Participants and supporters from the last 44 editions of the London Marathon celebrated their role in the history of the event as part of a spectacular immersive digital display at the Outernet in London on Friday 25 April.
The inspiring participant stories, which are such an important part of the fabric of the London Marathon, were exhibited on the world’s largest collection of screens at The NOW Building in central London. The exhibition was opened by London Marathon royalty and three-time victor Paula Radcliffe.
As a London Marathon icon and record breaker, Paula captured the essence of the event, saying: “Nothing can explain how special the London Marathon is.”
“This year, 56,000 people will be going on the same journey from Blackheath to The Mall and they will draw on that phenomenal support that only London can provide.”
On Sunday, Paula will be out to support her daughter, Isla, who is running her first London Marathon for the charity Children with Cancer UK.
“I will be a nervous mum on Sunday, but also a very proud mum,” said Paula.
Paula is an ambassador for Children with Cancer UK and it’s a charity close to the family’s heart as Isla was just 13 when she was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer.
“I wish she had done a bit more training. I’m not going to lie about that,” joked Paula. “But being the strong person she is, and everything she has been through to get to this point, she will make the Finish Line, and the emotion will hit her when she comes round that corner.”
During the opening, London Marathon Events CEO Hugh Brasher presented Radcliffe with a gift to celebrate her Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star medal achievement, which she accomplished when she finished the Boston Marathon on Monday 21 April 2025.
“It was a journey I wanted to complete for myself,” said Paula. “Not setting any records or running as fast as I did 20-odd years ago. I just wanted to do them as it is part of the marathoning family. I’m proud to have been on that journey.”
David Constantine and Yuta Hiramatsu from the Midnight Runners, an international running crew, were at the Outernet and will be running Sunday’s TCS London Marathon together.
“I vividly remember [Radcliffe setting the then world record of 2:15:25 in 2003] as it was my last year of high school,” said David, who was inspired by Paula's record-breaking effort to run the London Marathon. “That was a crazy epic run and the inspiration for me being here today. I applied to the ballot year after year and finally got in this year!”
“This activation is awesome, the energy in the city at the moment is amazing and I’m looking forward to the crowds on Tower Bridge on Sunday.”
Yuta added: “It’s one of the most social sports. I’ve made some many different friends across the world through running, and it keeps me going.”
Also at Outernet was Sacha Swanson, who is running her fifth London Marathon in 2025 having been hooked after watching it on TV.
Looking around the screens at the Outernet she said: “You get emotional watching it and just want to be part of it! And then you get the bug. I like running for my mental health. It clears your head, gets you out and gives you focus.”
Brasher, ahead of the 45th edition this weekend, said the takeover was a celebration of all the participants and the stories from the marathon.
“We are here to celebrate the history of the London Marathon and its stories.”
“We never know what story is going to spark the public imagination. Last year it was Lloyd Martin, the youngest participant with Down's syndrome to complete the marathon. His story inspired the world in terms of what is possible.”
“The marathon is all about inspiring people to the active. To inspire people to enter the ballot, to download the Couch to 5K app, or to get outside and get walking.”
The ballot for the 2026 TCS London Marathon is open now and you can apply via Let’s Do This The ballot closes on Friday 2 May 2025.