The Virgin Money Marathon, also called the "historical jog around London" and "London's 26.2-mile street party" draws nearly 36,000 runners, including celebrities, beginners, and professional athletes, often preferring to run in stunning outfits. The 42.2 km route runs through the landmarks of the city including Greenwich, Blackheath, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, the Tower of London, and finishes at Buckingham Palace.
Its official name indicates its charitable aim and for the last eight years, the marathon has been annually breaking records in charity fundraising. The London marathon was initiated by Chris Brasher in 1981. The former Olympic champion was inspired by the exciting atmosphere of the New York Marathon that united thousands of runners from around the globe in one challenge. Since then the world's runners have been summoned to London every year in late April.
