Let’s jump across the pond and talk about one of my favorite races on the planet: the London Marathon.
Now, this one’s got it all—royal history, epic landmarks, wild costumes, and enough feel-good stories to leave you inspired for weeks.
It might not be as old as Boston (London kicked off in 1981), but it quickly became a giant in the marathon world.
Why? Because it’s more than a race—it’s a celebration of grit, joy, and generosity.
From Royals to Road Runners
Fun fact: London helped lock in that 26.2-mile marathon distance way back in 1908 during the Olympic Games. That royal add-on to Windsor Castle made history, and the modern London Marathon leans into that legacy hard.
The real modern spark came in 1979 when Olympic gold medalist Chris Brasher ran the New York City Marathon. The crowd, the energy, the camaraderie—he was hooked. Brasher and fellow athlete John Disley brought that same spirit to London, and by 1981, the first London Marathon took off with around 7,000 runners (compare that to today’s 50,000+ runners storming across Tower Bridge—talk about growth!).
Running the London course is like touring a movie set: Tower Bridge, The Eye, Big Ben, and the finish right in front of Buckingham Palace. That royal flair is no joke.
I remember hearing Big Ben chime as I passed Westminster—man, that sound hit me in the chest. Instant chills. It was one of those “damn, I’m really here” moments that make marathons unforgettable.
In 2023, King Charles III even marked the exact starting point of that historic 1908 race with a plaque at Windsor Castle. The 26.2 tradition has some proper royal roots now.
Costumes, Charity & Chaos—in the Best Way
Let’s be real: if Boston is all about qualifying and tradition, London is about pure fun and heart.
It’s the biggest one-day fundraising event in the world. Since 1981, runners have raised over £1 billion for charities. That kind of generosity sets the tone.
You’ll see runners dressed as superheroes, rhinos, wedding cakes, and yes—Big Ben. (Pro tip: if you’re going to run in a 10-foot costume, make sure you fit under the finish line arch. One poor guy didn’t—he bonked his giant clock tower on the banner and had to shimmy through while the crowd roared.)
And it gets better. There’s a Guinness World Record contest every year—fastest marathon in a beer costume, diving suit, or even while juggling. One hero, Lloyd Scott, took on the 2002 race in a 130-pound deep-sea diving suit. It took him five days, and he slept in that thing at night. That’s next-level commitment.
Then there’s the runner who did wine tastings at every mile—25 different samples in 26.2 miles. Only in London. (Or maybe Bordeaux, but that’s another story.)
Cheeky Crowds & That Finish Line Energy
If there’s one thing that makes the London Marathon unforgettable, it’s the crowd.
Over a million people line the streets, cheering like their lives depend on it. You run past signs like “You run better than the government” or “Worst parade ever”—classic London humor.
Running over Tower Bridge halfway through? It’s electric. The noise bounces off the stone and surges into your legs. I’ve had runners tear up right there. Total goosebumps moment.
And that finish down The Mall? You’re staring straight at Buckingham Palace, red pavement under your feet, Union Jacks flying high. Some runners bow, others wave to the Queen’s balcony.
In 2018, Queen Elizabeth II herself started the race from Windsor Castle via video. Only London, man.
Coaching Take: Run with Purpose, Not Just Pace
Here’s what I love about London—it reminds you that marathons aren’t just about hitting a time. They’re about why you’re running.
I coached a woman once who ran London for a cancer charity after losing her dad. She said every time she wanted to quit, she’d spot a shirt with a tribute or hear someone yell “For Mom!”—and that pushed her through.
When your legs are screaming at mile 22, it’s not always about pace charts or splits. It’s about that deeper reason. A name. A promise. A cause.
And also… remember not to take yourself too seriously. If a guy in a giant Big Ben costume can get stuck under the finish and still laugh about it, so can we.
London shows that running hard and having fun aren’t opposites. They work together.
That old saying—“Run the first 10 miles with your head, the next 10 with your legs, and the last 6.2 with your heart”—London nails that last part better than any race I’ve ever run.
A Race for Everyone
London proved something important: you don’t have to choose between serious running and joyful running.
You can chase a PR and still wave at kids in the crowd or high-five a stranger.
Even the elites love London for fast times. But just behind them? You’ve got someone breaking the record for “fastest marathon dressed as a dairy cow.” And both get a celebration.
It’s that spirit that’s rubbed off on marathons around the world. Charity teams are now everywhere. Even Boston has thousands of non-qualifier charity runners these days. London led the way.
Final Thoughts: Why I Recommend London to Every Runner
Whether you’re aiming for a sub-3:00 or running your first marathon in a silly costume, London will give you a race day to remember.
You’ll laugh. You’ll struggle. You might drink wine mid-race. And you’ll finish feeling like you were part of something much bigger than a run.
If Boston is a badge of honor, London is a hug. It’s where you go to feel the joy of running again.
Runner to runner—if you ever get the chance to race London, take it. Not just for the Buckingham Palace photo op, but for the reminder that running can be meaningful, hilarious, painful, and beautiful all at once.