London Marathon Events

London Marathon Events (LME) is the organization that manages some of the UK’s biggest and most famous mass participation sporting events.
Their flagship event is the world-renowned TCS London Marathon, but they also organize other major races and challenges throughout the year.

Their mission?
Inspire activity — they want people of all ages and abilities to get moving and experience the power of sport.

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Key Events Managed by London Marathon Events

1. TCS London Marathon

• First held: 1981

• When: Usually held in April each year.

• Distance: 26.2 miles (42.195 km)

• Route:
  Starts in Blackheath, winds through iconic London sites (like Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace), and finishes at The Mall.

• Participants:
  Elite runners, wheelchair athletes, charity runners, and amateurs.

• Special:
  It’s part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors alongside marathons like New York, Berlin, and Tokyo.

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2. The Big Half

• What: A half marathon (13.1 miles).

• When: Annually in early March.

• Route:
  Starts near Tower Bridge and finishes at Cutty Sark in Greenwich.

• Goal:
  More accessible race to encourage local London communities to get involved.

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3. Vitality Westminster Mile

• What:
  A series of one-mile races.

• When: Usually held in May.

• Where:
  In central London around St. James’s Park, finishing in front of Buckingham Palace.

• Special:
  Open to families, kids, schools, clubs, and elite athletes.

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4. Vitality London 10,000

• What:
  A 10km race.

• When: Late May.

• Route:
  Starts and finishes near St. James’s Park, passing some of London’s most famous landmarks.

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5. RideLondon

• What:
  A huge cycling festival.

• Events:
  100-mile challenge rides, family rides, and a professional race.

• When:
  Typically held in May or June.

• Where:
  Routes through London and into the beautiful Essex countryside.

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6. Swim Serpentine

• What:
  Open-water swimming event.

• When:
  Held in September.

• Where:
  In the Serpentine lake in Hyde Park, London.

• Distances:
  Half-mile, one-mile, two-mile swims.

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Interesting Facts

• London Marathon Events is a not-for-profit company — profits from events are passed on to the London Marathon Foundation, which funds sporting and physical activity projects.

• Since 1981, more than £1 billion has been raised for charity through the London Marathon alone.

• The London Marathon is famous for fancy dress runners, world records, and incredible charity fundraising stories.