London Marathon

This began in 1979 when Olympic champion Chris Brasher ran the New York Marathon and returned home with a vision. He wondered if the capital could create its own running festival, a race that would bring communities together and showcase the city's historic streets. On March 29, 1981, the first race took place with 20,000 applications but only 6,747 accepted runners. The finish line was set at The Mall, the grand ceremonial road leading to Buckingham Palace where state occasions unfold.

Something remarkable happened that day when American Dick Beardsley and Norwegian Inge Simonsen refused to race each other in the final stretch, instead crossing hand in hand as joint winners in 2 hours 11 minutes. The 26.2 mile route begins in Blackheath and winds past Tower Bridge at the halfway point before runners reach The Mall. What started with 6,255 finishers has grown into one of six World Marathon Majors, attracting over 40,000 participants annually.

Seven world records have fallen here, including Paula Radcliffe's stunning 2:15:25 in 2003 that still stands today. Beyond elite competition, this has become the world's biggest single day fundraiser. Runners have raised over £1 billion for charity since 1981, with participants running in everything from diving suits to animal costumes.