The 2026 London Marathon got underway on Sunday with a record-breaking number of participants taking to the streets of the capital. More than 59,000 runners are expected to complete the iconic 26.2-mile course, with the event aiming to surpass last year's Guinness World Record for the most finishers in a marathon.
Wheelchair Race Begins with Dramatic Setback for British Hope
The men's and women's wheelchair races were the first to start at 8:50 am, but the event quickly saw a major blow for British contender Eden Rainbow-Cooper. The 24-year-old suffered a puncture on her wheelchair just before the start, causing her to begin the race approximately five minutes behind her competitors. Rainbow-Cooper, who won the Boston Marathon earlier this year, had been aiming for a podium spot in London. Despite the setback, she started the race and will look to make up lost ground.
Dads of Southport Victims Run Together
Among the thousands of runners in the men's elite race are Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe, whose daughters Alice Da Silva Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were tragically killed in the Southport attack in July 2024. The two fathers, who ran separately last year, are now running side by side as friends. Sergio described David as "like a brother," and David echoed the sentiment. Their participation highlights the resilience and solidarity born from tragedy.
Elite Races Underway
The women's elite race started at 9:05 am, with defending champion Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia aiming to break the world record for a women's-only marathon. The men's elite race began at 9:35 am, with Kenyan Sabastian Sawe, last year's winner, as the favourite. Sawe has expressed confidence in beating the course record of 2:01:25 set by the late Kelvin Kiptum in 2023. His main rival is Ugandan Jacob Kiplimo, the Chicago Marathon winner and last year's London runner-up.
British Contenders and Celebrities
Great Britain is well represented in the men's race by Mahamed Mahamed, Phil Sesemann, and Patrick Dever. In the women's race, Eilish McColgan, Jess Warner-Judd, and Rose Harvey are among the British hopefuls. The event also features numerous celebrities, including former Arsenal captain Tony Adams, retired Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel, pop star Alexandra Burke, and comedian John Robins. Olympic gold medallist Sir Ben Ainslie and cycling legend Dame Laura Kenny are also taking part.
Course Records and Start Times
The course records to watch include the men's record of 2:01:25 (Kelvin Kiptum, 2023), the women's mixed record of 2:15:25 (Paula Radcliffe, 2003), and the women's-only record of 2:15:50 (Tigst Assefa, 2025). The wheelchair men's record is 1:23:44 (Marcel Hug, 2023), and the wheelchair women's record is 1:34:18 (Catherine Debrunner, 2025). The mass event started at 9:35 am, with staggered waves continuing until 11:30 am.
Heartwarming Stories
Among the many inspirational participants are brothers James and Henry Ash, running in memory of their father Robert, who died by suicide in 2023. They are raising funds for an Atlantic rowing challenge. Also competing is Pride of Britain's Matt Cox, who has motor neurone disease and is attempting the marathon in a wheelchair, supported by his family.
Route and Viewing
The marathon route passes through six boroughs, starting in Greenwich and finishing on The Mall. Key landmarks include Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, and Canary Wharf. The BBC's live coverage began at 8:30 am on BBC One, moving to BBC Two at 2 pm.
