Since the first London Marathon in 1981, more than 1.3 million runners have completed the event. More than 840,000 people applied for the ballot to enter this year's race, breaking the world record of 578,304 for the 2024 edition. Of UK applicants 49% were female, while there was a 105% increase in applications from people aged between 20-29.

The London Marathon is set to break the world record for the most participants with over 56,000 runners expected to complete the April 27 race, organisers said on Thursday.

Organisers of the 45th London Marathon on April 27 hope to beat the existing record of 55,646 finishers set by the TCS New York Marathon in November.