How Many People In London Marathon

You know that friend who casually mentions they’re “doing a marathon” on a Sunday? And you nod, thinking, “Sure, you and 50,000 other people who also lost their minds.” Because, let’s be honest, the London Marathon isn’t just a race—it’s a massive, sweaty, joyful herd of humanity. So, just how many people actually run it? Grab a cuppa, because the numbers are bonkers.

The Big, Sweaty Answer

The official number hovers around 40,000 to 50,000 finishers each year. That’s roughly the population of a small city—like Windsor—all running, walking, and crying at the same time. Imagine every single person in your office building suddenly deciding to sprint past Buckingham Palace. Multiply that by ten, and you’re still not close.

But here’s the thing: that number doesn’t include the 40,000 more who apply and get rejected because the ballot is harder than getting concert tickets. It’s like the universe saying, “You want to run 26.2 miles? First, win the lottery.”

Where Do They All Come From?

It feels like half of them are your mum’s friend, Dave, who “just did it for charity.” And yes, charity runners make up a huge chunk—about two-thirds of the field. The other third are the elites who look like they’re out for a casual jog while you’re still tying your shoes.

Last year, a bloke next to me at the start line told me he’d trained by chasing his dog. That dog probably ran more miles than I did in my entire year. But that’s the beauty: it’s a mix of Olympic hopefuls and people in banana costumes. It’s a glorious democracy of discomfort.

The Spectator Factor

Of course, the runners are only half the story. The streets are lined with over 750,000 spectators. That’s more people than the population of Manchester. They’re the ones handing out orange slices like it’s a village fete, shouting “You’re nearly there!” at mile 3, which is a hilarious lie.

I once saw a woman pass out from cheering too hard. Not the runners—the spectator. That’s dedication. You’ll see grandads on deckchairs, toddlers with cowbells, and that one bloke with a sign that says, “Worst parade ever.” Everyone’s laughing, crying, or secretly thinking about the pub afterwards.

What About the Ones Who Don’t Finish?

Statistically, about 2% of starters don’t make it to the finish line. That’s roughly 1,000 people who get lost, bonk, or decide their toenails actually matter. And that’s okay! They join the elite club of “I tried, but the portaloos were too tempting.”

Honestly, the real winners are the ones who start. Because anyone who’s faced a carb-load dinner of spaghetti at 10pm knows the marathon is a mental health crisis disguised as fitness. Finishing is just the cherry on top of a very sore cake.

So, How Many People Really “Do” It?

If you count the runners, the charity fundraisers, the wheelchair athletes, and the 10,000 volunteers, you’re looking at a community larger than most towns. Every pair of trainers has a story. The woman who ran for her late dad. The bloke who bet his mate £50. The guy who just wanted a medal to show off at the coffee shop.

And here’s the kicker: this number changes every year. In 2023, a record 51,000 finished, but with course changes and weather, it’s a moving target. Kind of like trying to count how many people are currently thinking about a bacon sandwich. It’s a lot, and they’re all hungry.

The Human (and Dog) Impact

My favourite stat? The marathon also hosts a “Mini Marathon” for 1,000 kids and a wheelchair race that’s over before I’ve even found my seat. Plus, about 12 actual dogs have finished over the years. Yes, dogs. With tiny bibs. That’s the energy we need.

So, next time someone asks, “How many people run the London Marathon?”, you can say, “Enough to form a small, very sweaty nation.” And you can smile, knowing that even if you weren’t one of them, you probably ate a pasty while watching it on TV. Which, honestly, is its own kind of victory.

Whether you’re running, cheering, or just scrolling through photos on the tube, the marathon is a reminder that most of us are a bit mad. And that’s exactly what makes London so brilliant. See you at the finish line—or, more likely, in the pub nearby.