The 2026 TCS London Marathon takes place on Sunday 26 April, with around 50,000 runners making their way from Greenwich and Blackheath to the iconic finish line on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace. Now in its 46th edition, the London Marathon is one of the six World Marathon Majors and one of the most prestigious road races on the planet.
What to Expect
The 2026 elite fields are among the strongest ever assembled. Defending champion Sebastian Sawe of Kenya returns with a personal best of 2:02:05, aiming to become only the fourth man to win back-to-back London titles. He faces a formidable challenge from Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo (half marathon world record holder, marathon PB 2:02:23), Olympic 5,000m and 10,000m champion Joshua Cheptegei, and Ethiopian star Tamirat Tola.
The women’s race is equally compelling. Four of the six fastest women in marathon history will be on the start line: defending champion and women’s-only world record holder Tigst Assefa, Olympic champion Sifan Hassan, world champion Peres Jepchirchir, and Hellen Obiri, who makes her London debut after winning both Boston and New York City. A new course record is a genuine possibility.
British interest centres on Emile Cairess, who is targeting Sir Mo Farah’s British marathon record. On the women’s side, Eilish McColgan and Jess Warner-Judd lead the domestic challenge.
How to Watch
In the United Kingdom, the BBC provides comprehensive free-to-air coverage. BBC One broadcasts live from 08:30 BST, with additional livestreams from Tower Bridge and the finish line available on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport app. Highlights air on BBC Two from 18:00.
In the United States, coverage is available on NBC Sports. FloTrack also offers live streaming for subscribers. International viewers can check World Marathon Majors channels and local sports broadcasters for regional coverage.
The Course
The certified flat course starts in Greenwich Park and Blackheath, heading through Woolwich, Rotherhithe, and Bermondsey before crossing Tower Bridge. Runners then head east through Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs before doubling back along the Thames Embankment to Westminster and the finish on The Mall. Total elevation gain is just 119 metres, making it one of the fastest marathon courses in the world.
Spectating and Tickets
Watching the London Marathon from the streets is completely free, and around 750,000 spectators typically line the route. The best vantage points include Cutty Sark in Greenwich, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and the Embankment approaching The Mall. Arrive early at popular spots, as crowds can be several rows deep. The nearest stations for key viewing areas include Canada Water (Jubilee line) for miles 9 and 11, and Westminster or Embankment for the final stretch.
History and Records
Founded by Chris Brasher and John Disley, the London Marathon was first held on 29 March 1981, when Americans Dick Beardsley and Norway’s Inge Simonsen famously crossed the finish line holding hands. The men’s course record of 2:01:25 was set by the late Kelvin Kiptum in 2023. The women’s-only world record of 2:15:50 was set by Tigst Assefa in 2025. Over its history, the race has raised more than 1 billion pounds for charity, making it the largest annual fundraising event in the world.