The £54.1 million raised by runners at the 2015 marathon is a world record for an annual single-day charity fundraising event

Runners in the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon raised £54.1 million for charity, breaking the world record for an annual single-day charity fundraising event for the ninth successive year.

That figure is up from £53.2 million in 2014.

Following the confirmation of funds raised from this year’s race, the total raised for charity by the London Marathon has now passed £¾ billion (more than £770 million) since the event was founded in 1981.

“Every year, the Virgin Money London Marathon inspires thousands of runners to raise record-breaking millions for charity,” commented event director Hugh Brasher.

“Over its first 35 years, the London Marathon has been an extraordinary force for good that has inspired profound social change. It is an iconic event which inspires tens of thousands each year to get off the sofa, take up running and raise millions for charity.

“We are constantly working to grow the event and its positive impacts as society and health services face rapidly increasing problems with obesity.

“The London Marathon Charitable Trust has enabled thousands more to get active through its funding of a huge range of recreational projects.”

The 2016 event is to take place on Sunday April 24, 2016.