The TCS London Marathon is one of the world’s most prestigious running events and a highlight of London’s sporting calendar. The 2026 edition will go down as one of the most historic marathons ever staged, and attention has already turned to the 2027 race. Whether you’re planning to run, spectate, or simply soak up the atmosphere, here’s everything you need to know.
What happened at the 2026 London Marathon
Sunday 26 April 2026 produced one of the great days in distance running history. Cool, dry conditions in central London (around 10°C at the elite start, rising to 17°C) gave the elite fields close to perfect racing weather, and the records tumbled.
- Sabastian Sawe (Kenya) became the first man ever to break two hours in a record-eligible marathon, defending his London title in 1:59:30 and taking more than a minute off the previous world record set by the late Kelvin Kiptum.
- Yomif Kejelcha (Ethiopia) became the second sub-two finisher in marathon racing history with 1:59:41 on his marathon debut.
- Jacob Kiplimo (Uganda) finished third in 2:00:28, also inside the previous world record.
- Tigst Assefa (Ethiopia) won back-to-back women’s titles with a women’s-only world record of 2:15:41, just ahead of Hellen Obiri (2:15:53) and Joyciline Jepkosgei (2:15:55) in the closest top-three women’s finish in London history.
- Marcel Hug (Switzerland) claimed a record-equalling eighth men’s wheelchair title in 1:24:13, with David Weir taking third on home soil.
- Catherine Debrunner (Switzerland) won her fourth London women’s wheelchair title (and third in a row) in 1:38:29.
The 2026 race also set a new record for the largest marathon field in history, with more than 59,000 finishers crossing the line on The Mall.
Date and Time
- Date: Sunday, 25 April 2027
- Possible two-day event: Organisers have applied for permission to run a one-off two-day marathon over the weekend of 24–25 April 2027. If approved, around 50,000 runners would take part each day, roughly doubling the size of the field.
- Start Time: The marathon begins in the morning, with staggered start times across the elite, championship, Good For Age and mass-participation waves. Refer to official communications closer to the event for precise timings.
How to Enter
Securing a spot in the London Marathon is competitive, with hundreds of thousands of applicants for a limited number of ballot places. Here are the main entry routes for 2027:
1. Public ballot entry
The public ballot is a random draw open to all applicants.
- Application Opens: 9am, Friday 24 April 2026
- Application Closes: 4pm, Friday 1 May 2026
- Results Announced: by early July 2026
- Entry Fee: UK residents pay £79.99, or £49.99 if you donate your entry fee (which also gives you a second chance in a separate ballot)
- International Entry: £225 for non-UK residents (includes a carbon offset fee for international travel)
- Consolation prize: UK ballot entrants who donate their fee and don’t get a place will receive a free premium hydration vest worth £100
If the two-day event gets the green light, applicants who choose the donate-your-fee option will be entered into ballots for both Saturday and Sunday, significantly increasing their chances.
Pro tip: Donating your entry fee doubles your chances of getting in and supports the London Marathon Foundation’s work.
2. Charity entry
Running for charity is the most reliable way to guarantee entry, with around half of all participants securing their place this way.
- Charities have limited guaranteed entries in exchange for a fundraising commitment
- Typical fundraising targets range from £1,500–£3,000+
- The average activated fundraising page on Enthuse raises around £2,600
- Many charities provide training support, running kit, and coaching
- Contact charities directly to enquire about available spots
3. Good For Age entry
For fast runners who have achieved specific qualifying times:
- Places Available: 6,000 total (3,000 men, 3,000 women)
- For UK residents only
- Example times: Men aged 18–39 need sub-2:55:00; women need sub-3:40:00
The qualifying window and application period for the 2027 race will be confirmed by London Marathon Events later in 2026. Meeting the qualifying time allows you to apply, but doesn’t guarantee entry, as places are allocated fastest-first.
4. Championship entry
For elite club runners in the UK with times of 2:38:00 (men) or 3:10:00 (women). Limited to 1,200 places.
5. International tour operators
Approved tour operators offer all-inclusive packages including race entry, accommodation, and sightseeing — ideal for international visitors combining the marathon with a London trip.
6. Virtual entry
Can’t make it to London? Complete the 26.2 miles on your own route on race day between 00:00 and 23:59:59 BST.
The London Marathon Route
The 26.2-mile course takes runners past some of London’s most iconic landmarks:
- Start: Three separate colour-coded start areas in Blackheath
- Mile 7: The historic Cutty Sark in Greenwich
- Miles 12-13: Tower Bridge – the most photographed and scenic point
- Miles 15-19: Canary Wharf financial district
- Mile 23: St. Paul’s Cathedral, plus the new Veterans’ Corner introduced in 2026 to honour the UK’s armed forces community
- Miles 24-25: Views of the London Eye and Parliament
- Finish: The Mall, with the final stretch past Buckingham Palace
The course is relatively flat with just 419 feet of elevation gain, making it one of the faster major marathons.
For Spectators: How to Support
The London Marathon is famous for its incredible crowd support, with over 750,000 spectators lining the route. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Best Viewing Spots
- Tower Bridge (Mile 12-13): The most iconic spot with electric atmosphere
- Canary Wharf (Miles 15-19): Less crowded, easier to spot your runner
- The Embankment (Miles 23-25): Great for cheering runners through the tough final miles
- The Mall (Finish): The ultimate finish line experience
Getting Around on Race Day
- Public transport is FREE with a race bib for runners
- Roads are closed throughout central London – plan your journey in advance
- The London Marathon app allows you to track runners in real-time
- Multiple Tube stations provide access to different points along the route
What to Expect on Race Day
For Runners
- Race Kit Collection: Visit the London Marathon Expo at ExCeL London (Wednesday-Saturday before the race) to collect your bib and timing chip
- Bag Drop: Official bags are provided at the Expo; secure storage is available at the start
- Hydration Stations: Water available every 2-3 miles
- Spectator Support: Over 750,000 spectators create an unforgettable atmosphere
- Finish Line: Receive your finisher’s medal, T-shirt, and goodie bag
For Visitors
The London Marathon transforms the city into a celebration of running, with incredible energy throughout central London. Even if you’re not running, it’s a fantastic spectacle to witness.
Where to Stay: Book accommodation early, especially if you want to stay near the start in Greenwich or the finish near The Mall. Many hotels offer special marathon packages.
What to Do: Combine your marathon experience with London sightseeing. Check out our guides to Planning Your Visit to the London Eye, Things to Do in London When It Rains, and other London attractions.
History of the London Marathon
Founded by former Olympic champions Chris Brasher and John Disley, the first London Marathon took place on March 29, 1981. Inspired by the New York City Marathon, they created what has become one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors alongside races in New York, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, and Tokyo.
The event has raised over £1 billion for various causes since its inception, making it one of the largest annual fundraising events in the world. The 2025 race broke the Guinness World Record for most marathon finishers with over 55,000 participants.
Why Experience the London Marathon
As a Runner
- World-Class Event: One of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors
- Scenic Route: Pass London’s most famous landmarks
- Incredible Atmosphere: 750,000+ spectators providing non-stop support
- Fast Course: Relatively flat with only 419 feet of elevation gain, now the venue of the first ever sub-two-hour record-eligible marathon.
- Charity Fundraising: Be part of an event that’s raised over £1 billion for good causes
As a Spectator
- Free to Watch: No ticket required to watch from the streets
- Festival Atmosphere: Live music, entertainment, and activities throughout the route
- Inspiring: Witness incredible human achievement and determination
- Family-Friendly: A great day out for all ages
Planning Your Visit
If you’re travelling to London for the marathon, here are some helpful resources:
- Getting from Heathrow to Central London
- UK ETA Visa Requirements – Important for international visitors
- Where to Stay in London – Guide to London neighbourhoods
- The Best eSIMs for Travel – Ensure you have data to share the moment and get around the city.
Additional Information
- Training Plans: The London Marathon offers free 16-week training plans for beginners, improvers, and advanced runners
- Official Website: Check londonmarathonevents.co.uk for the latest updates
- Weather: April in London averages 8-15°C. Check forecasts as the event approaches
- Travel Insurance: Recommended for international participants
Whether you’re chasing a personal best, raising money for charity, or simply soaking up the atmosphere as a spectator, the TCS London Marathon is an unforgettable London experience. After the records that fell in 2026, the 2027 edition has a lot to live up to.
