathon is set to be a landmark event as it aims to break several records, including that for the most participants in a single marathon. With an impressive field of over 56,000 runners expected to compete, the event strives to surpass the previous record of 55,646 finishers from the New York Marathon and the recent Paris Marathon's 56,950 participants. The marathon, which will take place on Sunday, features a flat and scenic course that begins in Greenwich Park and concludes at The Mall near Buckingham Palace. Elite athletes will compete for both course and world records, with a significant incentive of a £98,000 bonus for any runner who achieves a new world record in the men's or women's race. The event promises to be filled with excitement, as electric crowds will cheer on participants running for various charitable causes and personal achievements during the 26.2-mile journey through London's iconic landmarks, including Tower Bridge and Big Ben.
Among the elite competitors, renowned marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge will make his much-anticipated return to the London Marathon, competing for the first time since 2020. He will face formidable opponents, including last year's champion Alexander Mutiso Munyao and Olympic champion Tamirat Tola. The women's race will feature Olympic champion Sifan Hassan and silver medalist Tigst Assefa, although notable withdrawals have occurred, including world record holder Ruth Chepngetich. The wheelchair events will also showcase top athletes like Marcel Hug, who is seeking his fifth consecutive London Marathon victory, and Catherine Debrunner. The marathon's reputation as the world's largest annual one-day fundraising event is underscored by the staggering 840,318 applications received in the public ballot, with the race historically raising over £1.3 billion for charity since its inception in 1981. This year, 103 participants will attempt to break 87 Guinness World Records, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already prestigious event.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article outlines the upcoming 2025 London Marathon, highlighting its potential for record-breaking achievements, participant engagement, and elite athlete participation. The emphasis on records and the sheer number of expected participants aims to create excitement and anticipation among the public.
Goals of the Article
The piece primarily seeks to promote the London Marathon as a significant event not just for elite runners, but also for the thousands of participants running for various causes. By emphasizing records, the article aims to draw attention to the marathon as an exciting spectacle, encouraging community participation and viewership.
Public Perception
The narrative fosters a sense of pride and enthusiasm among Londoners and marathon enthusiasts. It positions the event as a celebration of athleticism and community spirit, which may inspire more people to support or participate in future marathons.
Omissions or Hidden Aspects
While the article is largely focused on the marathon's positive aspects, it may underrepresent challenges such as logistical issues, safety concerns, or the environmental impact of such a large-scale event. By not addressing these potential drawbacks, it creates a largely optimistic view of the marathon.
Manipulative Elements
The article does not appear overtly manipulative, but it does employ language that emphasizes excitement and achievement, which can influence public perception positively. The focus on record-breaking attempts may also create a sense of urgency and competition that could overshadow other important aspects of the marathon.
Reliability of the Article
The information provided seems reliable, as it cites specific records and expected participant numbers. However, without sources for these figures or details regarding the event's organization, it’s difficult to fully assess its credibility.
Community Impact
This event is likely to galvanize support from athletic enthusiasts, charitable organizations, and local businesses that benefit from increased foot traffic and publicity.
Economic and Political Effects
The marathon could positively impact local economies through tourism and participation fees. Politically, it may also serve as a platform for discussing health, fitness, and community engagement initiatives.
Target Audience
The article is directed towards sports fans, potential participants, and local communities, particularly those interested in running and charitable causes.
Market Implications
While the article may not directly affect stock markets, companies involved in athletic gear, health and wellness products, or local businesses may see an uptick in interest or sales leading up to the event.
Global Context
The London Marathon holds significance in the global sporting calendar, and its record-breaking aspirations reflect broader trends in competitive athletics. It connects to ongoing discussions about health, fitness, and community engagement.
Use of AI in Writing
It’s plausible that AI tools could assist in drafting or organizing such articles, particularly in generating statistical information or optimizing engagement strategies. However, the tone and detail suggest human oversight to ensure emotional engagement.
Conclusion
Overall, the article serves to generate excitement and promote participation in the London Marathon, while presenting a largely positive narrative about the event. Its focus on records and community engagement positions it as a celebration of athletic achievement.