Record Participation and Elite Showdowns Mark 46th Running
The 46th edition of the London Marathon is underway today, Sunday, April 26, 2026, with an estimated 59,000 runners participating in the iconic 42.2-kilometre race. This figure suggests a potential for breaking the previous record for the world's biggest annual one-day fundraising event, a mark set last year with 56,640 finishers. The event, a significant stop on the World Marathon Major calendar, kicked off with the elite wheelchair races at 8:50 am BST, followed by the elite women's race at 9:05 am BST, and the elite men's race alongside the mass start at 9:35 am BST.
The marathon route traces a path from Greenwich and Blackheath to a finish on The Mall, with the day's proceedings broadcast across multiple BBC platforms, including BBC One and BBC iPlayer. For those outside the UK, services like FloTrack are providing coverage in the U.S., Canada, and Australia, with recommendations for using VPNs to access UK streams, though compliance with platform terms of service is advised.
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Elite Athletes Eye Titles and Personal Bests
Among the elite field, defending champions Sabastian Sawe and Tigst Assefa are back to vie for their titles. Assefa faces challenges from competitors such as Kenya's Hellen Obiri, making her London debut after strong performances in New York and Boston where pacemakers were not employed.
British Talent on Display
The domestic contingent sees Eilish McColgan aiming to surpass her personal best and the Scottish record she set last year, where she finished eighth with a time of 2:24:25. McColgan’s mother, Liz McColgan, also a former marathoner, set a precedent. Another notable British runner is Sarah Warner-Judd, who achieved a time of 2:24:45 in her New York debut five months ago and is running in a separate group from McColgan's pacemakers. Rose Harvey, who finished just behind McColgan last year in ninth, is also among the fastest Britons in the race.
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Wheelchair Racing Commences
The elite wheelchair races saw an unusual start for Rainbow-Cooper, who began approximately five minutes after the main competition, though the exact circumstances remain unclear. Switzerland's Hug is competing, with a potential eighth victory that would equal David Weir's record as the most successful athlete in London Marathon history.
Broader Event and Spectacle
The marathon is more than just an elite race; it serves as a significant fundraising platform and a showcase for the capital. The Mini London Marathon, a precursor event for younger athletes held on Saturday, April 25, has historically launched the careers of prominent runners. Its routes cater to various age groups, from Reception to Year 12. The weather forecast for Sunday in London appears favourable for the runners, with temperatures expected to reach around 20°C.
The genesis of the London Marathon dates back to the aspirations of Olympic steeplechase medallists Chris Brasher and John Disley to create a spectacle within the city. Today's event reflects that ambition, drawing both seasoned athletes and a vast field of participants setting personal and charitable goals. The official TCS London Marathon app and website are providing live updates and results for those tracking the event.
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