The London Marathon is one of the biggest events on the athletic calendar, seeing thousands venture to the capital in hopes of competing in the 26.2 miles route.

And it’s a well-known fact that the marathon has been a spring event for the last 39 years it has been running.

However, in recent years the iconic event has swapped its spring date for an autumnal date in October.

This year marks the third year that the London Marathon will be held in October rather than its traditional April date, after last year's race took place on Sunday, October 3.

Why is the London Marathon in October?

Many people wondered why the marathon moved to later in the year, with the one answer seemingly being down to the Covid-19 pandemic.

As the Event Director of London Marathon Events, Hugh Brasher said: “We are living in a hugely uncertain world” back in August 2021 when this year's date was officially announced.

READ MORE: London Marathon Train Strikes: Runners to face disruption

Mr Brasher continued: “We believe that by moving the 2022 event to October we give ourselves the best chances of welcoming the world to the streets of London, enabling tens of millions to be raised for good causes and giving people the certainty that their hard work and training will allow them to experience the amazing crowds cheering them every step of the way from Greenwich to Westminster.”

When is the London Marathon 2023?

However, Brasher did also add that the marathon will be returning back to its iconic slot after taking the three-year break from April.

Announcing: “we will return to our traditional slot in the calendar in 2023, when the TCS London Marathon will take place on Sunday 23 April.”