The 2024 London Marathon marked a historical event with a record 50,000 runners participating, making it the most inclusive iteration to date. The marathon featured a diverse group of participants, including celebrities and MPs, with sunny weather conditions enhancing the experience. This year, the event emphasized equality with equal prize money of £44,000 for both wheelchair and non-disabled athletes, a first for the marathon.

In the elite categories, Switzerland’s Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner won the men’s and women’s wheelchair races respectively. Peres Jepchirchir from Kenya set a new women’s only world record with a time of 2:16:16, surpassing the previous record held by Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia. In the men’s race, Alexander Mutiso Munyao of Kenya triumphed with a time of 2:04:01, edging out three-time Olympic gold medalist Kenenisa Bekele.

Hugh Brasher, the event director, highlighted the increased support for disabled participants and the introduction of dedicated spaces for neurodivergent individuals, showcasing the marathon’s commitment to inclusivity. The marathon also commemorated the late Kelvin Kiptum with a moment of applause before the race.

The competitive field in both men’s and women’s races attracted globally recognized athletes, with the women’s race described by Brasher as potentially more challenging than the Olympics. British athletes Emile Cairess and Mahamed Mahamed delivered commendable performances, securing their places in the upcoming Olympics.

The 2023 event notably raised £63 million for various charities, underscoring the marathon’s significant societal impact. The London Marathon continues to be a prestigious event, drawing athletes and spectators from around the world, celebrating both sporting excellence and community spirit.