The 2026 London Marathon took place on Sunday, with more than 59,000 participants running the mostly flat course from Blackheath to the Mall. The event was marked by world records, a marriage proposal, and countless runners in elaborate costumes.
World Records Broken
Kenya's Sabastian Sawe crossed the finish line first in the men's race, setting a new world record with a time under two hours. Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa also set a new world record in the women's race, celebrating her achievement after winning.
Memorable Moments
Among the many highlights was a marriage proposal on the Mall. Georgios Petroulakis from Greece proposed to Ismini Sermea Marathaki just after they finished the marathon. Other notable sights included Joe Wicks and Daddy Pig showing off their medals, and a runner carrying a fridge on his back.
- Runners dressed as daffodils, a giant bear, and Spider-Man were spotted along the course.
- A woman took a selfie on the glass floor of Tower Bridge as runners passed underneath.
- Jordan Adams ran the marathon carrying a fridge on his back.
Charity and Personal Milestones
The vast majority of participants were raising money for charity or running for personal milestones. Exhausted runners were seen after the race, and some even removed their costumes, including a runner dressed as a dog.
Eilish McColgan's bloodied shoe was a testament to the physical toll of the race. The event was cheered on by crowds along the route, particularly on Tower Bridge.
