London Marathon 2026: your winning guide to dates, timings and how to enter

Across the UK, runners are entering the fevered final preparations for London Marathon 2026, and their friends and families are gearing up to cheer them on as they pound their way through central London. 

Covering 26.2 miles and shutting down roads left, right and centre, one of the world’s biggest running events will once again take over the city this coming Sunday April 26 2026. As ever, you can expect huge crowds of cheering spectators alongside hundreds of fancy-dress fundraisers and incredible elite athletes descending on central London for the occasion. 

Ahead of this year’s race, here’s everything you need to know to prepare for the London Marathon 2026, whether you’re a road-pounding pro or a newbie dressed as a stormtrooper. 

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What is the London Marathon?

Attracting professionals, celebrities and some truly ludicrous outfits, the London Marathon is a 26.2-mile race around the streets of London. Having first taken place in 1981, it has since become one of the key events in the city’s social calendar, attracting just as many supporters as participants, with a buzzing atmosphere whatever the weather.

In 2025, it officially became the biggest marathon event in the whole world, with more than 55,600 crossing the finish line.  

Where is the London Marathon?

The London Marathon route has remained largely unchanged since the event first began. It starts south of the Thames at Blackheath and passes through Greenwich before crossing the river over Tower Bridge. It then continues through central London before finishing in glory in front of Buckingham Palace. A full map of the route can be found here. 

If you’re out and about in the afternoon of marathon day, here are the best places to catch all the action and expect to see weary runners propping up the bar at pubs across the capital.

When is the 2026 London Marathon?

This year’s marathon is happening on Sunday, April 26.

How do I enter the London Marathon?

The ballot for the London Marathon 2026 has long since been and gone – people found out whether they were successful or not last July. But no fear, the ballot for 2027 will open for entries this summer. 

Where can I watch coverage of the London Marathon?

Typically the race is streamed on big screens on Blackheath, where the tens of thousands of runners begin the race. Or, if you fancy watching from the comfort of your own home it’ll be live on BBC1 and BBC2, with coverage beginning before the first race starts. 

Which celebs and athletes are running the 2026 London Marathon?

There are normally a few famous faces among the marathon’s thousands of participants. And this year is looking especially starry, with big name actors Cynthia Erivo and James Norton, McFly drummer Harry Judd, and cricket legend Sir Alastair Cook all taking part. 

There'll also be heaps of top flight professional runners competing, including men's defending champion Sabastian Sawe, Jacob Kiplimo, and Deresa Geleta. The women's race features reigning champion Tigst Assefa, Sifan Hassan, Joyciline Jepkosgei, and Peres Jepchirchir.

What time does the London Marathon start?

Every year, groups of racers set off at staggered times, starting with the wheelchair race. That’s followed by the elite women’s race, then the elite men’s race. You can expect things to kick off from around 8.30am. 

After the elites, runners participating in the general race will set off in waves, depending on their predicted race time. Participants will be notified of their start wave around three weeks before the event. Spectators wishing to track loved ones as they embark on the race can do so via the London Marathon app.