FUNDRAISING

London Marathon smashes fundraising record with volunteers at the heart of the event

The 45th London Marathon saw more than 56,000 runners take to the streets. This year's event not only celebrating incredible athletic achievements but also setting a new fundraising record. Participants raised over £75 million for numerous charities, exceeding the £73.5 million raised in the previous year.


On Sunday, April 27, 2025, the streets of London came alive as over 56,000 runners embarked on the 45th edition of the London Marathon. This year's event not only showcased athletic prowess but also achieved a monumental fundraising milestone, amassing over £75 million for various charities, surpassing the previous record of £73.5 million set in 2024.

An Unprecedented Fundraising Achievement

The 2025 London Marathon solidified its status as the world's largest single-day annual fundraising event. The cumulative total raised since the marathon's inception in 1981 now exceeds £1.3 billion, reflecting the unwavering generosity of participants and supporters alike. 

The heart of the Marathon: Dedicated Volunteers

Behind the scenes, a dedicated army of volunteers ensured the seamless execution of the event. From managing water stations and distributing merchandise to awarding medals at the finish line, these volunteers were integral to the marathon's success.

London Marathon Events (LME) utilises Rosterfy’s volunteer management platform, to coordinate these efforts efficiently. Our system streamlines the recruitment, training, and deployment of volunteers, ensuring that every aspect of the marathon operates smoothly.

Notably, many volunteers are affiliated with organisations such as the British Heart Foundation and St John Ambulance. Their involvement extends beyond volunteering, with numerous members also participating as runners, exemplifying a profound commitment to the causes they support.

Star Stories

The 2025 marathon featured a host of celebrities and sports figures, adding to the event's vibrancy. Notable participants included former footballers John Terry and Jack Wilshere, Olympian Sir Jason Kenny, and comedian Romesh Ranganathan. Their involvement not only drew public interest but also highlighted personal connections to various charitable causes.

Jack Wilshere, for instance, ran in support of the British Heart Foundation, inspired by his daughter's successful open-heart surgery earlier in the year. His dual role as a participant and fundraiser underscores the deeply personal motivations driving many runners.

In the long run

As the London Marathon continues to grow in scale and impact, the collaboration between organisers, volunteers, participants, and supporters remains crucial. The integration of platforms like Rosterfy ensures that volunteer efforts are effectively managed, contributing to the event's ongoing success.

The 2025 marathon stands as a testament to the collective spirit and generosity of all involved, setting a new benchmark for charitable fundraising and community engagement.

Building a community around your sports events

If you would like to find out more how Rosterfy can help you to build a community around your volunteer programme then check out the case study for London Youth Games.

They have increased their volunteers by 23% in a year and volunteer participation from corporate volunteers by 48%. They now have a vibrant community of nearly 1,000 volunteers helping to introduce various different sports to young people in the Capital.

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