2026 London Marathon
April 26, 2026 All day
The 2026 London Marathon stands as one of the world’s most prestigious road races, a cornerstone event in the Abbott World Marathon Majors series alongside Tokyo, Boston, Chicago, Berlin, and New York City. This high-profile event transforms the city of London into a global running stage, drawing an electrifying field of elite athletes and tens of thousands of participants from over 100 countries. Renowned for its famously flat and fast course, the marathon is not only a thrilling showcase for the world’s top marathoners but also a premier event for runners seeking to achieve a personal best on a course that is both challenging and inspiring.
When and Where is the 2026 London Marathon?
The 2026 London Marathon is scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in London, England. The race has three start lines in Greenwich and Blackheath, converging a few miles into the course. The iconic finish line is on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace. The marathon expo and packet pick-up will be held at the London ExCeL Centre in the days leading up to the race.
Race Format and Course Details of the 2026 London Marathon
The London Marathon is a single, 26.2-mile road race. Its course is celebrated for its flat terrain and incredible crowd support, making it ideal for fast times. The route winds through historic Greenwich, past the famous Cutty Sark, and across the magnificent Tower Bridge. As the race progresses, runners pass through the bustling Canary Wharf and along the River Thames on the Embankment, before finishing triumphantly in front of Buckingham Palace. This course offers a vibrant and diverse experience for runners and spectators alike.
How to Participate in the 2026 London Marathon
Entry into the London Marathon is highly competitive and offered through several paths. The public ballot for the 2026 event has now closed. However, you can still gain entry through the following methods:
- Charity Program: This is a popular and effective way to secure a spot. Runners commit to fundraising a minimum amount for one of the event’s official charities. The fundraising requirement varies by charity.
- International Tour Program: Runners outside the UK can secure an entry through an official international tour partner. These packages often include race entry, accommodation, and sometimes travel.
Spectating the 2026 London Marathon
The London Marathon is free to watch, with spectator access along most of the course. Spectators are not allowed in the secured start and finish areas. The best way to watch is to navigate the course using London’s public transportation system, which has numerous stations along the route. Popular viewing spots and their nearby stations include:
- Cutty Sark, Greenwich: Get an early view of the race in a historic setting. Station: Cutty Sark DLR station.
- Tower Bridge: Witness one of the most iconic moments as runners cross this famous landmark. Stations: London Bridge (Jubilee/Northern Line) or Tower Hill (Circle/District Line).
- Canary Wharf: Experience the financial district’s energy. Station: Canary Wharf (Jubilee Line/DLR).
- The Embankment: Cheer on runners during the final miles of the race. Stations: Westminster (Jubilee/Circle/District Line) or Embankment (Circle/District/Bakerloo/Northern Line).
Getting to the 2026 London Marathon
London is easily accessible by air, train, and bus.
- By Air: The city is served by several major airports: Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN), and London City (LCY).
- From Heathrow (LHR): The London Underground Piccadilly Line offers a direct route to central London. The Heathrow Express train provides a faster option.
- From Gatwick (LGW): The Gatwick Express train offers fast and direct service to Victoria Station.
- From Stansted (STN): The Stansted Express train runs to Liverpool Street Station.
- By Train: The Eurostar provides international train service to St Pancras International, connecting London with major European cities. Within the UK, National Rail links London to all major cities.
- By Public Transit: Once in the city, the London Underground, London Overground, DLR, and bus systems are the most efficient way to get to and from the race course.
Where to stay for the 2026 London Marathon
London offers a vast selection of hotels, from luxury high-rises to budget-friendly guesthouses. Since the start is in Greenwich, staying in that area is ideal. Hotels in central London that are well-connected by tube are also a great option. Booking your accommodation well in advance is highly recommended due to high demand.
- Booking Tips:
- Book Early: The city gets very busy during the event, so book your accommodation as early as possible.
- Check Transport Links: Ensure your hotel is well-connected to public transport for easy travel to and from the race course.
- Read Reviews: Before booking, check reviews on reputable booking sites like TripAdvisor.