The TCS London Marathon 2024 witnessed history in the making as Peres Jepchirchir set the fastest women-only marathon record, marking the 17th consecutive year of record-breaking achievements at this prestigious event.
With runners of all backgrounds, ranging from elite athletes to passionate sports enthusiasts, the 74th edition of the marathon took place across the iconic streets of London, covering a challenging 26.2 miles (42.1 kilometers).
A total of 44 Guinness World Records titles were shattered out of 74 attempts, showcasing the determination and spirit of the participants.
The day commenced with a thorough costume check-up at the Green Start, where aspiring record holders could review their guidelines and finalize registration with the on-site Guinness World Records team.
At the conclusion of the race, Mark McKinley, the official Guinness World Records Adjudicator, was on hand to congratulate the new record holders and present them with the coveted Guinness World Records certificates.
Reflecting on the day’s events, McKinley remarked, “I’ve had the privilege to adjudicate several TCS London Marathon record attempts over the years, and I am always inspired by the courage it takes to train and run a marathon, let alone aim for a record title.”
The marathon saw participants donning elaborate costumes, pushing their limits to raise awareness for various charitable causes. From historically accurate replicas of Napoleon’s uniform to marathoners carrying bikes and even a 10-person bus costume, the day was filled with energy, enthusiasm, and remarkable achievements.
Elite marathon runner Peres Jepchirchir stole the spotlight by setting a new record for the fastest women-only marathon with an extraordinary time of 02:16:16.
Paralympic athlete Richard Whitehead also made history by breaking the record for the fastest marathon (LA3) (male) with an impressive time of 02:42:01.
Another standout performance came from Simone Carniglia, who achieved a remarkable time of 02:44:33 and set a world record for the fastest marathon by a type 1 diabetic (male).
Among the record-breaking feats in fancy dress, Stephen Cochrane stood out by completing the marathon in an astonishing time of 02:48:51, setting a new record for the fastest marathon dressed as a scientist (male). Cochrane, who ran to raise awareness for the Royal Society of Chemistry, expressed immense pride in being part of the Guinness World Records family.
Simon Killen also made headlines by setting the record for the fastest marathon dressed as a video game character (male), crossing the finish line in an impressive time of 02:52:57.
The TCS London Marathon 2024 was a testament to the indomitable spirit of runners from around the world, showcasing their passion, dedication, and unwavering resolve to achieve greatness.
A complete list of the records broken at the event:
Peres Jepchirchir: Fastest marathon (female, women-only race) – 02:16:16
Richard Whitehead: Fastest marathon (LA3) (male) – 02:42:01
Simone Carniglia: Fastest marathon by a type 1 diabetic (male) – 02:44:33
Stephen Cochrane: Fastest marathon dressed as a scientist (male) – 02:48:51
Simon Killen: Fastest marathon dressed as a video game character (male) – 02:52:57
Sam Hull: Fastest marathon dressed as a tennis player (male) – 02:59:38
Warren Parish: Fastest marathon dressed as a cheerleader (male) – 03:03:51
Holly Brownlee: Fastest marathon dressed in pyjamas (female) – 03:06:18
Jonathan Astle: Fastest marathon with multiple sclerosis (male) – 03:07:34
Marcus Mumford: Fastest marathon dressed as a tap/faucet (male) – 03:10:50
James Whistler: Fastest marathon dressed as a harlequin (male) – 03:12:00
Alison Stewart: Fastest marathon dressed as a video game character (female) – 03:19:10
James Applegarth: Fastest marathon in pilot uniform (male) – 03:20:25
Ian Howard: Fastest marathon dressed as a rotating puzzle cube (male) – 03:20:31
Lee Baynton: Fastest marathon in a full-body inflatable costume (male) – 03:21:07
Matt Everett: Fastest marathon dressed as a traffic cone (male) – 03:22:16
Douglas O’Neill: Fastest marathon dressed as a sweet food (male) – 03:28:16
Gilles Dufosse: Fastest marathon dressed as a monarch (male) – 03:32:16
Kate Baldock: Fastest marathon dressed as a Star Wars character (female) – 03:33:12
Toby Norman: Fastest marathon dressed as a three-dimensional aircraft (male) – 03:34:27
Ollie Shortt: Fastest marathon dressed as a body part (male) – 03:43:00
Laura Baker: Fastest marathon dressed as a sweet food (female) – 03:45:57
Tom Hall: Fastest marathon dressed as an emoji (male) – 03:50:17
Claire Casselton: Fastest marathon dressed as a skeleton (female) – 03:51:01
Ben Kellett: Fastest marathon carrying a bicycle – 03:54:52
Kimberly Siano: Fastest marathon dressed in a safari suit (female) – 03:54:58
Uilszaya Bodikhuu: Fastest marathon dressed in traditional Mongolian dress (female)
