Thousands of participants in this year’s London Marathon could face disappointment on completing the race without a finisher’s medal after organisers changed the rules.
The sight of volunteers handing out gongs to weary runners at the conclusion of the gruelling 26-mile course has become a staple of the event since its inception in 1981.
But a change to the entry process has caused uproar among some competitors after they were required to opt in for the receipt of a medal when registering for the race.
Many appear to have missed the rule change, while others claim to have opted in only to receive a bib marked ‘no medal’.
The issue has also affected people planning to run in the Brighton Marathon, which will likewise be staged next month.
Organisers claim the change will be better for the planet, saying a medal for every entrant makes a sizeable difference to the event’s carbon footprint.
But angry runners are already venting on marathon message boards.
One wrote: ‘Who the hell runs a marathon and doesn’t want a medal?!’
Another added: ‘Completing the race is an achievement in itself, and everyone who finishes deserves recognition and a medal, regardless of whether they were selected or not. It’s about effort, perseverance, and the spirit of pushing through to the finish line!’
British actress Ruth Wilson proudly displays her finishers’ medal after completing last year’s London Marathon. Entrants need to opt in to receive a medal this year – catching out many
Runners recover after completing the 2024 London Marathon in central London. Organisers have reassured entrants that they will be able to alter their medal preferences
‘Our processes ensure that anyone who wants a medal will get one,’ said organisers
Organisers have acknowledged the issue and have told MailOnline any entrant who wants a medal will receive one.
‘As part of our sustainability goals, for all London Marathon Events in 2025, including the TCS London Marathon, participants are asked to opt in to receive a medal during the entry process.’ said a London Marathon spokesperson.
‘We’re aware that some participants who have registered for the 2025 TCS London Marathon may not have ticked the box to request a finisher’s medal, but would like one.
‘Our processes ensure that anyone who wants a medal will get one. For more information on this, click here.’
Because they are made in China, finishers’ medals contribute significantly to the London Marathon’s carbon footprint.
Until this year, medals and T-shirts were automatically handed out to all London Marathon entrants unless they specifically elected not to receive them.
But the drive to reduce the marathon’s carbon footprint means the onus is now on the individual. Roughly 50,000 entrants are expected to converge on the capital on Sunday 27 April.
In line with the organisers’ emphasis on sustainability, competitors have been urged to make their way to the start line by foot, bicycle or public transport.
They will also be given the opportunity to have a tree planted instead of receiving a T-shirt, through the event’s partnership with Trees Not Tees, a platform that works with events to reduce waste.
