At Orbis UK, we’re passionate about helping people see the world and its sights. Whether you were running, cheering or simply soaking it all in. The marathon offered sights that stayed with you long after the last medal was handed out. From rainbow-coloured stages to emotional reunions, here’s a look at some of the most inspiring sights from the day.
The London Marathon: A Day of Unforgettable Sights
Last Sunday, London came alive with colour, music and emotion as 56,000 runners pounded the streets for the 2025 London Marathon, and what a sight it was to behold.
The Sights of Celebration
Even 21 miles in, the energy never dropped, thanks to incredible entertainment dotted along the route.
At Rainbow Row, a burst of colour and joy lit up the streets as a live DJ pumped uplifting anthems through the crowd, getting everyone, runners and spectators alike, dancing and cheering.
Just a little further along, the Endurance Steel Orchestra filled the air with steel drum beats that echoed far beyond the roadside barriers. These musical moments weren’t just for show, they gave tired legs a lift and brought smiles to faces that needed them most.
Support: the Power of People
One of the most heart-warming sights of the London Marathon is the deep, visible love from friends and family. You can see it in every emotional cheer, every homemade sign, and every outstretched arm waiting for a high five. For runners, these cheers make the world of difference, often the very thing that keeps them going when every muscle says stop.
But here’s the beautiful thing: the support doesn’t stop at loved ones.
Strangers, complete strangers, line the streets for hours, clapping, shouting names, offering sweets, and urging runners on. There’s no judgement, no favourites. Just pure, human encouragement. A city-wide act of kindness that anyone can be part of.
Signs That Speak Volumes
The signs are a spectacle in themselves, some funny, some heartfelt, all uplifting.
One of our favourites this year read: “Alicia, hurry up so we can drink.” It got a good laugh, and probably gave Alicia the push she needed!
Seeing Something Bigger
Watching someone complete a marathon is nothing short of inspiring. You see people pushing through pain, fatigue, and self-doubt, often driven by something deeply personal, and you’re reminded what human beings are capable of. You see triumph, resilience, and the purest expressions of joy, pride and even tears.
It’s a visual reminder that achievement isn’t always about speed, it’s about heart.
The Sight of Selfless Giving
Perhaps the most moving sight of the day is seeing how many people are running for something bigger than themselves.
Charity shirts fill the streets, including those running to support Orbis UK and our mission to fight avoidable blindness worldwide. Everyone ran with pride for causes close to their hearts. It’s humbling and powerful.
Meanwhile, along the sidelines, thousands turned out to support not just loved ones, but everyone. Adults, children, families, tourists, it became a city-wide celebration of generosity, resilience and community spirit.
See It for Yourself
If you’ve never been to the London Marathon, we can't recommend it enough. Whether you run, cheer, or simply watch in wonder, it's a day full of unforgettable sights, the kind that lift your heart, stay with you, and remind you of the good in the world.
We saw courage. We saw kindness. We saw London at its very best.
And at Orbis UK, we’ll keep working to make sure people around the world never miss the chance to see moments like these too.
Whether you're thinking of running in 2026 or just cheering from the side-lines, join us next year. And if you'd like to run for Orbis UK, we'd love to have you on our team, helping us change the way the world sees.
