How much do you know about the London Marathon? Take our quiz to find out

Whether you're a seasoned runner, an armchair supporter, or just love the buzz of one of the world’s greatest races, the London Marathon is packed with history, heart, and headline-making moments. From royal runners to record-breaking athletes, fancy dress fundraisers to famous landmarks, this iconic event is more than just 26.2 miles — it's a true celebration of endurance, community, and the spirit of London.

Ready to lace up your trivia trainers? We’ve put together 20 questions that will test your knowledge of past races, quirky facts, and the moments that have made the London Marathon unforgettable. Scroll down and see how many you can get right — and don’t forget to challenge your fellow running fans!

Questions

1. In what year was the first London Marathon held?
2. Who were the joint winners of the first London Marathon?
3. What is the typical month the London Marathon is held in?
4. How long is the London Marathon course?
5. Which famous London landmark is located at the marathon finish line?
6. What is the official starting point of the London Marathon?
7. Which river does the London Marathon route follow for much of the race?
8. What is the fastest men's time ever recorded at the London Marathon (as of 2024)?
9. Which athlete has won the London Marathon the most times in the men’s elite race?
10. Who is the most successful woman in the history of the London Marathon?
11. In what year was the London Marathon first postponed due to COVID-19?
12. What famous British royal ran the London Marathon in 2017?
13. What is the name of the mass participation fundraising platform associated with the London Marathon?
14. How many miles is a marathon?
15. What was the nickname of the runner who ran the marathon in a diving suit for charity?
16. Which bridge do runners famously cross around the halfway point?
17. What major sporting event was the 2020 London Marathon format compared to (due to it being elite-only)?
18. Which famous London area marks the 25 km point in the race?
19. What is the cut-off time for finishing the London Marathon?
20. Which major event does the London Marathon form a part of, alongside races in Boston, Tokyo, Berlin, Chicago, and New York?

Answers

1. 1981
2. Dick Beardsley and Inge Simonsen
3. April
4. 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometers)
5. The Mall (near Buckingham Palace)
6. Greenwich (Blackheath)
7. River Thames
8. 2:01:25 by Kelvin Kiptum (2023)
9. Eliud Kipchoge (4 wins)
10. Paula Radcliffe
11. 2020
12. Princess Beatrice
13. JustGiving
14. 26.2 miles
15. "The Diving Bell" (real name Lloyd Scott)
16. Tower Bridge
17. The Olympics
18. Canary Wharf
19. 7 hours
20. Abbott World Marathon Majors

Get the day’s biggest headlines, straight to your inbox, with London World’s free email newsletters.