London Marathon 2024: Everything you need to know

Thousands of people will line up this weekend to take on one of the world's most famous races - the London Marathon.

It is thought to be one of the most challenging races of its kind in the world.

Lucky then, that everyone taking part will have plenty of support as spectators line the streets of the capital, ready to cheer the runners on.

The chances are, you might know someone who has taken part or is going to be taking part, but if you're worried about how much you know about the event's history - this guide should get you up and running.

When is the London Marathon 2024?

The London Marathon 2024 takes place on Sunday 21 April, with three start times depending on which race people are taking part in.

The wheelchair racers set off first, they get underway at 9:05am.

This is followed by elite women's race at 9:25am and then finally at 10am the elite men and the masses - this is what the general public take part in.

You might have heard of the elite races before - where the professional runners get to compete to get the fastest time for the marathon.

Don't worry if you aren't going to London to see the marathon, you can watch it on TV from the comfort of your sofa, live on the BBC and BBC iPlayer from 8:30am.

What is the London Marathon route?

The route takes in a range of famous landmarks

The London Marathon is a gruelling 26.2 miles in length and will take runners all over the capital.

The route itself is very similar to the one that was used in the first London Marathon back in 1981.

It begins at Greenwich Park and ends on The Mall, where runners will cross the finishing line.

It takes in several famous London landmarks, including Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, The Elizabeth Tower which is home to Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.

How many people take part in the London Marathon?

Plenty of famous faces get involved in the London Marathon, this year Russell Cook is taking part just two weeks after completing the huge challenge of running the length of Africa

The number of people taking part in the London Marathon has been growing since it started 43 years ago.

In its first year more than 20,000 people applied, with 6,747 of those getting a place in the event.

This year is a world-record breaking event with 578,374 wanting to lace up their trainers to hit the streets of London.

That's the first time in history that more than half a million people have applied to take part in a marathon, with people from the UK and around the world hoping for a spot.

Marathon records

Kelvin Kiptum held the record for the fastest London Marathon

Since it started, some people have set some pretty staggering London Marathon records.

Most money raised: The record for most money raised for charity at the London Marathon - in the world, in fact - is held by Reverend Steve Chalke. He raised an unbelievable £2,330,159.38 when he completed the race in 2011.

Fastest runner: The record for the fastest London Marathon was held by Kelvin Kiptum before his death in February 2024 and hasn't been broken yet. The Kenyan runner crossed the line in 2023 in 2 hrs 1 minute and 25 seconds. He also held the record for the fastest marathon ever which he completed in Chicago in the US in 2 hrs 35 seconds.

Oldest runner: A man called Fauja Singh the oldest person to ever have finished the London Marathon. He was 101 years old when he did the race in 2012.

This man, Fauja Singh, is the oldest person to ever have finished the London Marathon

First marathon in bionic suit: Claire Lomas made history when she became the first person to complete the London Marathon in a bionic suit. Claire was paralysed after a horse riding accident in 2007, but in 2012, she got around the London Marathon in 16 days.

Most volunteering: A 71-year-old man called Roy Webber has volunteered at every single London Marathon since the event began in 1981. Good work, Roy.

1,000,000th finisher: A 39-year-old woman called Shannon Foudy from London, who was running the Marathon for the very first time, was the lucky person to become the London Marathon's one millionth finisher in 2016.