Organisers have implemented various initiatives to enhance accessibility, such as providing additional spots through charity networks and offering assisted wheelchair places for those who are not able to self-propel the 26.2 miles.
Dedicated support and facilities are being provided for participants with a disability, including free of charge places for support runners. Initiatives include:
- Just Can’t Wait Toilet card
- Mobiloos (changing spaces toilets)
- Quiet space – a sensory calm tent at the Finish area for participants and spectators
- Disability welfare hub near Tower Bridge for participants and spectators
- Accessible viewing areas along the route for spectators
- Identifier bibs for deaf participants and those with hearing impairments to wear on the day
- ‘I Need Space’ identifier bibs for those who require extra space on the course
- Sign language interpreters on the Centre Stage throughout the
- Running Show, as well as in the Fan Zone on Marathon Day
- Disability Info point and a Sensory Calm space at Running Show
Among the 1,500 people taking part with a disability is 27-year-old Grace Gillmore (pictured below), originally from Essex, a proud disability advocate.
Grace is profoundly deaf and wears two cochlear implants. She is preparing for her first TCS London Marathon to challenge perceptions of disability after being inspired by last year’s event.
“Taking part in the TCS London Marathon this year with a disability entry is deeply personal and meaningful to me. When I was diagnosed at 8-months-old, doctors told my parents I would never speak, walk, or live life the way others do. But here I am, proving them wrong every single day.
“Every step I take in this marathon is a reminder of the barriers I’ve broken and the strength I carry as a deaf person. I’ve learned that it’s not about what others expect of you - it’s about what you believe you’re capable of.
“I’m also fundraising for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, in honour of my brave nephew who is currently battling cancer. This is for him, for everyone facing challenges, and for the belief that no matter what we go through, we are stronger than we know.”
Michelle Weltman, Head of Disability at the TCS London Marathon, said: “We passionately believe that sport should be accessible for all and our dedicated disability team helps enable people with a range of disabilities to take part in the TCS London Marathon. This is the largest number of disabled participants we have ever had at the event, and we are very proud that 45 years on since the first London Marathon we will support more than fifteen hundred people with a disability to take part in the most inclusive London Marathon yet.
“We also hope all of our participants will continue to be mindful of their fellow participants – whether that is looking out for someone in a wheelchair or thinking about the needs of someone who has an unseen disability, like a hearing impairment or neurodivergence.”
The mass field also includes eight GB Paralympians including Paris 2024 Paralympic swimming gold medallist Tully Kearney (pictured above) plus athletics stars Stef Reid and Richard Whitehead.
Kearney, who won double gold at the 2024 Paris Games in the 100m freestyle S5 and 200m freestyle S5, was born with cerebral palsy and competes in the S5/SB4/SM5 classification for swimmers with physical disabilities.
She will take part in her first marathon using a frame runner – a three-wheeled frame in which the person is supported by a saddle and body plate and is propelled forward by the individual’s feet. It can be steered using the mobility within their hands and arms. The first female frame runner took part in last year’s London Marathon.
Kearney, who founded Now I Can Run East Midlands to support people with neurological disabilities, said: “I am so excited to be taking part in this year’s TCS London Marathon. As a Paralympian I have struggled through injuries, the progression of my underlying neurological condition, and other medical issues to compete at the Paralympic Games. But until my own condition deteriorated, I never really considered how difficult it can be for people with more severe disabilities to access sport.
“The opportunity to participate in frame running is life-changing for so many families and I hope that by taking part in the TCS London Marathon I will not only inspire other people living with a disability, but the money raised will help to fund more equipment so more people can begin their journey to sports and mass participants events like the marathon.”
London 2012 veterans Stef Reid, who won T44 long jump silver, and Richard Whitehead, T42 200m gold medallist in both London and Rio, will also be on the Start Line in Blackheath.
Reid, who had her right leg amputated following a boating accident aged 15, is preparing for her first London Marathon, while Whitehead, a double amputee, has run the London Marathon multiple times. He achieved a world record for the fastest double amputee marathon with a time of 2:42:01 at the 2024 TCS London Marathon, which he then broke in Chicago in October 2024 with a time of 2:41:36. He is hoping to complete 20 marathons this year, taking his total marathon career to 100.
The eight Paralympians taking part in the 2025 TCS London Marathon are:
- Tully Kearney (GBR) – S5 100m freestyle gold, S5 200m freestyle silver (2020 Tokyo Games) and S5 100m freestyle gold, S5 200m freestyle gold (2024 Paris Games)
- Stef Reid (GBR) – T44 200m bronze (2008 Beijing Games) and T44 long jump silver (2012 London Games)
- Richard Whitehead (GBR) – T42 200m gold (London 2012 Games), T42 200m gold, T42 100m silver (2016 Rio Games) and T61 200m silver (2020 Tokyo Games)
- Tracey Hinton (GBR) – B1 400m silver, B1 200m silver, B1 100m bronze (1992 Barcelona Games) and T11 200m bronze, T11 400m bronze and T12 800m silver (2000 Sydney Games)
- Sophia Warner (GBR) – T35 sprint events (London 2012 Games); founder of Superhero Series
- Louise Simpson (GBR) – Goalball (2000 Sydney Games and 2012 London Games)
- David Hill – swimming and paratriathlon (2004 Athens Games and 2016 Rio Games)
- David Wetherill – table tennis (2008 Beijing, 2012 London and 2016 Rio Games)