This year’s London Marathon is set to make history as the world’s largest field in the discipline.

This is because more than 56,000 runners are expected to complete the 26.2 miles on Sunday, 27 April. That means it would exceed the current record of 55,646 finishers set by the New York Marathon in November.

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, according to BBC.

“The 45th edition is a landmark year for us, and it would be wonderful to mark that by becoming the biggest marathon ever staged anywhere in the world.

“Marathon Day is an extraordinary day when communities come together to celebrate the very best of humanity as tens of thousands of participants take on the legendary 26.2-mile challenge from Greenwich to The Mall and raise tens of millions for charity on the way,” Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events said.

Kipchoge returns

Kipchoge will be running in London for the first time since 2020. The distance runner, who is a two-time Olympic marathon champion, is the record four-time winner of the men’s race in London.

The 40-year-old former world record holder described his mid-race drop-out at his final Olympic Games in Paris as demoralising but still believes he can compete for a fifth victory in London.

“Sport is full of challenges. I’m still working hard to get better, trying to inspire people and sell the power of sport,.

“I still think I can compete. I am training in a good way and competing with the youngest people,” Kipchoge said.

Women’s race

Women’s world record holder Ruth Chepngetich, Olympic champion Sifan Hassan and silver medallist Tigst Assefa – the three fastest women in history – have been confirmed in the women’s race.