The London Marathon has seen some of the fastest marathon times in history. In 2023, Kenya's Kelvin Kiptum set the men's course record with a time of 2:01:25. For the women, Paula Radcliffe of Great Britain holds the mixed-race London Marathon record with a time of 2:15:25, achieved in 2003.
In 2024, Kenyan runner Peres Jepchirchir set the women-only record at the London Marathon with a time of 2:16:16.
On the global stage, the current men's marathon world record is 2:00:35, set by Kelvin Kiptum at the 2023 Chicago Marathon. The women's marathon world record is 2:09:56, set by Kenya's Ruth Chepngetich at the 2024 Chicago Marathon.
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London Marathon course records at a glance
- Men: 2:01:25, Kelvin Kiptum (Kenya), 2023.
- Women (mixed): 2:15:25, Paula Radcliffe (Great Britain), 2003.
- Women only: 2:16:16, Peres Jepchirchir (Kenya), 2024.
- Wheelchair men: 1:23:44, Marcel Hug (Switzerland), 2023.
- Wheelchair women: 1:38:24, Catherine Debrunner (Switzerland), 2022.
London Marathon fancy dress records
Beyond elite performances, the London Marathon is renowned for its vibrant fancy dress culture. Since its inception in 1981, participants have donned a variety of costumes, from superheroes to animals, often to raise funds for charity.
Fancy dress highlights
Deep-sea diving suit
One of the most iconic fancy dress feats was by firefighter Lloyd Scott, who completed the marathon in 2002 wearing a 130-pound antique deep-sea diving suit. It took him five days, eight hours, 29 minutes and 46 seconds to complete the course.
Mythical creature
In 2023, Jeremie Maillard set a Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon dressed as a mythical creature, finishing in 3:26:38. The father-of-three was dressed as a unicorn.
Wellington boots
Becky Lafford achieved a remarkable time of 3:59:57 while running in wellington boots.
Super Mario
Simon Killen completed the marathon in 2:52:57 dressed as Super Mario, setting the fastest time for a video game character.
Superman
David Stone ran as Superman, finishing in 2:42:46, earning the record for the fastest marathon in a superhero costume.
Inflatable Ostrich
Martin Indge donned an inflatable ostrich costume and completed the race in 3:04:00, setting a record for the fastest marathon in an animal costume.
Fred Flintstone
Jon Morgan, dressed as Fred Flintstone, finished in 2:46:59, achieving the fastest marathon time in a cartoon character costume.
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Main image: Kelvin Kiptum of Kenya crosses the finish line to win the Elite Men's Marathon during the 2023 London Marathon. Credit: Getty
