Get ready for the grand return of the iconic London Marathon as it celebrates its 44th edition. This year, the TCS London Marathon is attracting a record-breaking 50,000 participants to the bustling streets of London, setting a Guinness World Record for the most entries in a marathon. Scheduled for April 21, the event showcases both elite athletes and amateur runners navigating a 26.2-mile course throughout the city.
Participants are gearing up to set new records and raise awareness for issues like Crohn’s disease. The event emphasizes sustainability through funded carbon reduction initiatives. Runners can enter via ballot, charity spots, or international entries. From April 17-20, participants will gather at ExCeL London for the running show to collect their race packs. So, be sure to not miss out on any moment of this thrilling event!
2024 London Marathon Schedule and Start Time – Worldwide
The Marathon is set for Sunday, April 21. London Marathon wave start times are mentioned below in local time:
- 8.30 am BST: Mini London Marathon
- 8.50 am BST: Elite wheelchair races
- 9.00 am BST: Elite women’s race
- 9.30 am BST: Elite men’s race and mass start
Here’s the London Marathon 2024 schedule in different time zones:
| Time Zone | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| CET (Central European Time) | 9:30 AM | Mini London Marathon |
| EST (Eastern Standard Time) | 3:30 AM | Mini London Marathon |
| PST (Pacific Standard Time) | 12:30 AM (on the same day) | Mini London Marathon |
| CET | 9:50 AM | Elite wheelchair races |
| EST | 3:50 AM | Elite wheelchair races |
| PST | 12:50 AM (on the same day) | Elite wheelchair races |
| CET | 10:00 AM | Elite women’s race |
| EST | 4:00 AM | Elite women’s race |
| PST | 1:00 AM (on the same day) | Elite women’s race |
| CET | 10:30 AM | Elite men’s race and mass start |
| EST | 4:30 AM | Elite men’s race and mass start |
| PST | 1:30 AM (on the same day) | Elite men’s race and mass start |
London Marathon Cut-Off Time
The official time limit for the London Marathon is eight hours, starting when the last runner begins the race, usually around 11:30 AM. If you finish after eight hours, you won’t be officially timed. Participants who are still running after this time must move to the pavement as the roads reopen.
To guide the runners, the race uses tail walkers who set an eight-hour pace from the last starting group. Drink stations will also close after the eight-hour group passes by. All participants must finish by 5:30 PM due to the roads reopening at this time.
Where to Watch 2024 London Marathon
To catch all the action on TV, tune into BBC One and BBC Two for complete marathon coverage. The broadcast will kick off on BBC One starting at 08:30 and continue until 14:00, offering viewers an extensive look at the competitions, including the elite races. The elite wheelchair race begins at 08:50, followed by the elite women at 09:00 and the elite men at 09:40.
After 14:00, the coverage will shift to BBC Two until 15:00, ensuring you won’t miss a moment of the excitement. Additionally, a highlights show will be aired on BBC Two at 18:00 to recap all the day’s highlights.
For those preferring to watch online, the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport app provide flexible viewing options with two dedicated live streams. From 11:30 to 14:30, you can view the Tower Bridge camera, and from 13:00 to 18:00, the Finish Line camera will be live to capture exciting race conclusions and emotional moments. For added convenience, these streams will also be available on-demand after the event, perfect for those wanting to rewatch their performances or key race moments.
London Marathon 2024 TV Coverage & Live Channels
- Host Nation (UK):
- Live coverage on BBC One TV channel
- Online streaming on BBC iPlayer
- China, Japan, New Zealand, MENA Territories:
- Live coverage on Olympic Channel via Olympics.com
- Pan Europe and Asia:
- Portions of the race shown on Eurosport and Discovery plus.
Men and Women Elite Field
| Name | Country | Time |
| Women | ||
| Tigist Assefa | ETH | 2:11:53 |
| Brigid Kosgei | KEN | 2:14:04 |
| Ruth Chepngetich | KEN | 2:14:18 |
| Tigist Ketema | ETH | 2:16:07 |
| Almaz Ayana | ETH | 2:16:22 |
| Megertu Alemu | ETH | 2:17:09 |
| Peres Jepchirchir | KEN | 2:17:16 |
| Joyciline Jepkosgei | KEN | 2:17:23 |
| Yalemzerf Yehualaw | ETH | 2:17:23 |
| Sheila Chepkirui | KEN | 2:17:29 |
| Tsige Haileslase | ETH | 2:22:10 |
| Susanna Sullivan | USA | 2:24:27 |
| Manon Trapp | FRA | 2:25:48 |
| Becky Briggs | GBR | 2:29:04 |
| Alice Wright | GBR | 2:29:08 |
| Men | ||
| Kenenisa Bekele | ETH | 2:01:41 |
| Mosinet Geremew | ETH | 2:02:55 |
| Alexander Mutiso Munyao | KEN | 2:03:11 |
| Tamirat Tola | ETH | 2:03:39 |
| Dawit Wolde | ETH | 2:03:48 |
| Kinde Atanaw | ETH | 2:03:51 |
| Leul Gebresilase | ETH | 2:04:02 |
| Geoffrey Kamworor | KEN | 2:04:23 |
| Seifu Tura | ETH | 2:04:29 |
| Daniel Do Nascimento | BRA | 2:04:51 |
| Addisu Gobena | ETH | 2:05:01 |
| Milkesa Mengesha | ETH | 2:05:29 |
| Henok Tesfay | ERI | 2:07:12 |
| Emile Cairess | GBR | 2:08:07 |
| Callum Hawkins | GBR | 2:08:14 |
| Hassan Chahdi | FRA | 2:08:19 |
| Mahamed Mahamed | GBR | 2:08:40 |
| Brian Shrader | USA | 2:09:46 |
| Weynay Ghebresilasie | GBR | 2:09:50 |
| Marc Scott | GBR | debut |
London Marathon Course 2024
The London Marathon showcases a mostly flat course on closed roads and pavements spanning 26.2 miles. Starting in Blackheath, the route first heads east through Charlton and Woolwich, then makes a westward turn at around three miles, passing the historic Cutty Sark by mile six or seven. Participants cross the River Thames via Tower Bridge and circle key areas of London, including landmarks like the Shard and Canary Wharf.
As they reach mile 12, the path continues past the London Eye. The race culminates near some of the city’s most famous sights, including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace, where runners finish amidst a vibrant crowd. The course, which has remained essentially unchanged since the marathon’s inception in 1981, offers a scenic journey through the heart of London with enthusiastic spectator support throughout.
2024 London Marathon Preview
The London Marathon, an iconic event in the global running calendar, will fascinate sports fans again on Sunday, April 21, 2024. Following a record-setting number of participants last year, this year’s marathon holds a poignant significance as it marks the first race since the tragic loss of Kelvin Kiptum, previous year’s men’s champion and record holder. The London Marathon starts in Greenwich Park and finishes at The Mall.
The course promises a scenic journey through London, starting at Greenwich and culminating at Buckingham Palace, with landmarks such as the Tower Bridge and the London Eye lining the route. This year also introduces equal prize money for wheelchair and able-bodied races, reinforcing the event’s commitment to diversity and equity. With elite athletes worldwide, including Kenenisa Bekele and Brigid Kosgei, the 2024 London Marathon is poised to showcase resilience and rousing competition.
London Marathon Prize Money
The 2024 London Marathon is set to be groundbreaking, offering equal prize money to wheelchair and able-bodied racers for the first time. Already hosting the world’s highest-paying wheelchair races, the event will increase its prize fund by £43,000, bringing the total to £243,000.
This adjustment ensures that all elite race winners, whether wheelchair or able-bodied, will earn £44,000. The second-place finishers will take home £23,700, and those in third place will receive £17,800.
Celebrities to Look for in 2024 London Marathon
The upcoming London Marathon will feature celebrities alongside traditional runners, all supporting various charities. Comedian Romesh Ranganathan, actor Ruth Wilson, known for her Golden Globe-winning performances, and Phil Dunster from “Ted Lasso” are set to run their first marathon. Also participating are “EastEnders” stars Emma Barton and Jamie Borthwick, who will run in character as Honey and Jay.
The event will include athletes from diverse sports such as Joe Kellaway, a 2022 Commonwealth karate gold medalist, Shane Williams, a former Wales rugby player, and Winter Olympian Aimee Fuller. Paralympians like Danny Crates and Richard Whitehead will join hundreds of other participants with disabilities. Other well-known figures running this year include McFly’s drummer Harry Judd, former “Doctor Who” actor Christopher Eccleston, and F1 presenter Natalie Pinkham.
Medic Teams Availability at London Marathon 2024
For the London Marathon 2024, dedicated medical teams are strategically positioned along the entire 26.2-mile course, ensuring support for all participants. Medical teams including doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists, are trained in emergency medical care. From the start to the finish lines, and every mile in between, these teams are equipped to handle various medical situations, from minor issues like dehydration and blisters to more severe emergencies like cardiac arrest.
2024 London Marathon Grandstand
The London Marathon grandstand offers a prime viewing location for spectators to watch the runners complete the race. However, access to the grandstand is not open to the general public.
There are two ways to get access to the grandstand:
- Charity tickets: Some charities offer grandstand viewing as part of their fundraising packages. These tickets are typically sold out well in advance of the race.
- VIP tickets: A limited number of VIP tickets are also available for purchase, which include grandstand seating. These tickets can be very expensive.
If you are unable to secure a grandstand ticket, there are still plenty of great places to watch the London Marathon. Below we have discussed all the best spots where you can enjoy the London Marathon 2024.
Best Spots to Watch the London Marathon 2024
If you’re planning to watch the London Marathon in person and not just on BBC live coverage, there are plenty of spots along the route where you can catch the action. The Highway in Wapping is notable as runners pass this point twice. For those who prefer the excitement of critical race moments, the halfway point at Tower Bridge and the finish line at The Mall are thrilling but typically crowded areas. For quieter viewing, consider spots in Deptford or the Isle of Dogs.
London Marathon 2024 Key Sponsors
The London Marathon 2024 is proudly presented by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a renowned Indian consultancy company, and sponsoring the event since 2022.
- Buxton: Providing hydration support with water provisions.
- Coopah: Offering apparel solutions for participants.
- iFIT: Revolutionizing interactive fitness experiences.
- Lucozade Sport: Fueling athletes with their sports drink.
- Tag Heuer: Timekeeping precision with their watches.
- BBC: Serving as the esteemed media partner.
- Voltarol: Providing essential pain relief solutions.
- Abbott: A global leader in healthcare, renowned for its innovations in Covid-19 testing technologies. Their partnership extends to 2024.
These esteemed sponsors and partners play an important role in enhancing the London Marathon experience. However, this is not the complete list, and you can check the London Marathon 2024 all key sponsors list here.
How to Track London Marathon Runners?
To track friends or family members running, use the TCS London Marathon app and their marathon number to find the best spots to see them during the race.
Be aware that locations like the Cutty Sark and St James’ Park will be exceptionally crowded. Additionally, the marathon features five accessible viewing areas designed for spectators with disabilities, located at Cutty Sark, Canary Wharf, Rainbow Row, Tower Hill, and Victoria Embankment.
London Marathon Ballot Entry 2025
London Marathon ballot 2025 opens from April 20 to April 26, 2024. The ballot functions like a random lottery and offers about 17,000 spots, with each participant having a 3% chance of getting a place.
If you’re picked, the entry fee is £69.99. However, if you choose to donate your fee, you pay only £49.99 and get twice the odds of winning a spot. If you don’t get selected, you still have a chance in a second draw called the Lucky Bequest draw. Everyone who enters will be informed of the results via email in July 2024.
Facts About London Marathon That You Need to Know
- The London Marathon debuted in 1981, attracting over 20,000 runners in its inaugural year.
- Starting in Greenwich, the course winds through famous landmarks like Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and Buckingham Palace before concluding at The Mall.
- Notable figures like Sir Richard Branson, Princess Beatrice, and Gordon Ramsay have participated in the event.
- The marathon is renowned for its charitable nature, raising millions of dollars annually for various organizations. Over £1 billion has been raised for charity by runners since the race began.
- Participants often don creative and elaborate costumes, adding an entertaining element to the race.
- More than a million people have completed the London Marathon throughout its history
- Runners can attempt to break Guinness World Records during the marathon, adding an extra level of excitement.
- Alongside the traditional marathon, there’s a wheelchair race category, allowing athletes with disabilities to compete.
How Many People Run The 2023 London Marathon?
In 2023, a record 49,272 runners lined up at the start in Greenwich, and 43,965 crossed the finish line on The Mall.
2023 London Marathon Participation by Age and Gender
| Age group | Female | Male | Total |
| 18-19 | 118 | 133 | 251 |
| 20-29 | 4,835 | 4,933 | 9,786 |
| 30-39 | 6,452 | 9,952 | 16,447 |
| 40-49 | 7,168 | 10,036 | 17,247 |
| 50-59 | 4,109 | 6,339 | 10,461 |
| 60-69 | 920 | 1,848 | 2,769 |
| 70-79 | 117 | 270 | 387 |
| 80-89 | 4 | 16 | 20 |
| 90 | – | 1 | 1 |
| (blank) | 305 | 307 | 646 |
| Total | 24,028 | 33,835 | 58,015 |
Projected Participant Increase for the 2024 London Marathon
Assuming a consistent growth rate across all categories (without specific past growth rates), we might assume an average annual growth rate of a 3% increase in overall participation, the projected number of participants for the 2024 London Marathon would be approximately 59,755, with increases noted across all age and gender categories. This projection helps with planning for resources, logistics, and support needed to accommodate the expected number of participants.
Most Wins Acheived at London Marathon
Eliud Kipchoge has won the men’s London Marathon four times, claiming victories in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019, making him the record holder for the most wins in this event.
On the women’s side, Ingrid Kristiansen is equally successful, with four wins in 1984, 1985, 1987, and 1988, demonstrating her consistent dominance in the marathon.
London Marathon Past Winners
The London Marathon has consistently attracted a diverse group of elite runners from around the world, as evident from historical winner data spanning several decades. The marathon shows a mix of nationalities triumphing in both the men’s and women’s categories, Here’s the list of all past winners of London Marathon.
| Year | Men’s Winner | Women’s Winner |
| 1981 | Dick Beardsley* (U.S.), Inge Simonsen* (Nor.) | Joyce Smith (U.K.) |
| 1982 | Hugh Jones (U.K.) | Joyce Smith (U.K.) |
| 1983 | Mike Gratton (U.K.) | Grete Waitz (Nor.) |
| 1984 | Charlie Spedding (U.K.) | Ingrid Kristiansen (Nor.) |
| 1985 | Steve Jones (U.K.) | Ingrid Kristiansen (Nor.) |
| 1986 | Toshihiko Seko (Japan) | Grete Waitz (Nor.) |
| 1987 | Hiromi Taniguchi (Japan) | Ingrid Kristiansen (Nor.) |
| 1988 | Henrik Jorgensen (Den.) | Ingrid Kristiansen (Nor.) |
| 1989 | Douglas Wakiihuri (Kenya) | Veronique Marot (U.K.) |
| 1990 | Allister Hutton (U.K.) | Wanda Panfil (Pol.) |
| 1991 | Yakov Tolstikov (U.S.S.R.) | Rosa Mota (Port.) |
| 1992 | Antonio Pinto (Port.) | Katrin Dorre (Ger.) |
| 1993 | Eamonn Martin (U.K.) | Katrin Dorre (Ger.) |
| 1994 | Dionicio Ceron (Mex.) | Katrin Dorre (Ger.) |
| 1995 | Dionicio Ceron (Mex.) | Malgorzata Sobanska (Pol.) |
| 1996 | Dionicio Ceron (Mex.) | Liz McColgan (U.K.) |
| 1997 | Antonio Pinto (Port.) | Joyce Chepchumba (Kenya) |
| 1998 | Abel Anton (Spain) | Catherina McKiernan (Ire.) |
| 1999 | Abdelkader El Mouaziz (Mor.) | Joyce Chepchumba (Kenya) |
| 2000 | Antonio Pinto (Port.) | Tegla Loroupe (Kenya) |
| 2001 | Abdelkader El Mouaziz (Mor.) | Derartu Tulu (Eth.) |
| 2002 | Khalid Khannouchi (U.S.) | Paula Radcliffe (U.K.) |
| 2003 | Gezahegne Abera (Eth.) | Paula Radcliffe (U.K.) |
| 2004 | Evans Rutto (Kenya) | Margaret Okayo (Kenya) |
| 2005 | Martin Lel (Kenya) | Paula Radcliffe (U.K.) |
| 2006 | Felix Limo (Kenya) | Deena Kastor (U.S.) |
| 2007 | Martin Lel (Kenya) | Zhou Chunxiu (China) |
| 2008 | Martin Lel (Kenya) | Irina Mikitenko (Ger.) |
| 2009 | Samuel Wanjiru (Kenya) | Irina Mikitenko (Ger.) |
| 2010 | Tsegaye Kebede (Eth.) | Aselefech Mergia** (Eth.) |
| 2011 | Emmanuel Mutai (Kenya) | Mary Keitany (Kenya) |
| 2012 | Wilson Kipsang (Kenya) | Mary Keitany (Kenya) |
| 2013 | Tsegaye Kebede (Eth.) | Priscah Jeptoo (Kenya) |
| 2014 | Wilson Kipsang (Kenya) | Edna Kiplagat (Kenya) |
| 2015 | Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya) | Tigist Tufa (Eth.) |
| 2016 | Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya) | Jemima Sumgong (Kenya) |
| 2017 | Daniel Wanjiru (Kenya) | Mary Keitany (Kenya) |
| 2018 | Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya) | Vivian Cheruiyot (Kenya) |
| 2019 | Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya) | Brigid Kosgei (Kenya) |
| 2020 | Shura Kitata (Eth.)*** | Brigid Kosgei (Kenya)*** |
| 2021 | Sisay Lemma (Eth.) | Joyciline Jepkosgei (Kenya) |
| 2022 | Amos Kipruto (Kenya) | Yalemzerf Yehualaw (Eth.) |
| 2023 | Kelvin Kiptum (Kenya) | Sifan Hassan (Neth.) |
2024 London Marathon Winners – Men
| Place | Runner | Nationality | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alexander Munyao | KEN | 2:04:01 |
| 2 | Kenenisa Bekele | ETH | 2:04:15 |
| 3 | Emile Cairess | GBR | 2:06:46 |
| 4 | Mahamed Mahamed | GBR | 2:07:05 |
| 5 | Hassan Chahdi | FRA | 2:07:30 |
| 6 | Henok Tesfay | ERI | 2:09:22 |
| 7 | Hendrik Pfeiffer | GER | 2:10:00 |
| 8 | Kinde Atanaw | ETH | 2:10:03 |
| 9 | Johannes Motschmann | GER | 2:10:39 |
| 10 | Brian Shrader | USA | 2:10:50 |
2024 London Marathon Winners – Women
| Place | Runner | Nationality | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peres Jepchirchir | KEN | 2:16:16 |
| 2 | Tigst Assefa | ETH | 2:16:23 |
| 3 | Joyciline Jepkosgei | KEN | 2:16:24 |
| 4 | Megertu Alemu | ETH | 2:16:34 |
| 5 | Brigid Kosgei | KEN | 2:19:02 |
| 6 | Sheila Chepkirui | KEN | 2:19:31 |
| 7 | Tigist Ketema | ETH | 2:23:21 |
| 8 | Yalamzerf Yehualaw | ETH | 2:23:26 |
| 9 | Ruth Chepngetich | KEN | 2:24:36 |
| 10 | Tsige Haileslase | ETH | 2:25:03 |
Sameed Aijax
April 18, 2024
2 weeks ago
