How Many People In London Marathon

Ever wondered who's pounding the pavement with you on that chilly April morning in London? Let's dive into the fascinating world of the London Marathon and count down the runners together!

Let's Start at the Beginning

Picture this: a crisp morning in April, the sun peeking over the horizon, and 42,906 people stretching their legs, ready to take on the ultimate challenge. That's right, folks! That's how many people laced up their trainers and joined the London Marathon in 2021.

But wait, where did this crazy idea of running 26.2 miles for fun (or maybe not so much fun) come from? Well, it all started back in 1981 when the late, great Chris Brasher and John Disley dreamt up the idea over a pint. And boy, did it catch on!

Who's Running?

So, who are these 42,906 people? Well, they're a mixed bag, that's for sure! From seasoned runners who've clocked more miles than you've had hot dinners, to first-timers who've spent the past few months convincing themselves that 'yes, I can do this!'

And it's not just humans, oh no! You'll find a few furry friends joining in too. In 2021, there were 67 dogs running the marathon. That's right, you heard it here first! Fido's got nothing on these pooches.

But here's where it gets really interesting. You know that guy dressed as a giant banana? Or the gal running in a full wedding dress? Yep, they're part of the gang too! In 2021, there were 1,327 fancy dress runners. Now that's what you call a party!

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Where Are They From?

You might think Londoners have the home advantage, but think again! In 2021, only 29% of runners were from the capital. The rest? Well, they've come from all four corners of the globe!

Top spots go to the US, Germany, and France. But we've even had runners from places like Zimbabwe, Peru, and even North Korea. Now that's what you call a long flight home!

Why Do They Do It?

So, why do these 42,906 people put themselves through the pain? Well, it's not just for the free banana at the end (although that is a pretty sweet perk!).

Many are raising money for charity. In 2021, runners raised a whopping £66.4 million for good causes. That's a lot of change jingling in those sponsorship buckets!

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But some just do it for the love of the game. To prove to themselves that they can push their limits. To feel that runner's high (yes, it's a real thing!).

And the Winner Is...

But who's the fastest among them? Well, that title goes to Eliud Kipchoge from Kenya. He won the 2021 London Marathon in a time of 2:02:40. That's an average pace of 4:41 per mile. Let that sink in for a moment. We're talking Olympic-level stuff here!

But here's the thing, folks. It's not all about the winner. It's about the 42,905 others who cross that finish line, no matter how long it takes. It's about the camaraderie, the cheers, the shared pain (and gain!). It's about the fact that, for one day, London becomes the world's biggest running party.

So, next time you're watching the London Marathon, remember these numbers. Remember the stories behind them. And remember, you're not just watching a race. You're witnessing something truly extraordinary.