You Wanna Run Like Mo Farah? Here's the Lowdown on the London Marathon Numbers Game!
Ah, the London Marathon. A glorious (and slightly terrifying) 26.2-mile journey through the heart of London. But with all those winding streets and cheering crowds, have you ever stopped to wonder: just how many crazies (affectionate term, of course!) are out there pounding the pavement with you?
Buckle Up, Buttercup, It's a Big One!
Well, buckle up because we're about to drop some knowledge bombs. The London Marathon is the undisputed king of marathons when it comes to participation. In 2024, a whopping over 53,700 runners crossed the finish line! That's more people than live in a good chunk of small towns. Imagine the high-fives, the camaraderie, the sheer mass humanity of it all!
Think you could get lost in the crowd? Probably.
But Wait, There's More!
Here's a fun fact: getting into the London Marathon is tougher than getting into your favorite exclusive club (unless your favorite exclusive club involves running for hours, that is). For the 2025 race, a staggering 840,318 people applied! That's some serious competition.
So, if you're thinking of joining the masses in 2025, get ready to strategize (and maybe loosen up your hamstrings).
FAQs for the Aspiring London Marathoner
Still got questions about the London Marathon numbers game? Don't worry, we've got you covered.
- How to Apply? This one requires some planning! Applications typically open in May for the following year's race. Check out the official London Marathon website for details.
- How to Increase My Chances of Getting In? There are various ways, including volunteering or raising money for charity. But hey, competition is fierce!
- How Many People Finish the Race? Not everyone who starts makes it to the finish line. But the good news is, the vast majority do! The finisher rate is typically around 90%.
- How Much Does it Cost to Run? Entry fees vary depending on how you qualify, but expect to pay a few hundred pounds.
- How Long Does it Take to Run the Marathon? That depends entirely on you! But elite runners can finish in under 2 hours 30 minutes, while the average time is closer to 4-5 hours.
So, are you ready to join the throngs of runners and conquer the London Marathon? With a little planning and a whole lot of determination, you might just find yourself crossing that finish line (and celebrating with a well-deserved pint, of course!)
