TCS London Marathon 2025 makes history as the biggest marathon EVER
It’s been a 45th anniversary to remember for the TCS London Marathon.
After the TCS New York Marathon claimed the largest number of finishers in a marathon in November 2024, yesterday the TCS London Marathon surpassed the American event and snatched the record title.
The CEO of London Marathon Events, Hugh Brasher, declared: "We are thrilled to have broken the Guinness World Records title for the largest number of finishers in a marathon at yesterday’s TCS London Marathon."
"It was a fantastic occasion to see 56,640 people cross the iconic Finish Line on The Mall throughout Marathon Day."
At the beginning of April, the team at the TCS London Marathon declared that 56,000 people were expected to take part in the event.
With over 56,600 runners flooding the streets of London during a warm spring day, the result surpassed the 55,646 participants who tested their running skills in New York City.
Moreover, the record-setting event marked the 18th consecutive year of partnership with Guinness World Records: a collaboration that continues to offer sports fanatics the opportunity to add an extra challenge to their training.
To celebrate such a remarkable day, runners who were part of this record-breaking edition of the TCS London Marathon can head to the GWR store to commemorate the day with a special Record Participant Certificate.
Pro runners and sports enthusiasts alike woke up bright and early and gathered at the Start Line in Blackheath, Greenwich, impatient to put months of relentless training to the test.
The goal? Make it through the over-42-km, scenographic course that crosses the British capital.
Runners in costume at the TCS London Marathon 2024
Looking back at the success of the 2025 event and the overall history of the marathon, Brasher added: "We are delighted to have partnered with Guinness World Records once again to celebrate our 45th edition."
"We hope the thousands of people watching the TCS London Marathon yesterday were inspired to register in the 2026 TCS London Marathon Ballot."
Founded in 1981 and appointed as one of the original six World Marathon Majors in 2006, the spring long-distance event in London is notoriously one of the most beloved appointments among the World Marathon Majors.
The World Marathon Majors are seven prestigious marathon races across the globe: Sydney, Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City.
Additionally, 103 marathon devotees tested their skills with a record attempt.
At the end of the day, 53 runners made history and the event concluded with 41 new record titles.
Several athletes proved their endurance skills, with new titles spanning from record-shattering marathons in fancy costumes to inspiring races that challenged stereotypes.
Whether their attempt was meant to encourage fundraising for a cause close to their hearts or to prove their athletic prowess, all participants filled the day with positivity and messages of empowerment, fun and resilience.
No matter the outcome, challenging themselves with a record made the experience even more special for the runners.
To make this success even sweeter, the achievement stands out as the second record title achieved by the TCS London Marathon this year.
In April 2024, the 2025 edition was welcomed with record-setting enthusiasm by the sports community, gathering the most ballot entries for a marathon event EVER: a whopping total of 840,318 submissions.
As it’s easy to imagine, the team at the TCS London Marathon were delighted with the successful anniversary.
Mark McKinley, Director of Central Records Services at Guinness World Records, said about the event: "It’s amazing to see the growth of the TCS London Marathon over the last 45 years."
This record marks the 18th consecutive year of partnership, a collaboration that continues to offer runners the opportunity to add an extra challenge to their training. Congratulations to all the runners who took part, you are Officially Amazing! - Mark
In 2020, the Virgin Money London Marathon claimed another trailblazing achievement.
On 4 October 2020, during the 13th year of collaboration between the London Marathon and Guinness World Records, the Virgin Money London Marathon hosted the most users to run a remote marathon in 24 hours.
Despite the difficulties, the virtual appointment was met with exceptional enthusiasm and engaged 37,966 runners worldwide.
Set at a time when morale was at its lowest because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the record remains unbeaten to this day.
It allowed participants to test their athletic skills, enjoy the thrill of a new challenge and feel part of a community by running a marathon-worthy distance on a track of their choosing.
The one-day event was carried out fully respecting the pandemic restrictions, ensuring the safety of the participants while reminding athletes of the joy of taking part in a shared, fun, record-breaking effort.
Even while physically apart, all runners could aim at the same goal and enjoy the day.
A much-needed morale boost and an important reminder of the importance of an active lifestyle!