London Marathon 2026: Stars Including Cynthia Erivo and James Norton Set to Run

The London Marathon 2026 returns this Sunday with a long list of famous faces set to join more than 56,000 runners in the race. This year's marathon is stacked with sporting pedigree, Hollywood royalty, and musical powerhouses. Some celebrities will be making their debut at the start line, while others are returning for the second or third time.

Cynthia Erivo

Award-winning actor and star of Wicked, Cynthia Erivo, 39, is taking on this year's London Marathon. She first completed the gruelling race in 2022 in an impressive 3:35:36, a performance in which she took more than 20 minutes off her previous marathon best. 'Head. Legs. Heart. Trust the steps. I'll see you on race day, London,' she wrote on Instagram ahead of the big day. Cynthia has had the guided help of her running coach and Brooks pro marathoner, Erika Kemp. Aside from her running training, Cynthia has been enjoying Reformer Pilates three times a week. 'I've been doing Pilates for about three or four years now, and it's been very, very helpful,' Cynthia shared. 'It strengthens the muscles, keeps the joints supple and helps mend imbalances – you're working on your core, legs and arms, but in a restorative way.'

James Norton

Actor and star of House of Guinness, James Norton, 40, is taking on his first London Marathon for the charity Breakthrough T1D, following his own diagnosis of type 1 diabetes aged 22. 'Very excited, and a little apprehensive, to be running the 2026 @londonmarathon for @breakthrought1d,' he shared on Instagram. 'I've never run a marathon before. The idea of running 26 miles in one go has always seemed like a crazy idea. It still does. However, the opportunity to raise funds and awareness for this incredible charity makes it more than worth it. Breakthrough T1D does vital work in finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. My mother, my sister and I all have Type 1 and our lives have been made immeasurably better by all the work Breakthrough T1D does. I'm aiming to raise £26,000, £1,000 for every mile run. But if I can raise £260k, even better. So please send a little love to diabetics all over the world by donating towards my 26 miles of madness.'

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Harry Judd

McFly drummer and long-time running enthusiast, Harry Judd, 40, is returning to the London Marathon this year. He has earned an impressive reputation for continually chasing faster times, having already completed six marathons. Most recently, he clocked an impressive 3:15 at the 2025 London Marathon. 'Last Long Run before @londonmarathon... it was disgusting,' Harry shared as he gave a final update before the day.

Tilly Ramsay

TV presenter and chef, Tilly Ramsay, 24, is taking on her first ever TCS London Marathon in 2026, running in support of Feeding Britain. Backed by Flora UK as part of their new partnership with the charity, Tilly aims to help tackle food insecurity across the UK while inspiring others. 'This month I'm running the TCS London Marathon with @flora raising money for @feeding_britain,' she wrote on Instagram. 'Training has felt so much easier when I'm fuelling properly and having simple, delicious recipes that keep me on track.' Her father Gordon Ramsay shared a sweet supportive message: 'Looking strong @tillyramsay can't wait for the @flora marathon and thank you for all your support with @feeding_britain love you Dad.'

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Curtis & AJ Pritchard

Love Island's Curtis Pritchard and his Strictly star brother AJ will be running for the end-of-life charity Marie Curie, alongside AJ's fiancée Zara Zoffany. After losing their nan during the pandemic, the brothers are channelling their grief into something positive - running together in her honour and supporting the charity to help other families facing a similar heartbreak. Curtis told Daily Mail: 'Unfortunately, we have lost a few people at all different ages, through different cancers and different situations, and just giving people the best care and opportunities when it unfortunately is coming to the end of their life is, I think, is very special.' AJ added: 'Marie Curie's role as the Charity of the Year for the London Marathon is important from one side, but the charity itself is very close to our hearts from when we lost our grandma.' On Tuesday, the pair unveiled 'The Daffodil Runner,' a new sculpture from Marie Curie made from 557 steel daffodils, representing the number of people who die each day in the UK without essential end-of-life care. The sculpture can be seen next to Tower Bridge at Potters Fields Park before moving to ExCel London and then permanently to the Marie Curie Hospice in Cardiff.

Ore Oduba

Television presenter and performer, Ore Oduba is taking on the TCS London Marathon this year in honour of his beloved sister Lola, who died by suicide last April. Ore is completing the marathon for Black Girls Hike, the walking community that brought Lola joy, and raising money for Smartphone Free Childhood. 'In honour of my sister this time next week I'll be running the London marathon,' he penned on Instagram. 'One week to go, one whole year without them. Lola was a prolific writer… of poetry, spoken word.. song lyrics too. I remember being so moved when I first heard their work, so proud of my little sister's many talents.' For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.