There’s something about the London Marathon that never gets old. Every year, as a photographer, you think you’ve seen it all – the costumes, the emotion, the grit – and then race day arrives and proves you wrong.
This year was no exception. In fact, it was one of the most remarkable editions yet.
From the moment the first waves of runners set off, the scale of the event was obvious. A staggering 59,830 runners crossed the finish line, setting a new world record for the largest number of marathon finishers ever . For a photographer, that means one thing: endless stories unfolding in every direction.
And that’s exactly what makes this event so special to shoot.
You’ve got elite athletes chasing history, charity runners pushing through pain, and thousands of personal journeys colliding on the same streets. Every mile offers a different narrative — from nervous anticipation at the start to raw, emotional finishes on The Mall.
But this year, history wasn’t just happening in the crowd.
In the elite race, Sabastian Sawe delivered one of the greatest moments in marathon history, becoming the first person to officially run a marathon in under two hours, finishing in an astonishing 1:59:30. Watching that unfold – even from a photographer’s perspective – felt like witnessing a shift in what’s humanly possible.
At the same time, the women’s race also delivered, with Tigst Assefa setting a new women’s-only world record, underlining just how historic the day really was .
For me, though, the real magic is always found beyond the elites.
It’s in the supporters shouting “You’ve got this!” on every corner.
It’s in the runners in full fancy dress somehow still smiling at mile 20.
It’s in those fleeting, unfiltered moments – a hug mid-race, a glance to camera, a look of pure relief at the finish line.
Photographing the London Marathon is less about capturing a race and more about documenting humanity at full stretch.
Another year, another incredible experience behind the camera — and somehow, it still manages to feel fresh, unpredictable, and completely unforgettable.
