The London Marathon 2025 has set a new benchmark in the world of distance running by breaking two Guinness World Records, making it one of the most iconic editions of the event to date.
Record for Most Marathon Finishers in History
The 2025 London Marathon saw a record-breaking 56,649 official finishers cross the line and complete the classic 26.2-mile (42.195 km) course, as per Guinness World Records. It is the largest marathon finisher total ever, breaking the New York City Marathon’s record of 55,646 runners completing the race in a cold-weather event.
Even though it was staged under more temperate spring weather, the London Marathon had even larger numbers of attendees and coped with the enormous numbers.
Record Highest Number of Ballot Applicants
In another achievement, the London Marathon 2025 recorded the highest number of ballot applicants. A staggering 840,318 people submitted applications, making it the most in-demand marathon entry worldwide to date.
BBC Sport reports a 105% rise in applications among 20- to 29-year-old runners, which reflects increased interest among the younger population. Of note, 49% of applicants from the UK were female, reflecting increased gender diversity in long-distance running.
Largest One-Day Fundraising Event in the World
Since its establishment in 1981, the London Marathon has not only been a sports spectacle but also a huge fund-raising exercise. Up to 2025, the marathon has raised an estimated $1.73 billion (around £1.3 billion) for good causes — making it the world’s largest single-day fund-raising event.
A Legacy of Breaking Records
This is not the first time the London Marathon has set history. In 2020, at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the marathon made history by shifting to a fully virtual event for the very first time. Despite all the difficulties, it still achieved a record as 37,966 runners took part in the race remotely over a 24-hour period, setting a world record for most individuals running a virtual marathon on a single day.
