The London Marathon is known around the world for elite athletes, record-breaking times and emotional charity fundraising stories. But for many spectators, one of the biggest highlights is the fancy dress runners who turn the streets of London into a moving costume parade.
Every year, thousands line the route not only to cheer on serious runners, but also to spot the most creative outfits taking on the 26.2-mile challenge. Over the years, some costumes have become almost as famous as the race itself.
One of the most memorable is the giant Big Ben costume. Runners dressed as London’s most famous clock tower always attract attention from the crowd. Carrying such a tall outfit through the capital is no easy task, making the achievement even more impressive.
Animal costumes have also become a marathon tradition, with rhino suits among the most popular. Often worn to raise money for wildlife charities, these outfits are heavy, hot and difficult to run in, yet competitors still complete the course.
Another fan favourite is the classic red telephone box costume, celebrating one of Britain’s best-known symbols. It may not be aerodynamic, but it never fails to raise smiles from spectators.
The giant banana has also become a London Marathon regular. Bright yellow, easy to spot and impossible to ignore, banana runners are often among the loudest cheered competitors on the course.
Superheroes are never far behind. Superman, Batman and other comic-book characters have all appeared over the years, racing through London in capes and masks.
While elite athletes chase medals and records, costume runners remind everyone that the London Marathon is about more than speed. It is about fun, community spirit and raising money for charity.
At the London Marathon, sometimes the loudest cheers are not for the fastest runners, but for the banana overtaking Big Ben.
