The 2026 edition of the London Marathon 2026 returns this Sunday as the third stop on the World Marathon Majors 2026 series calendar—and it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest and deepest races the sport has ever seen.
After a record-breaking 2025 edition that saw over 56,000 finishers, this year’s race is expected to push that number even higher, with nearly 60,000 runners set to take on the streets of London. Beyond the mass participation spectacle, it’s the elite races that headline a weekend loaded with global stars, Olympic medalists, and record holders.
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Defending Champs Return Under Pressure
Both reigning champions are back.
On the men’s side, Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe returns after a dominant 2:02:27 victory in 2025, one of the fastest times ever run on the London course. He’ll once again face Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo, the half marathon world record holder who impressed with a runner-up finish in his marathon debut last year.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa looks to defend her title after delivering a historic 2:15:50 in 2025—a women-only world record. With her consistency across major championships, she enters as the clear favorite, but the field behind her is stacked.
Men's Race Loaded With Global Firepower
This year’s men’s field goes far beyond a two-man duel.
Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta adds serious depth as one of the few men in the field under 2:03, while Olympic champion Tamirat Tola brings proven championship pedigree.
Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei, best known for his Olympic gold in the 10,000m, continues his transition to the marathon, adding intrigue to the race dynamics. Meanwhile, 2022 London champion 2022 London Marathon champ Amos Kipruto returns looking to reassert himself among the sport’s elite.
Women's Race Features Championship Medalists and Proven Winners
Behind Assefa, the women’s race is equally compelling.
Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei, a former London champion, returns after finishing second last year and remains one of the most consistent performers on the circuit.
She’ll be joined by Olympic bronze medalist Hellen Obiri, who continues to build her marathon resume, and Uruguay’s Julia Paternain, a rising name with global podium experience.
For the host nation, Eilish McColgan headlines the field after an impressive marathon debut in London last year, where she broke a longstanding Scottish record. Fellow Brit Rose Harvey also returns after a strong top-10 finish in 2025.
A Growing Global Event
Beyond the elite competition, the London Marathon continues to expand its global footprint. With participation numbers expected to surpass last year’s record, the race is further cementing its status as one of the most significant events in distance running—not just for elites, but for the broader running community.
2026 London Marathon Schedule (ET)
- 3:50 AM - Elite Wheelchair
- 4:05 AM - Elite Women
- 4:35 AM - Elite Men
- 4:35 to 11:30 AM - Mass Participation Start
How To Watch The 2026 London Marathon in the United States
In the United Kingdom, the marathon will be streaming on BBC One from 8:30 to 14:00 BST.
Course Map for the 2026 London Marathon
Check out the route for the 2026 London Marathon here.
When Is The London Marathon 2026?
The 41st London Marathon is on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
Where Are Results For The 2026 London Marathon?
Live results for the 2026 London Marathon can be found here.
Watch The 2026 Diamond League Season On FloTrack
Watch The 2026 Diamond League season on FloTrack and the FloSports app beginning in May.
FloTrack Archived Footage
Video footage from each event will be archived and stored in a video library for FloTrack subscribers to watch for the duration of their subscriptions.
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