The 2026 London Marathon will take place on Sunday, 26 April 2026, with staggered starts for wheelchair athletes, elite women and the mass race. It is one of the six events in the Abbott World Marathon Majors series and attracts tens of thousands of runners and spectators every year. In this guide you’ll find a look at the race’s history, an analysis of the course, an overview of the 2026 elite field and practical training and logistics tips to help you make the most of the experience. And if you haven’t yet, we invite you to discover the SnapRace app to plan your race calendar and share your achievements with a passionate running community.
History and appeal of the London Marathon
The first London Marathon was held in 1981. Since then it has become one of the most iconic races in the global running calendar thanks to its festive atmosphere, outstanding organisation and urban course that passes many of the British capital’s most famous landmarks. In 2025 the race set a Guinness World Record with more than 56,640 finishers, and recent editions have produced remarkable performances, including Kelvin Kiptum’s course record of 2:01:25 set in 2023. The 2026 edition is expected to deliver another world-class event.
The course: from Blackheath to The Mall
The race begins in Blackheath and heads west through Greenwich, where runners pass the historic Cutty Sark. Around the halfway point participants cross the iconic Tower Bridge before heading into the business district of Canary Wharf. In the final kilometres, runners follow the Victoria Embankment along the River Thames with views of the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament, before turning onto Birdcage Walk and finishing on The Mall, in front of Buckingham Palace.
The course is mostly flat with gentle elevation changes, but the many turns and the enthusiastic crowds make pacing important from the very start. Runners should also be aware that the start areas and nearby transport stations can become extremely busy on race morning.
Top contenders and elite athletes in 2026
The men’s race
The 2026 men’s field promises another spectacular contest. Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe returns to defend his 2025 title and will headline a strong lineup that also includes Jacob Kiplimo, Joshua Cheptegei, Tamirat Tola and debutant Yomif Kejelcha. Other notable athletes expected on the start line include Deresa Geleta, Amos Kipruto, Geoffrey Kamworor, Amanal Petros and British star Emile Cairess. With such depth of talent, a serious attempt on the course record would not be surprising.
A world-class women’s lineup
The women’s race is equally impressive. Ethiopian star Tigst Assefa, the defending champion and world record holder in women-only marathon races, returns to London to face Dutch Olympic champion Sifan Hassan and Kenyan standout Peres Jepchirchir. Other major names include Hellen Obiri, Joyciline Jepkosgei and world medalist Julia Paternain. The presence of Olympic medalists, world champions and major marathon winners makes this one of the most exciting elite fields of the season.
Training and preparation tips for runners
How to train for the London course
Although the route is considered relatively fast, it includes early downhill sections, frequent turns and stretches where the energy of the crowd can tempt runners to start too fast. To arrive in top form:
- Include steady-pace workouts on flat terrain to get used to maintaining a consistent rhythm for long periods.
- Add strength training and gentle hill workouts to improve muscle stability and resilience.
- Practise your race nutrition and hydration strategy. Aid stations are frequent in London, but you should rehearse your plan in training.
- Structure your preparation with long runs, quality sessions and recovery weeks. The 80/20 method can be effective; in our blog you’ll find a complete guide to polarized 80/20 training.
- Don’t neglect recovery: good sleep, stretching and mobility work help you stay healthy throughout the training cycle.
Race-day logistics tips
- Pick up your race bib and runner kit at the London Marathon Running Show well before race day to avoid long queues.
- Prepare your start bag with disposable warm clothing and check the weather forecast to decide whether you’ll need rain protection or sunscreen.
- Arrive at your start area early. In 2026 the scheduled start times are approximately 8:50 a.m. for wheelchair athletes, 9:05 a.m. for elite women and 9:35 a.m. for elite men and the mass race.
- If friends or family plan to watch you, agree on meeting points in advance. Popular locations include Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and Horse Guards Parade.
- Check road closures and use public transport whenever possible. Stations near Greenwich and Blackheath often become very crowded.
- If you’re travelling from abroad, consider arriving a few days early so you can explore the city and relax before race day.
Enjoy the experience and join SnapRace
Running the London Marathon is a dream for many runners. The combination of history, atmosphere and personal challenge makes it an unforgettable event. Take time to enjoy the landmarks along the course, lift your head during the iconic sections and feed off the incredible energy of the crowd. And if you’re looking for a tool to plan your training, track your progress and discover new races, download the SnapRace app. With SnapRace you can create your own challenges, connect with other runners and compare your performances in major marathons like London. See you on the start line!