Running News Daily

2019 Virgin Money London Marathon raised a record-breaking £66.4 ($81.8US) million for charity, setting a new world record for an annual single-day charity fundraising event

The new record was an increase of more than £2.5 million on the previous record total of £63.7 million raised from the 2018 event. It brings the overall sum raised for charity since the event was founded in 1981 to more than £1 billion ($1.23US billion).

The total raised for charity by the London Marathon since Virgin became title sponsor in 2010 is now more than £565 million. Virgin Money Giving is the not-for-profit fundraising partner of the London Marathon and donations to charity linked to the race through the on line service have reached more than £198 million.

Hugh Brasher, Event Director at London Marathon Events, said: “Every year, the Virgin Money London Marathon inspires thousands to take on the challenge of running the famous 26.2 miles and raise these incredible sums for charity.

We salute every runner who has contributed to this amazing world record total of £66.4 million, a truly incredible sum from a one-day event.

“Since 1981, the London Marathon has helped to raise over £1 billion for charitable causes, celebrated by our #ThanksaBillion campaign at this year’s event. It is a phenomenal achievement and part of what makes the London Marathon unique.

No other mass participation event comes anywhere near this kind of fundraising.

“We would like to thank every runner, supporter, donator, charity, volunteer, sponsor, spectator, staff member and everyone else who has contributed to this wonderful total.”

Jo Barnett, Executive Director at Virgin Money Giving, said: "Virgin Money Giving works hard to support charity fundraisers who participate in the Virgin Money London Marathon to ensure that as much money as possible is raised, and this year was no exception.

Our innovative fundraiser hub offered advice and support from experts and past runners, and it proved a huge hit with runners of all abilities.