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Racing Towards Rent: London Marathon Prize Money vs. Property Costs

Sat 20 Apr 2024

As the 44th London Marathon gears up for another event on Sunday 21st Aprl, the streets of London are getting ready to host a remarkable display of human resilience. This year, approximately 50,000 participants will lace up their running shoes, embarking on a 26.2-mile journey through the heart of London. However, beyond the cheers of the crowd lies an intriguing comparison between the prize money awarded to the winners and the city's soaring property rental costs.

The Elite Race Prize Money: The prestige of the London Marathon extends not only to its sheer scale but also to the substantial prize purse it offers. For the elite men's and women's able-bodied and wheelchair races, a remarkable £243,000 awaits distribution among the champions. This means that each winner will receive a staggering £44,000 in prize money.

Comparing Prize Money to London Rent: In a city where the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is notoriously high, it's intriguing to measure the marathon prize against the backdrop of London's rental market. With the average weekly rent hovering around £554, let's explore how many weeks' worth of rent the winners could cover with their prize money at various points along the marathon route.

  1. Greenwich: Starting Point - 74 Weeks' Rent As the marathon kicks off in the historic borough of Greenwich, winners would find themselves with the equivalent of 74 weeks' worth of rent in their pockets. A promising start, indeed.

  2. Limehouse: Midway Through - 68 Weeks' Rent Continuing through Limehouse, competitors would still be sitting pretty with prize money that could cover 68 weeks' worth of accommodation costs. The marathon's halfway point offers no signs of slowing down in this financial comparison.

  3. Embankment: Energising Views - 93 Weeks' Rent Running alongside the iconic River Thames, contestants would find their prize pot stretching even further as they reach Embankment. Here, the winnings would equate to an impressive 93 weeks' worth of rent, providing a significant financial cushion.

  4. Buckingham Palace: The Finish Line - 37 Weeks' Rent As the marathon culminates near the regal Buckingham Palace, the comparison takes an interesting turn. Despite the grandeur of the setting, the prize money would cover just 37 weeks' worth of rent, signaling the stark reality of London's property costs, especially in its most affluent areas.

The London Marathon is not just a race; it's a testament to human resilience and spirit. However, juxtaposing the prize money against London's rental market sheds light on the city's economic landscape. While the winners' earnings may seem substantial, they serve as a reminder of the challenges many Londoners face in securing affordable housing. As the marathoners cross the finish line, they do so with both triumph and reflection, embodying the enduring spirit of London.

At Kaybridge Residential Estate Agents, we are dedicated to helping both tenants and landlords navigate the lettings property market across Epsom, Stoneleigh, Worcester Park and Cheam. If you would like any guidance, be sure to reach out to our dedicated team.