Hindu monks, rare disabilities and ‘blind Dave’: the best stories ahead of London Marathon
According to its organisers, the London race is the most popular marathon in the world with a 43 per cent increase on last year
From a Hindu monk to athletes with disabilities: some 56,000 runners will attempt the 45th London Marathon on Sunday, where inspiring sporting and human stories will take centre stage.
According to its organisers, the London race is the most popular marathon in the world: 840,318 runners entered the ballot to take part in the 2025 edition, a 43 per cent increase on last year.
The marathon is also the world’s biggest single-day fundraising event with over £1.3 billion (US$1.72 billion) raised for charity since the first race in 1981.
Around 75 per cent of participants raise money for non-profit organisations and causes.
This year, more than 700 people are running for Pancreatic Cancer UK, to help fund tests to detect one of the most deadliest cancers.
On July 29, 2024, Alice da Silva, 9, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Bebe King, 6, were killed in a brutal stabbing spree in Southport, northern England, that shocked the country. The girls were enjoying a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga class when the attack took place.