Hiromi Taniguchi broke clear of the pack in the final stages of the race to win in 2:09:50 while Britain's Hugh Jones, running as well as ever, battled it out with Nechadi El Mostafa of Morocco, Gianni P01 of Italy and Geir Kvernmo of Norway for the runner-up spot. Coming onto Westminster Bridge, it was the Moroccan who held off Jones' finishing sprint. Another former winner, Charlie Spedding, was eighth.

Ingrid Kristiansen returned for her third London title, this time in 2:22:48 after an attempt on her won world best had left her too much to do in the second-half of the race. Veronique Marot, a future winner, was third as Priscilla Welch took the UK record down to 2:26:51 in second place.