What celebrities have run the London Marathon?
Imagine a world where A-list egos, paparazzi, and sweatbands collide in a 26.2-mile parade of human endurance. The London Marathon is that world. Over the years, it’s attracted celebrities who’ve traded red carpets for running shoes, proving that even the glitterati enjoy a good mid-life crisis (or seven). From chefs to pop stars, here’s who’s decided that blisters and energy gels are a fantastic way to spend a Sunday.
The “Culinary Sprinters” Division
- Gordon Ramsay: The man who’s yelled at more sous chefs than miles he’s run. Ramsay has completed the London Marathon three times, presumably while muttering “This crumpet is RAW” under his breath.
- James Cracknell: Olympic rower, double gold medalist, and the guy who made marathon-running look like a light jog. He finished in 2:50:57, which is roughly the time it takes the rest of us to find matching socks.
The “Why Are You Like This?” Hall of Fame
Eddie Izzard, the comedian and ultra-marathon menace, didn’t just run London once. Oh no. She ran 27 marathons in 27 days in 2009 for charity, then came back in 2023 to do it again. Meanwhile, Paula Radcliffe (world record holder, casual legend) once won the women’s race while making it look easier than ordering a latte. Show-offs.
Famous Faces Who Outran Their Own Legacies
- Chris Evans (the radio DJ, not Captain America): Completed the marathon in 5:39, possibly while air-drumming to Queen’s greatest hits.
- Jenni Falconer: This TV presenter once ran it in 3:34, which is faster than you can say “But why isn’t there a champagne station?”
- Natalie Dormer: The Game of Thrones star ditched Westeros for water stations, finishing in 2023. We’re guessing “winter is coming” took on new meaning around mile 18.
Whether they’re chasing PBs, charity donations, or existential clarity, these celebs prove the London Marathon is the great equalizer. Even if you’re famous, those last six miles will still make you question every life choice since kindergarten.
What celebrities are running the London Marathon in 2025?
Hold onto your sweatbands, folks—the 2025 London Marathon is shaping up to be a Hollywood-meets-heartrate-zones spectacular. This year’s lineup of famous faces is so wild, even the Thames might pause its flow to gawk. From A-listers to “Wait, them?” legends, here’s who’s trading red carpets for race bibs.
The “Why Are They Faster Than Me?” Brigade
- Ed Sheeran: Fresh off his “Subtract Tour,” he’s now subtracting miles from his life. Rumor has it he’ll sprint while composing a ballad about blisters.
- Danny DeVito: Yes, the Danny DeVito. He’s vowed to “outrun every penguin from Batman Returns” while handing out egg salad sandwiches at mile 18.
- Florence Pugh: Training between filming Thunderbolts scenes by jogging away from paparazzi. Her secret weapon? A fanny pack full of hummus.
The “This Feels Like a Bet Gone Wrong” Contingent
Let’s be real—some celebs are here because of questionable life choices. Gordon Ramsay is running while allegedly yelling at potholes to “get out of my way, you doughnut!” Meanwhile, James Corden claims he’s “rediscovering his stamina” after years of carpool karaoke. We’re just hoping he doesn’t attempt a musical number at the finish line.
Wildcards: Because Normalcy Is Overrated
- The Rock: He’s not just running—he’s towing a 10-ton truck labeled “ego.” Kidding. (Maybe.)
- Paddington Bear: Technically a CGI entry, but he’s “training” by marmalade-loading. The Met Office is monitoring for sticky weather.
- Tom Cruise: Plot twist—he’s sprinting the entire course backward to “prepare for Mission: Impossible 12.”
Whether they’re chasing PBs, PRs, or just a decent Instagram story, these celebs are proof that the London Marathon is the ultimate crossover episode. Now, who’s bringing the popcorn?
How long did Chris Evans run the London Marathon?
In 2016, Chris Evans—not the radio host, but the guy who once played a superhero who can bench-press a helicopter—tackled the London Marathon with the determination of someone who’d just realized cheese boards aren’t cardio. His official time? 4 hours and 1 minute. That’s 241 minutes, or roughly the runtime of *three* Marvel post-credits scenes stacked together. For context, that’s also how long it takes to explain the MCU timeline to a confused grandparent.
Why 4:01 Deserves a Standing Ovation Anyway
- He ran as Captain America – complete with sweat-soaked shield. Imagine overtaking a star-spangled man with a plan… and a hydration pack.
- He raised £1.5 million for charity (marrow.org), proving that even “slow” runners can be superheroes off-screen.
- He beat 16,000 other runners, which is like out-sprinting a small town’s population. Take that, existential dread!
Now, could Evans have shaved off that pesky extra minute to hit the mythical 4-hour mark? Probably. But let’s be real: 4:01 is the perfect time. It’s the Goldilocks zone of marathon achievements—not so fast that you question his humanity, not so slow that you suspect he stopped for a kebab. Plus, anyone who’s ever run 26.2 miles knows that the real victory isn’t the clock; it’s surviving the urge to hitch a ride on a double-decker bus.
The Internet’s Burning Follow-Up Question
“But wait,” you ask, “did he actually finish?” Yes. Yes, he did. No super-soldier serum required. Evans crossed the line looking like a man who’d just fought Thanos *and* a hangover. His post-race vibe? A mix of triumph, exhaustion, and the quiet realization that no one needs that many energy gels. The end.
Who is the top runner of London Marathon?
Ah, the million-pound question—or, more accurately, the 26.2-mile question. The “top runner” of the London Marathon is technically whoever crosses the finish line first while avoiding collisions with rogue elite athletes, costumed heroes in giant foam suits, and the occasional overenthusiastic spectator waving a sausage roll. But if you’re asking about the Usain Bolt of endurance running, it’s usually a Kenyan or Ethiopian athlete who treats lactic acid like a mild suggestion. Think Eliud Kipchoge’s distant cousins or folks who consider “hitting the wall” a fun weekend hobby.
The Crowned Speed Demons (Human? Cyborg? Unclear)
- Eliud Kipchoge: The GOAT who’s technically “retired” from London but still haunts the course in spirit (and in Nike Alphaflys).
- Joyciline Jepkosgei: Holds the women’s course record and likely runs on a blend of rocket fuel and sheer willpower.
- Joshua Cheptegei: A human cheetah who once outran a double-decker bus. Probably.
The Unsung “Top Runners” Everyone Forgets
Let’s not ignore the true legends: the person dressed as a T-Rex (PB: 5 hours, 47 minutes), the guy juggling three flaming torches, or the ”Why Am I Doing This?” first-timer who’s just here for the Instagram medal flex. They may not break records, but they break the monotony of watching 50,000 people in Lycra suffer identically.
So, who’s *really* the top runner? Depends on whether you value speed, stamina, or the audacity to sprint past Buckingham Palace dressed as a sentient baked bean. The London Marathon doesn’t pick favorites—it just hands out trophies and blister patches like confetti.
