Ready, steady, go! The streets of the capital will be flooded with just shy of 60,000 runners – and thousands more spectators – this weekend for the London Marathon 2026.
Since its inception in 1981, the race has cemented its place in the sporting calendar, raised more than £1.4 billion for charity, and become recognised as one of the World Marathon Majors.
The 26.2-mile course is set around the River Thames and works its way past a host of famous landmarks, including Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace.
The elite field includes some of the world’s best athletes, such as defending champions Tigst Assefa and Sabastian Sawe, while there will be plenty of famous faces lacing up their running shoes as well.
British sporting royalty, in the form of four-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Mo Farah and Rugby World Cup winner Ellie Kildunne, are the official starters for this year’s event.
Radio Times brings you all the details we know about the London Marathon 2026, including date and start time.
What time does the London Marathon 2026 start?
The London Marathon start time has been confirmed, with the mass event taking place from 9:35am UK time.
Check out the full schedule of events on the day:
8:50am – Elite wheelchair race
9:05am – Elite women
9:35am – Elite men/mass start
When is the London Marathon 2026?
The London Marathon takes place today, Sunday 26 April 2026.
As detailed above, the elite and wheelchair races set off at staggered times.
Competitors will follow the famous route from Greenwich to The Mall, racing past landmarks such as Tower Bridge, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.
What is the average London Marathon time?
Last year, participants completed the London Marathon in an average time of 4 hours 40 minutes.
Women competing averaged the race in 5 hours 1 minute, while men averaged 4 hours 23 minutes.
How can I watch the London Marathon 2026 on TV and live stream?
Coverage of the London Marathon will be shown live across BBC platforms from 8:30am on Sunday 26 April 2026.
BBC iPlayer will boast coverage throughout the whole event, while the TV broadcast will switch from BBC One to BBC Two at 2pm.
Live streams of Tower Bridge (from 10:30am) and the Finish Line (from 12:30pm) will allow viewers to spot anyone they know running the race.
- BBC One/BBC iPlayer: 8:30am – 2pm
- BBC Two/BBC iPlayer: 2pm – 6pm
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