Some facts and figures about the iconic event which will make history once again on October 4 when elite-only races take place on a loop course

Inaugural champions

Norway's Inge Simonsen and Dick Beardsley of the USA jointly claimed the first men's title in 1981, crossing the finish line together in 2:11:48.

Britain's Joyce Smith won the women's race by nine minutes, which remains the greatest wining margin in the event's history, and she also became the first British female to break two-and-a-half hours with her time of 2:29:57. Smith also remains the oldest winner, having been 43 when she won her first title and 44 when she retained it.

Most victories

Men: Eliud Kipchoge with four
Women: Ingrid Kristiansen with four
Wheelchair men: David Weir with eight
Wheelchair women: Tanni Grey-Thompson with six

Most victories by country

Men: Kenya with 15
Women: Kenya with 12
Wheelchair men: Great Britain & NI with 16
Wheelchair women: Great Britain & NI with 15

Course records

Men: 2:02:37 by Eliud Kipchoge, 2019
Women (mixed): 2:15:25 by Paula Radcliffe, 2003
Women only: 2:17:01 by Mary Keitany, 2017
Wheelchair men: 1:28:56 by Kurt Fearnley, 2009
Wheelchair women: 1:39:57 by Manuela Schär, 2017

Oldest and youngest

Oldest winner (men): Allister Hutton, 1990 - 35
Oldest winner (women): Joyce Smith, 1982 - 44
Youngest winner (men): Sammy Wanjiru, 2009 - 22
Youngest winner (women): Brigid Kosgei, 2019 - 25
Oldest finisher (men): Fauja Singh, 2004 - 93
Oldest finisher (women): Jenny Wood-Allen, 2002 - 90

(Lead photo by Bob Martin for Virgin Money London Marathon)

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