How many people have died running the London marathon?

The 2023 London Marathon is set to return this weekend, with around 50,000 runners due to compete.

For the past three years, the event was moved from its traditional spring slot due to the coronavirus.

Last year, over 40,000 runners attempted the 26.2-mile course. Kenyan long-distance runner Amos Kipruto won the men’s race in 2:04.39. Ethiopian runner Yalemzerf Yehualaw recovered from a late fall to produce a dominant performance in the women’s race and clinch gold. 

Over the years, there have been a few cases where runners have unfortunately passed away during and after the marathon.

But how many people have died at the London Marathon since its first race? Mail Sport provides the answers below. 

The London Marathon will return this weekend with around 50,000 runners due to compete 

Since the first race, there have been a few incidents where runners have lost their lives

How many people have died at the London Marathon?

Since the inaugural race in 1981, a total of 13 runners have died. 

According to Peak Performance, seven cardiac deaths occurred between 1991 and 2003. 

In 2007, David Rodgers died after completing his first London Marathon because he drank too much water. Rogers, 29, collapsed at the end of the race and passed away in Charing Cross Hospital.

Five years later, a 30-year-old woman collapsed and died while running in the London Marathon. She collapsed at Birdcage Walk, near St James’ Park, on the final stretch of the 26.2-mile course.

A year later, Claire Squires suffered a cardiac arrest and never regained consciousness towards the end of the race.

Captain David Seath, suffered a suspected cardiac arrest while running the 26.2-mile course in 2016 and later died in hospital. Seath was a fire support team commander in the 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery.

In 2018, Matt Campbell – who appeared on Masterchef: The Professionals – died after running the hottest-ever London Marathon.

Campbell collapsed during the marathon just four miles from the finish. 

Last year, A 36-year-old man died after collapsing just two miles from the finishing line. Despite receiving immediate medical treatment and ambulance assistance within three minutes, the participant later died in the hospital.

Matt Campbell, 29, died after collapsing at the 22.5mile mark of the London Marathon 

Captain David Seath (R) suffered a suspected cardiac arrest while running the marathon in 2016 

When is the London Marathon?

This year’s London Marathon will take place on Sunday, April 23.

The event will be held on its traditional date for the first time since 2019. For the previous three years, the race took place in October.

Every year, the marathon gets underway at around 9am and lasts all day.

Runners who finish the event beyond the seven-hour cut-off period will not receive a medal.

The London Marathon is set to return this weekend for its first April race since 2019

What is the route?

The London Marathon route has mostly remained the same since 1981.

Those competing will start in Greenwich, which serves as the neutral location for measuring all time zones around the world.  

At around the halfway point, runners will pass the Cutty Sark and the Shard before crossing Tower Bridge.

They will then run along Victoria Embankment to Westminster, passing the London Eye, before heading in the direction of Canary Wharf.

Heading into the final stretch, runners will pass Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. They will then turn onto The Mall and head towards the finish line, which is situated near Buckingham Palace. 

The 26.2 mile route starts near Blackheath in Greenwich and runners will cross the finish line at the Mall by Buckingham Palace

How to watch

The London Marathon will be shown live on BBC One. It has been the host broadcaster of the event since its first ever race.

Coverage of the elite races will start at 8:30am, with their main show beginning at 10am. 

Fans will also be able to watch the event via BBC iPlayer.