London Marathon 2026: 59,000 runners get set to tackle 26.2-mile race with temperatures to hit 20C

On Apr 26, 2026

Thousands of runners are gearing up to take part in today’s annual London Marathon – with temperatures expected to soar to 20C.

Participants will make their way through the historic course from Greenwich to the Mall on what is expected to be a bright and sunny day, with the occasional rainy spell.

The 46th edition of the event is set to feature Sir Mo Farah and rugby World Cup-winning captain Ellie Kildunne as the official starters for all three races.

The current course record set by Kenyan runner Sebastian Sawe is said to be under threat – after he won last year’s edition in two hours, two minutes and 27 seconds.

His main rival is Ugandan Jacob Kiplimo, the Chicago Marathon winner and last year’s London runner-up.

But many of the day’s spectators will of course have their eyes on friends and family participating in the race – who may be first-time runners or otherwise hoping to set a new personal best.

Women’s elite race begins

Athletics - London Marathon - London, Britain - April 26, 2026 Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa and Kenya's Hellen Obiri at the start of the women's elite race REUTERS/John Sibley

Jessica Warner-Judd (left) and Eilish McColgan (centre) at the start during the 2026 TCS London Marathon. Picture date: Sunday April 26, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Ben Whitley/PA Wire.NOTE TO EDITORS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

The women’s elite race has now officially kicked off.

Ethiopa’s Tigst Assefa sets the time to beat at two hours, 15 minutes and 50 seconds.

Rose Harvey, Eilish McColgan, Louise Small and Verity Hopkins will be flying the flag for Great Britain.

Who are you pinning your hopes on?

And, they’re off!

Athletics - London Marathon - London, Britain - April 26, 2026 Britain's David Weir, China's Jin Hua and Britain's David Weir at the start of the men's wheelchair race REUTERS/John Sibley

Athletics - London Marathon - London, Britain - April 26, 2026 Switzerland's Marcel Hug at the start of the men's wheelchair race REUTERS/John Sibley

This year’s 46th edition is now officially underway, with the elite wheelchair racers zooming off the start line.

Last year it was the Swiss sensation Marcel Hug who bagged the top prize – for the fifth year running.

Another win today would put him level with David Weir as the most successful athlete in London Marathon history.

IN PICTURES: Runners get ready to… run

Runners are now making their way to the start line ahead of their big races.

Participants in the wheelchair event will likely already be there – with only a few minutes left to go before the event begins.

Runners make their way to the start of the 2026 TCS London Marathon. Picture date: Sunday April 26, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Ben Whitley/PA Wire.NOTE TO EDITORS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

Athletics - London Marathon - London, Britain - April 26, 2026 Participants arrive at Blackheath before the start of the Marathon REUTERS/John Sibley

London marathon choir makes its return after it was dropped over founder’s gender-critical views

The Singing Striders were initially dropped from Sunday’s race because of its founder Janet Murray’s criticism of gender ideology.

However, after only one member said they would go ahead perform, a decision was made to reinstate them.

Disability charity Scope had told Ms Murray here views went against its ‘commitment to diversity and inclusion’.

Charity bosses said:

We are concerned about your views because we don’t agree with your views.

The historic 26.2-mile course

Runners taking part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon run past St. Paul's Cathedral. The event will see 20,000 runners take on the 13.1-mile route through the heart of London passing 16 of the capital's best known landmarks. Picture date: Sunday April 6, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: James Manning /PA Wire

The Cutty Sark is the first recognisable landmark on the route – coming in at 6.5 miles.

Next up Tower bridge at 12.1 miles, crossing the Thames near the halfway point.

A jog east through Canary Wharf then sees a pass through Cleopatra’s Needle and the Tower of London before Big Ben comes into view.

Parliament Square is a sign runners are close to the finish line before The Mall and Buckingham Palace come mark the finish-line.

How can I watch the race?

If you’re in the UK, you will be able to watch the London Marathon live on the BBC – extensive television coverage and online streaming is also available via BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

What can we expect of the great British weather?

BNPS.co.uk (01202 558833) Pic: BNPS Date: 25/04/2026 Weather input. People enjoy a warm and sunny Saturday on the beach in Bournemouth, Dorset.

Expect highs of 20C with sunny intervals and light winds.

Runners have been advised not to skimp on suncream as moderate UV levels are predicted.

The sunshine is expected to be noticeable in the morning ahead of the men’s and women’s elite wheelchairs before temperatures reach around 13C when the non-elite runners set off.

Some cloud is then expected to make an appearance from the late afternoon.

The Met Office said:

There will be some hazy spells of sunshine, the best of these across southern England and Wales.

The risk of some showers, mainly across Scotland. Highs reaching 21C or 22C.

When do the races start?

Handout photo provided by London Marathon Events.Sabastian Sawe (KEN) in front of the Queen Victoria Memorial and Buckingham Palace during the Elite Men's London Marathon Photocall.Picture date: Friday April 24, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Andrew Baker/London Marathon Events/Handout Photo/PA Wire.NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.

Today’s event will get underway at 8.50am when the elite wheelchairs roll off the Start Line.

The elite women will follow at 8.50am before the elite men and masses begin at 9.35am.

The record to beat is currently Sebastian Sawe’s three-year-old time of two hours, one minute and 25 seconds.

But of course, many spectators will also have their eyes on the more than 59,000 other runners – who may be first-time participants or otherwise hoping to set a new personal best.

Good morning and welcome to our live blog!

Good morning on what is expected to be a sunny 46th edition to the annual London Marathon.

Stay tuned as we bring you all the latest updates on today’s event – from the whacky costumes and changing British weather to the all-important new records.