London Marathon
The London Marathon is an annual marathon running event that takes place in London, United Kingdom. The race is conducted every year during spring and it is one of the six World Marathon Majors.
The race which began in 1981 was founded by journalist Chris Brasher and athlete John Disley, who after taking part in the 1979 New York City Marathon were inspired by it and wanted to replicate a similar event in London. The event currently sees participation from over 35,000 people.
Wilson Kipsang Kiprotich from Kenya holds the current course record of 2:04:29 set in 2014. Paula Radcliffe of Great Britain holds the women's course record at 2:15:25 set in 2003 which is also the current women's marathon world record.
The course is mostly flat and is set around the River Thames. The race starts at three different points and all three courses merge after the 4.5km mark. The course has underwent only a very few changes since it was first set in 1981.
The event has to-date claimed the lives of 11 participants, the most recent being the death of 30 year old UK woman Claire Squires.
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