London Marathon 2026: Date, how to watch, celebs running
· The South African
Nearly 60 000 runners are expected to take part in the London Marathon on Sunday, 26 April, with a host of celebrities from sport, film, television and music lacing up their running shoes for the 42.195km challenge.
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Many of the high-profile participants will be running in support of charitable causes, continuing a tradition that has seen stars use the global event to raise awareness and funds.
Star power on the streets of London
Among the most notable names is award-winning actor Cynthia Erivo, who returns to the marathon after an impressive previous performance and is aiming for a personal best this year.
Actor James Norton will be taking on his first marathon as an ambassador for a diabetes charity, while Jack O’Connell is also making his debut, running in support of Alzheimer’s research.
Social media personality and aspiring chef Tilly Ramsay is set to participate as part of a campaign focused on tackling child food insecurity.
Sporting legends join the challenge
Olympic great Laura Kenny, Britain’s most decorated female Olympian, will run her first London Marathon while raising funds for a pregnancy support charity.
Fellow sporting icon Ben Ainslie is also set to make his marathon debut, trading the water for the streets of London in pursuit of a strong finish.
Presenter Ore Oduba will take part in an emotional tribute to his late sister, raising funds for a youth-focused charity.
Actress Samantha Spiro will also be among the runners, supporting Alzheimer’s research.
More familiar faces
Other well-known participants include:
- Kelly Holmes
- Aaron Ramsey
- Sir Alastair Cook
- Sebastian Vettel
- Tony Adams
- AJ Pritchard
- Harry Judd
- Joe Wicks
- Helen Thorn
A marathon with meaning
With thousands of participants and millions raised for charity each year, the London Marathon remains one of the world’s most iconic sporting events – blending elite competition with personal achievement and philanthropy.
Spectators lining the route can expect not only world-class racing, but also a glimpse of familiar faces pushing their limits for causes close to their hearts.
Race Day Details
- Date: Sunday, April 26
- Start Location: Greenwich Park/Blackheath
- Finish Line: The Mall, in front of Buckingham Palace
- Elite Wheelchair Start: 09:50 (SA time)
- Elite Women’s Start: 10:05 (SA time)
- Elite Men’s Start: 10:35 (SA time)
The race will be broadcast live on SuperSport from 10:00.
London Marathon recent winners
Elite Men2025 – Sabastian Sawe 2:02:27
2024 – Alexander Mutiso Munyao 2:04:01
2023 – Kelvin Kiptum 2:01:25
2022 – Amos Kipruto 2:04:39
2021 – Sisay Lemma 2:04:01
2020 – Shura Kitata 2:05:41
2019 – Eliud Kipchoge 2:02:37
2018 – Eliud Kipchoge 2:04:17
2017 – Daniel Wanjiru 2:05:48
2016 – Eliud Kipchoge 2:03:05
2015 – Eliud Kipchoge 2:04:42
2025 – Tigst Assefa 2:15:50 (Women-only WR)
2024 – Peres Jepchirchir 2:16:16
2023 – Sifan Hassan 2:18:33
2022 – Yalemzerf Yehualaw 2:17:26
2021 – Joyciline Jepkosgei 2:17:43
2020 – Brigid Kosgei 2:18:58
2019 – Brigid Kosgei 2:18:20
2018 – Vivian Cheruiyot 2:18:31
2017 – Mary Keitany 2:17:01
2016 – Jemima Sumgong 2:22:58
2015 – Tigist Tufa 2:23:22
Men’s wheelchair
2025 – Marcel Hug 1:25:25
2024 – Marcel Hug 1:28:35
2023 – Marcel Hug 1:23:44 (CR)
2022 – Marcel Hug 1:24:38
2021 – Marcel Hug 1:26:27
2020 – Brent Lakatos 1:36:04
2019 – Daniel Romanchuk 1:33:38
2018 – David Weir 1:31:15
2017 – David Weir 1:31:06
2016 – Marcel Hug 1:35:19
2015 – Josh George 1:31:31
2025 – Catherine Debrunner 1:34:18
2024 – Catherine Debrunner 1:38:54
2023 – Madison de Rozario 1:38:51
2022 – Catherine Debrunner 1:38:24
2021 – Manuela Schär 1:39:52
2020 – Nikita den Boer 1:40:07
2019 – Manuela Schär 1:44:09
2018 – Madison de Rozario 1:42:58
2017 – Manuela Schär 1:39:57
2016 – Tatyana McFadden 1:44:14
2015 – Tatyana McFadden 1:41:14
Have you ever run the London Marathon – or any marathon for that matter?
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