Reuters reports that this adds up to a picture of a sport defying global economic turmoil.
The US figures, from non-profit organisation Running USA, show that 467,000 people finished marathons in the country last year, up 10 per cent, the largest percentage increase for 25 years. The London marathon had 36,549 finishers from 36,984 starters. The Tokyo marathon had 310,000 applicants for 35,000 places.
"In an economy when people are watching their pennies they are going to look at where can I can cut off my budget, I'll cut off Starbucks, I'll cut off the gym. But they are not cutting out running because it is inexpensive," said Running USA media director Ryan Lamppa.
