The biggest day of the British running calendar saw the London Marathon break a Guinness World Record in its 45th year. With an unprecedented 56,640 finishers, London became the biggest marathon in the world, beating New York. BBC Sport covers all 26.2 miles of the course, including the last 200 metres down the Mall. BritishSpanish Society member Mary McCullough was fortunate enough to be volunteering on the other side of the finish line as the huge plethora of participants infused the final ceremonial stretch from midday to sunset, a gives us her account of the day.  

The Mall is a red-carpet corridor between pain and jubilation. A place for runners to slowly take in their huge achievement amid a blur of medals and competitors. They grimace but smile, stagger but celebrate.  

As runners recover from the strain, the pain and pressure of the day, the Mall provides a short space for them to slump against a tree and catch their breath. Before they reach the storm of celebrations awaiting them on the other side of Admiralty Arch, the avenue in front of Buckingham Palace lined with Union Flags and green trees captures their immediate reactions. I’m always struck by the range of different reasons why people run. From unthinkable personal bests to running in memory of a loved one, from charity fundraising to wanting to soak up the atmosphere. There are tears and smiles, vomiting and stretchers. My favourite reaction is the look that says “Urgh”.  The romantic side presented on social media sees the medal poses, selfies and hugs but ultimately everyone needs to be real for a minute and recognise …. that… was… hard. The marathon is an intensely personal achievement embedded in a very public space. There is no doubt that behind the scenes, the Mall is chaotic cyclone of collections and directions, medical tents and signage. However, it is also a space for everyone to reflect upon what their body endured before they are reunited with friends and family.  The fringes of St. James’s Park were covered in runners sunbathing on the grass, letting the experience sink in so they could let their heart rates settle and simply…breathe.  

Of course, the Mall is not the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for everyone.  By 1pm there was already a staggering number of dropouts. Rarely mentioned or shown social media or in TV
coverage, is one small corner filled with disappointed competitors and the sympathy of spectators. 

Even amongst the finishers, there was still some grief. There were injuries, burst blisters, missed time targets and that dull ache which fills your body and is certainly not a ‘nice pain’. It’s just pain.  But as runners make their way down to Horse Guards Parade and Admiralty Arch, you see something else: smiles are beginning to grow wider. The soreness is beginning to ease, and the celebrations are about to begin.

If you are planning to run in the 2026 London or Manchester marathon please let us know, we’d love to follow your progress.