The 2026 London Marathon has launched in the capital, bringing together a stacked field of elite athletes and nearly 60,000 participants for the 26.2-mile journey from Blackheath to the Mall.
Elite contenders and record chases
In the men’s elite race, Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe is seeking to defend his 2025 title, where he clocked a time of 2:02:27. He faces significant challenges from Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta, who is ranked as the 20th fastest marathoner in history, and Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo, the current half marathon world record-holder.
The women’s elite field is led by defending champion Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia, who set a women-only world record of 2:15:50 last year. Assefa has indicated she may attempt to break her own world record during this race.
Other notable competitors include Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei, last year’s runner-up, and Hellen Obiri. Obiri is making her London debut after consistently competing in Boston and New York, races that do not utilize pacers.
Wheelchair racing and historical milestones
Switzerland’s Marcel Hug, a three-time Paralympic marathon champion with 42 Abbott World Marathon Majors wins, is competing for a historic tie. A victory today could pull him level with David Weir as the most successful athlete in the history of the London Marathon.
In the women’s wheelchair category, defending champion Catherine Debrunner is aiming for both the title and the world record. Debrunner, who won five gold medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, missed the world record by only two seconds in 2025.
The race saw early drama for Great Britain’s Eden Rainbow-Cooper. After suffering a punctured wheel before the start, she was permitted to switch to a spare, but reports later confirmed she did not actually start the race.
A shifting culture in distance running
The event highlights a broader boom in running, particularly among Gen Z women. A third of ballot entrants fall into the 18-29 age category, driven largely by the rise of inclusive running “crews” that prioritize social connection over elite times.
This cultural shift is mirrored in the event’s charitable impact. The UK’s leading end-of-life charity, Marie Curie, is the official partner for 2026, with a goal to raise £2m to support those with terminal illnesses.
The races were officially started by Mo Farah, the British marathon record holder and four-time Olympic gold medallist, alongside Red Roses Rugby World Cup winner Ellie Kildunne.
Future implications
Depending on the final times, the event could result in new world records, particularly if Tigst Assefa or Catherine Debrunner achieve their stated goals. A win for Marcel Hug would likely shift the historical ranking of the event’s most successful athletes.
The continued growth of “crew” culture may lead to a permanent change in how marathon participation is structured, moving further away from traditional club models toward more inclusive, experience-driven groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the official starters for the 2026 London Marathon?
The official starters were four-time Olympic gold medallist Mo Farah and Red Roses Rugby World Cup-winning star Ellie Kildunne.
Which charity is the official partner for the event?
Marie Curie, the UK’s leading end-of-life charity, is the official charity, aiming to raise £2m for terminal illness.
What happened to Eden Rainbow-Cooper during the wheelchair race?
Eden Rainbow-Cooper suffered a punctured wheel before the race started. While she was allowed assist to switch to a spare, she ultimately did not start the race.
Do you believe the rise of inclusive running “crews” will change the future of competitive athletics?
