the London marathon
/ðə ˌlʌndən ˈmærəθən/
/ðə ˌlʌndən ˈmærəθɑːn/
- a race for runners held every year in London, which began in 1981. The race is about 26 miles/42 kilometres long, starting at three points in south London, and ending at The Mall. Thousands of runners take part, many of them to raise money for charity.