You Say Marathon, We Say Sardines (But Way More Fun!) - How Many People Actually Run the London Marathon?
The London Marathon. A glorious (and slightly grueling) test of human endurance, a fundraising juggernaut, and apparently, the world's biggest game of sardines! But seriously, how many people are we talking about here?
Buckle Up, Because We're About to Drop Some Numbers (and Maybe a Few Sweat-Related Puns)
Over 53,700 runners crossed the finish line at the 2024 London Marathon. That's a whole lotta determination (and hopefully a good stock of blister plasters). That number makes the London Marathon the undisputed king (or queen) of marathons when it comes to participant numbers.
Fun Fact: Apparently, in 2025, a whopping 840,318 people applied to take part! Looks like those medals are in high demand.
But Wait, There's More! How Many People Don't Actually Finish?
Let's be honest, a marathon is a beast. Not everyone makes it to the finish line. Thankfully, the organizers don't expect everyone to (although they do provide a copious amount of water stations, just in case you were wondering).
There aren't official statistics on the number of non-finishers, but it's safe to say it's a significant chunk. Hey, even the pros have bad days (and sometimes those bad days involve strategically placed portaloos).
The important thing is to participate, have fun (even if fun means complaining about your aching legs), and maybe raise a ton of money for charity.
So You Want to Join the London Marathon Fun? How To...
1. How to Train Like a Boss (Even if You're Actually a Sofa Enthusiast): This one's a no-brainer. Start slow, listen to your body (it will likely whine and whimper), and find a training plan that works for you. There are options for every fitness level, so don't be intimidated!
2. How to Dodge the Dreaded Ballot Rejection: Getting a spot in the London Marathon is tough. There's a ballot system, and the competition is fierce. But fear not, there are ways to boost your chances. You can run for a charity, qualify with a fast time from another marathon, or, well, get really lucky.
3. How to Mentally Prepare for Running 26.2 Miles (When All You Want is a Nap): Positive self-talk is your friend here. Visualize yourself crossing the finish line, picture all the cheering crowds (or imagine them chanting your name, because hey, you deserve it!), and remind yourself of the amazing cause you're running for.
4. How to Pack Like a Pro (Because Nobody Wants to Forget Their Blisters in the Hotel Room): Comfort is key! Pack comfy running shoes (obviously), plenty of breathable clothing, and don't forget the aforementioned blister plasters. You might also want to throw in some pain relief medication, just in case your inner voice decides to turn into a tiny, sarcastic gremlin.
5. How to Celebrate Like a Champion (Even if You Finished Last, But Still Technically Finished): You did it! You conquered the London Marathon! Now it's time to celebrate. Whether it's a fancy post-race meal, a well-deserved nap, or a hot bath filled with enough Epsom salts to float a small boat, do whatever makes you happy. You're a marathon finisher, and that's something to be incredibly proud of!
