Record-Breaking Runners: The 2023 London Marathon Guinness World Records

The TCS London Marathon is one of the most prestigious marathons in the world, attracting elite runners from around the globe. But for some participants, simply completing the race is not enough – they aim to break a Guinness World Record.

Over the years, countless records have been broken at the London Marathon, showcasing the incredible talent, perseverance, and creativity of the runners who participate.

Out of 71 attempts, 45 Guinness World Record (GWR) titles were broken at this year’s 2023 TCS London Marathon in everything from the fastest marathon dressed as a candy confectionery item marathon to the fastest marathon whilst wearing clogs.

Of course, the most distinguished GWR went to elite runner Kelvin Kiptum, 23, for the fastest time to run the London Marathon (male) in 2:01:25. It was not only the second fastest of all time over 26.2 miles, but the first sub-2:02 time on the London course, more than a minute inside Eliud Kipchoge’s 2019 mark and just 16 seconds outside his world record. Incredibly, six months ago Kiptum had never run a marathon, but now he holds two of the five fastest times ever.

From running backwards to completing the race while juggling or playing a musical instrument, runners have found countless ways to push themselves to new heights.

In 2023, Guinness World Records were handed out for the fastest marathon dressed as a boxer (Alex Grady, 2:38:52), the fastest marathon with two runners handcuffed together (male, Jack Meegan and Daniel Gallagher, 2:53:33), the fastest marathon dressed as a three-dimensional aircraft (female, Fiona Betts, 4:33:32) and even the most underpants worn during a marathon (female, Charlie Fitton, 25 pairs).

On the London Marathon finish line with the important job to verify all new world records set was GWR adjudicator Will Munford, who said: “The record breaking that takes place at the TCS London Marathon to me is the purest representation of the training, commitment and emotional effort required to set a Guinness World Records title. So many of the 71 runners are raising money for causes close to their hearts that makes a genuine change in the world. Those who cross the Finish Line with a record title will have their incredible achievements recognised in the book and there are none more deserving.”

What’s your favourite record – or have you taken on one yourself? Let us know in the comments below!

The full list of new Guinness World Records titles:

1. Kelvin Kiptum: Fastest time to run the London Marathon (male) – 2:01:25
2. Alex Grady: Fastest marathon dressed as a boxer – 2:38:52
3. Thomas David Hall: Fastest marathon dressed as a lifeguard (male) – 2:42:22
4. Julian Rendall: Fastest marathon dressed in pyjamas (male) – 2:46:46
5. Mohd Syahidan Bin Alias: Fastest marathon dressed in traditional Malay dress (male) – 2:49:22
6. Czudec Pawel: Fastest marathon dressed as a badminton player (male) – 2:53:01
7. Jack Meegan and Daniel Gallagher: Fastest marathon with two runners handcuffed together (male) – 2:53:33
8. Robert Walsh: Fastest marathon dressed as a scientist (male) – 2:55:40
9. Andrew Tarrant: Fastest marathon dressed as a golfer (male) – 2:57:26
10. Claudia Burrough: Fastest marathon in a non-racing wheelchair (female) – 3:00:56
11. Victoria Hill: Fastest marathon dressed as a fairy tale character (female) – 3:01:59
12. Ben Molyneux: Fastest marathon dressed as a Lucha libre wrestler (male) – 3:10:30
13. Larissa Kolasinski: Fastest marathon dressed as a savoury food (female) – 3:11:34
14. Stuart Cable: Fastest marathon dressed in a safari suit (male) – 3:14:52
15. Masakazu Konno: Fastest marathon wearing a suit and dress shoes (male) – 3:23:24
16. Guillaume Perin: Fastest marathon dressed in an Australian Football League kit (male) – 3:26:43
17. Matthew Friend: Fastest marathon in a Kung Fu uniform – 3:28:10
18. Nickolaj Kennett: Fastest marathon dressed as a postal worker (male) – 3:28:38
19. Peter James Banks: Fastest marathon dressed as a star (male) – 3:30:09
20. Adele Roberts: Fastest marathon with an ileostomy (female) – 3:30:22
21. Eva Ellis: Fastest marathon dressed as a pirate (female) – 3:31:27
22. Emanuela Pizzoni: Fastest marathon dressed in pyjamas (female) – 3:34:20
23. Amy Ellett: Fastest marathon dressed as a body part (female) – 3:37:16
24. Gilles Dufosse: Fastest marathon dressed as a monarch (male) – 3:38:13
25. Kirk Millikan: Fastest marathon dressed as a lumberjack (male) – 3:39:12
26. Charinya Kanchanasevee: Fastest marathon dressed in traditional Thai dress (female) – 3:45:34
27. David Church: Fastest marathon dressed as an insect (male) – 3:49:38
28. Daniel Bent: Fastest marathon dressed as a glass (male) – 3:50:21
29. Gary Qualter: Fastest marathon dressed as a milk deliverer (male) – 3:52:12
30. Becky Lafford: Fastest marathon wearing wellington boots (female) – 3:59:57
31. Martin Gear: Fastest marathon dressed as a three-dimensional aircraft (male) – 4:03:02
32. Lucy Anne Price: Fastest marathon dressed as a Christmas cracker (female) – 4:05:57
33. Caroline Lear: Fastest marathon dressed as a glass (female) – 4:09:26
34. Annelise Broussard: Fastest marathon dressed as a candy confectionery item (female) – 4:14:36
35. Jeremy Wright: Fastest marathon carrying golf clubs (male) – 4:14:59
36. Steven Waters: Fastest marathon in a full-body inflatable costume (male) – 4:15:02
37. Michael Daniels: Fastest marathon dressed as a three–dimensional plant (male) – 4:15:23
38. Jem Smith: Fastest marathon dressed as a road vehicle (male) – 4:27:52
39. Fiona Betts: Fastest marathon dressed as a three-dimensional aircraft (female) – 4:33:32
40. Richard Allison: Fastest marathon dressed as a three-dimensional dinosaur (male) – 4:36:43
41. Paul Evans: Fastest marathon dressed as a knight (male) – 4:50:27
42. Sam Hammond: Fastest marathon carrying a household appliance (white goods) – 4:52:10
43. Shane Owen: Fastest marathon dressed as a book (male) – 5:19:15
44. Johannes Teunissen: Fastest marathon wearing clogs (male) – 7:08:37
45. Charlie Fitton: Most underpants worn during a marathon (female) – 25