London Marathon: Quick Facts

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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

Nov. 13, 2026

News •

Josh Kerr's mile record and Sabastian Sawe's sub-two-hour marathon nominated for World Athletics awards • Nov. 3, 2026, 3:00 AM ET (BBC)

Photos and Videos

London Marathon; Brigid Kosgei

The miles-long history of the marathon

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Topics

marathon running hurdling Boston Marathon Tokyo Marathon Chicago Marathon Berlin Marathon New York City Marathon orienteering cross-country How Fast Is the World’s Fastest Human?Why is a marathon 26.2 miles?

Key People

Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya smiles and holds the Kenyan flag above his head after winning the Berlin Marathon, wearing a white running kit and race bib.

Eliud Kipchoge

Kenyan distance runner

Radcliffe, Paula

Paula Radcliffe

British distance runner

Assorted sports balls including a basketball, football, soccer ball, tennis ball, baseball and others.

American Sports Nicknames