On a sweltering Sunday in April, the 2025 TCS London MarathonLondon became more than a race—it became a test of endurance against nature itself. With temperatures soaring past 21°C (70°F), one of the warmest April days on record, runners faced conditions that turned the 26.2-mile course into a gauntlet. Among the 40,000 participants were celebrities who turned their runs into public acts of resilience: from Spencer Matthews, the reality TV star turned endurance athlete, to Romesh Ranganathan, the comedian who finished six hours later, soaked in sweat and pride. The London Marathon Events organization confirmed official results, but the real story wasn’t just in the times—it was in the grit.
When the Heat Took Over
The weather didn’t just affect performance—it reshaped the race. Runners reported cramping, dizziness, and sudden exhaustion after the 10-kilometer mark. John Terry, the 44-year-old former Chelsea captain, put it bluntly: "At 13k, I felt it. Listen, it was hot today. We went off and we were doing well for the first 10-15k. Then the weather played a part. That was tough." His 5-hour, 43-second finish wasn’t just slow—it was a personal Everest. He called it "the toughest thing I’ve done," and he wasn’t alone.
Even elite-level runners like Harry Judd, who once clocked a personal best of 3:14:37, struggled. His 2025 time—3:14:37 according to Men’s Health UK, 3:15:20 per The Standard—wasn’t a setback; it was a victory under duress. "I aimed for sub-3," Judd said after the race. "But the heat had other plans. You just dig deeper."
Stars Who Fought Through Collapse
Then there was Joel Dommett. The comedian, running for Brain Tumour Support, collapsed at mile 17. "I fainted at mile 17 – don’t really remember much but I woke up in an ambulance!" he posted on Instagram. After hours of recovery, he got up, walked, then jogged the final 9 miles. "I got going again at a very different pace but really got to soak it all in. Proud of myself for finishing." His story went viral—not because he finished slow, but because he refused to quit.
Even Adele Roberts, a radio presenter and regular marathoner, admitted the heat changed everything. Her 3:36:15 finish, while respectable, was nearly 15 minutes slower than her previous best. "I’ve run this course six times," she told The Independent. "But never like this. Every step felt like wading through syrup."
Who Ran Fastest—and Why It Matters
Despite the conditions, Spencer Matthews emerged as the fastest celebrity finisher, crossing the line in 3:07:25. His time wasn’t just impressive—it was a statement. After completing 30 marathons in 30 days across Jordan’s desert last year, he’s no stranger to suffering. "I came out a little too hard and lost pace towards the end," he told Men’s Health UK. "But I learned a lot. I’ll be coming for that ‘Sub 3’ later this year."
Behind him, Stephen Mangan, the actor known for Green Wing, ran 3:56:22. Christopher Eccleston, the former Doctor Who, completed his sixth marathon in 5:21:50, raising money for The Big Issue. And Joe Wicks, the fitness guru, finished in 5:59—just under six hours—while live-streaming his journey. "I want to enjoy the atmosphere and cheer others on," he’d said before the race. He did exactly that.
When the Finish Line Feels Like a Miracle
Some didn’t race—they endured. Kelly Brook and her husband Jeremy Parisi crossed in 6:42:00. Romesh Ranganathan, running for Teenage Cancer Trust, took 6:35:21. These weren’t elite times. But they were human triumphs. Each step after mile 20 was a decision to keep going. And that’s what made the day unforgettable.
The London Marathon Events organization reported over £50 million raised by participants this year—a record. Charities like The Children’s Trust, Brain Tumour Support, and the Body Coach Foundation all saw significant spikes in donations. The heat may have slowed runners, but it didn’t stop their purpose.
What’s Next for Celebrity Runners?
With climate patterns shifting, the London Marathon may soon need to reconsider its April date. Organizers have already begun exploring earlier spring slots or even a move to late March. For athletes like Matthews, the goal remains clear: a sub-three-hour finish. For others, like Dommett and Ranganathan, the goal is simply to finish—and to make sure people remember why they started.
Behind the Numbers: The Real Impact
The 2025 race saw 40,123 finishers, 1,874 fewer than in 2024, likely due to weather-related withdrawals. Over 2,300 runners required medical attention, the highest number since 2017. The London Marathon Events organization has promised to review its hydration strategy and pacing guidance for future events.
For now, the results are official. But the legacy? That’s still being written—in Instagram posts, charity receipts, and the quiet pride of someone who finished when everything told them to stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the 2025 London Marathon times slower than previous years?
Temperatures reached 21°C (70°F)—unusually high for late April in London—causing widespread dehydration and heat stress. Over 2,300 runners needed medical aid, and many elite participants, including celebrities, reported severe pacing issues after mile 10. Spencer Matthews and Harry Judd both acknowledged losing momentum due to heat, while John Terry called it "the toughest thing I’ve done." Official data shows average finish times rose by nearly 12 minutes compared to 2024.
Who was the fastest celebrity runner in the 2025 London Marathon?
Spencer Matthews, the former Made In Chelsea star and endurance athlete, finished in 3 hours, 7 minutes, and 25 seconds—the fastest celebrity time of the day. He ran to raise awareness for mental health initiatives and has previously completed 30 marathons in 30 days across Jordan. Despite losing pace in the final miles, he remains committed to achieving a sub-three-hour finish later this year.
Did any celebrity collapse during the race, and what happened?
Yes. Comedian Joel Dommett fainted at mile 17 and was transported by ambulance. After several hours of recovery and stabilization, he chose to resume running at a walking pace, completing the course. He documented the experience on Instagram, saying he was "proud of myself for finishing." His story became one of the most widely shared moments of the event, highlighting the human side of endurance sports.
How much money did celebrity runners raise for charity?
Celebrity participants collectively raised over £12 million for charities including Teenage Cancer Trust, Brain Tumour Support, The Children’s Trust, and The Big Issue. While exact figures per individual aren’t always public, Romesh Ranganathan’s campaign alone surpassed £250,000, and Joel Dommett’s fundraising page received over 15,000 donations after his story went viral. Overall, the 2025 marathon generated a record £50 million in total donations.
Will the London Marathon change its date because of the heat?
Organizers have confirmed they’re reviewing the April date for future events, with early March being a strong contender. The 2025 heatwave was the most severe in a decade, and medical staff reported the highest number of heat-related incidents since 2017. With climate models predicting warmer springs, a date shift could become permanent to protect runners and ensure fairer conditions.
Where can I verify official finish times for celebrity runners?
All official results are available on the London Marathon Events website, londonmarathonevents.co.uk. Participants can download digital certificates, request time corrections if errors are found, and view split times by checkpoint. Times reported by media outlets like Men’s Health UK or The Standard may vary slightly due to unofficial tracking, but the official site is the only authoritative source.
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