For the best viewing experience, please use the Chrome browser. The London Marathon, a staple in the sporting calendar since 1981, has raised over £1.4 billion for charity.
As one of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors, it stands alongside other notable races in Tokyo, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, New York City, and Sydney. Although traditionally held in April, the event was moved to October from 2020 to 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This year, the wheelchair race commences at 8:50 am on Sunday, followed by the women's elite race at 9:05 am, and the men's elite and mass events at 9:35 am. The race follows its traditional route, starting from separate color-coded points in Greenwich Park or Blackheath, merging into one route near Charlton. The course then winds through various London landmarks, including the Thames, Cutty Sark, and Buckingham Palace, before finishing at The Mall. With a record number of participants expected, over 59,000 runners will take part, surpassing the previous world record of 1.13 million ballot applications.
Pop star Harry Styles, known for his marathon running, is not listed among the celebrity starters, but fans remain hopeful for a surprise entry. Other notable participants include Olympians Dame Laura Kenny and Sir Ben Ainslie, as well as celebrities such as Jack O'Connell and James Norton. The official starters for the 2026 edition will be Sir Mo Farah and Ellie Kildunne. The elite races feature defending champions Sebastian Sawe, Tigst Assefa, Marcel Hug, and Catherine Debrunner, with Assefa leading the women's field after breaking the women-only record last year.
The men's wheelchair race may see Hug draw level with David Weir as the most successful athlete in London Marathon history. Conditions for the race are expected to be dry with sunny intervals and light winds, and temperatures ranging from 10 to 17 degrees Celsius.
The TCS London Marathon app will provide updates on runners throughout the event, and the next edition is scheduled for April 25, 2027, with the public ballot opening on April 24, 2027.