Tens of thousands of runners are pounding the streets of London in what is set to be the largest marathon in history. The 46th TCS London Marathon is underway, with a record-breaking 59,000 participants expected to complete the 26.2-mile course around the capital. The race began under bright spring sunshine, with temperatures forecast to reach the high teens, making for ideal running conditions.
Record Participation and Inclusivity
This year's event surpasses the previous record set in 2025, when 56,640 runners finished the race, earning the Guinness World Record for the most finishers in a marathon. Organisers hope to break that record again in 2026. The marathon is also the most inclusive to date, with over 1,900 registered participants with a disability. The gender split among participants is approximately 55.7% male, 44.2% female, and 0.15% non-binary.
Celebrity Runners and Charity Efforts
Among the notable participants are Oscar-nominated actress Cynthia Erivo, former England football manager Tony Adams, and former cricketer Sir Alastair Cook. Erivo, who ran the marathon in 2022, is racing for The King’s Trust and Shameless Fund. Adams is running for the first time in support of the Forward Trust. Daddy Pig from the children's television show Peppa Pig will also run, accompanied by fitness coach Joe Wicks. Daddy Pig is wearing a specially-designed costume to raise funds for the National Deaf Children’s Society, following a storyline in which George Pig is revealed to be moderately deaf.
Guinness World Record Attempts
Seventy-six participants are aiming to break 73 Guinness World Records. Jennifer Ferris, 40, will attempt to run the fastest marathon with a double mastectomy to raise money for Breast Cancer Now. Mark Goulder, 35, hopes to set the record for the fastest marathon blindfolded (tethered), inspired by his brother Bobby, who has Stargardt's disease. Royal Marines Commando veteran Simon Fannon will try to break the record for the longest scarf knitted while running a marathon, and Ben Spencer, 52, will attempt the fastest marathon in a non-racing wheelchair.
Elite Races and Fundraising
In the men's elite field, Kenya's Sebastian Sawe, last year's winner, returns to defend his title. Spain's Rafael Botello Jimenez is a top contender in the men's wheelchair race. Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa, the fastest woman in 2025, aims to retain her crown, while Mauritia's Noemi Alphonse competes in the women's wheelchair race. The event raised a record £87.3 million in 2025, bringing the cumulative total since 1981 to £1.4 billion. This year's charity of the year, Marie Curie, hopes to raise £2 million to support end-of-life care. Additionally, the estimated 800,000 spectators are encouraged to sign up to give blood as part of the Blood, Sweat and Cheers campaign.
