History has been made at the 2026 TCS London Marathon with Sabastian Sawe running the first-ever sub two-hour race.
The Kenyan defended his elite men’s race title as he crossed the finish line in 1hr 59mins 30secs.
The mass event is now in the latter stages after around 59,000 people set out tackle the 26.2-mile course in mild conditions.
Temperatures reached 18C at midday, with participants taking advised to stay hydrated ahead of the marathon and wear lightweight clothing.
The mass event set off at Greenwich Park from 9.30am, with marathon organisers hopeful it will be the biggest ever.
Last year, the event broke the Guinness World Record for the most finishers in a marathon, with 56,640 participants making it to the end.
A host of celebrities are taking part, including Wicked star Cynthia Erivo, former England footballer Tony Adams - and even children’s TV’s Daddy Pig, from hit show Peppa Pig, who is running alongside “The Body Coach” Joe Wicks.
Follow the latest updates below...
Key Points
- History man! Sabastian Sawe runs first sub two-hour marathon
- Ultimate guide to the 2026 TCS London Marathon
- Who are the celebrities taking part?
- How to track runners on the 26.2-mile course
- Free Tube travel for all marathon participants
- Host of sporting stars among the 59,000 runners
Cynthia sails past the finish line
16:22 , Shaun WilsonCynthia Erivo crossed the finish line at the London Marathon with a time of three hours and 21 minutes, beating her previous time of three hours and 35 minutes in 2022.
Champions pose with trophy
16:17 , Shaun WilsonMen's winner Sabastian Sawe of Team Kenya and Women's winner Tigst Assefa of Team Ethiopia celebrate their victories by posing with the famous Chris Brasher Sporting Life Trophy.
'I saw the time, and I was so excited,' says Sawe
15:22 , Shaun WilsonSabastian Sawe smashed the marathon world record and became the first man to break the two-hour barrier in an official competition to win the London Marathon in one hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds.
The Kenyan defended his 2025 title, beating Yomif Kejelcha by 11 seconds. The Ethiopian runner-up also crossed the line in an astonishing one hour, 59 minutes and 41 seconds, while Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda finished third in two hours, 28 seconds.
Sawe told BBC One: “I am feeling good. I am so happy. It is a day to remember for me.
“We started the race well. Approaching finishing the race, I was feeling strong.
“Finally reaching the finish line, I saw the time, and I was so excited. Coming to London for the second time was so important to me and that’s why I prepared well for it.
“What I had done for four months, it has come today to be a good result.”
Jubilation for Kenya after Sabastian Sawe's world record marathon win
14:35 , Shaun WilsonKenyan marathon supporters celebrated in the street after Sabastian Sawe, 30, won the men’s race and smashed the world record with a marathon time under two hours.
Who is marathon history man Sabastian Sawe?
13:55 , Arthur FerridgeSabastian Sawe Sawe, 30, was born in Kenya’s Rift Valley and brought up by his grandmother.
He began running at an early age but announced himself on the world stage at the 2023 World Cross Country Championships, finishing seventh in the men’s 10km race behind the likes of Jacob Kiplimo and Joshua Cheptegei.
He entered his first marathon the following year, trouncing the field to record the fifth-fastest marathon ever at 02:02:05, some 35 seconds clear of the second-place finisher.
Victory in Valencia was followed up with further triumphs in London and Berlin in 2025, and he successfully defended his title in London with Sunday’s historic run.
Read our full profile here.
Tigst Assefa retains women's title
12:25 , Shaun WilsonEthiopian runner Tigst Assefa, 29, has won the women’s race of the London Marathon for a second consecutive year, notching up an impressive finish time of two hours and 15 minutes - beating her previous time by just nine seconds.
Sabastian Sawe makes history winning men's race in under two hours
12:21 , Shaun WilsonKenyan long-distance runner Sabastian Sawe, 30, has made history as the first person to complete a marathon in under two hours. Sawe won today’s men’s race of the London Marathon with a remarkable running time of one hour and 59 minutes.
History man! Sabastian Sawe runs first-ever sub two-hour marathon
12:00 , Michael HowieSabastian Sawe has won the London Marathon in a world record time, becoming the first person in history to officially record a sub-two-hour race.
The Kenyan won this race 12 months ago and successfully defended his title but more importantly he crossed the finish line in a time of one hour 59 minutes and 30 seconds.
His incredible run wiped 65 seconds off the previous record held by the late Kelvin Kiptum, who did so at the 2023 Chicago Marathon.
Sawe’s time is 10 seconds quicker than Eliud Kipchoge’s record in 2019 – which was not recognised as official because it was not in open competition and he was assisted by pacemakers.
London Marathon is in full flow
11:42 , Shaun WilsonThe 46th TCS London Marathon is in full swing after tens of thousands of runners set off on the 26.2-mile course around the capital. Supporters have lined the route to cheer on the runners, with many carrying placards.
Among those tackling the course are Wicked star Cynthia Erivo, former England manager Tony Adams, and former cricketer Sir Alastair Cook.
Daddy Pig, from the children’s TV show Peppa Pig, will race flanked by “The Body Coach” Joe Wicks.
In a specially-designed costume, Daddy Pig will run for the National Deaf Children’s Society after a Peppa Pig storyline revealed George Pig is moderately deaf.
Last year, the event broke the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the most finishers in a marathon, with 56,640 participants making it to the end – a record organisers hope to beat in 2026.
Daddy Pig in the running... or is it Harry Styles?
11:27 , Shaun WilsonDaddy Pig is running in today’s London Marathon after taking the day off from looking after Peppa and George.
But rumours have been swirling all week that a certain celebrity may be behind the porky disguise...
Catherine De Brunner wins elite women's wheelchair race
11:19 , Shaun WilsonSwiss champion Catherine De Brunner has won the elite women’s wheelchair race for a third consecutive time.
Marcel Hug wins men's elite wheelchair race for sixth time
11:10 , Shaun WilsonSwiss paralympic athlete Marcel Hug has won the elite men’s wheelchair race of the London Marathon for the eighth time, in a nail-biting finish with David Weir emerging in third place. Hug’s tally of eight wins in total puts him on a par with Weir, as London Marathon states the pair jointly have the most wins in the event’s history.
'On your marks, set, go!'
10:55 , Shaun WilsonWatch as London Marathon runners launch themselves from the starting line
@londonmarathon Best day of the year 😍 🙌 #fyp #londonmarathon #runtok #marathon #running
♬ original sound - TCS London Marathon
It has begun! Thousands of runners set off from Greenwich
10:23 , Shaun WilsonThe mass starting time has officially commenced, as thousands of London Marathon runners begin their 26-mile race from Greenwich. It is the moment of truth for many, who have spent months in preparation for the 26.2-mile course around the capital.
A record-breaking 59,000 people are expected to take part in this year’s race, which kicked off in the sunshine on what is expected to be a warm day, with temperatures forecast to reach the high teens.
Supporters have lined the route to cheer on the runners, with many carrying placards.
Women's and men's elite runners have set off
09:43 , Michael HowieBoth the women’s and men’s elite races have begun at Greenwich Park.
The elite women’s race got under way at 9.05 - while the men’s race has just got going, with the first mass participation setting off behind them.
Elite wheelchair races under way
09:30 , Michael HowieThe 2026 London Marathon has officially kicked off with the elite wheelchair races under way.
Runners gather at Greenwich Park
08:56 , Michael HowieIt’s all roads to Greenwich Park for the 59,000 runners taking part in the London Marathon.
Participants are streaming into the park for the start of the mass participation event.
Where are the best places to watch the runners?
08:54 , Shaun WilsonIf you want to watch at one of the most popular spots - expect to have to navigate large crowds and long queues for public transport. London Marathon organisers have put together a guide for those seeking to get to one of most spectacular - and busiest - spots:
Mile 6 - Cutty Sark
Cutty Sark DLR station will be extremely busy with queues up to 90 minutes at peak times. Consider walking from Deptford, Greenwich, Island Gardens or Maze Hill.
Mile 9 - Canada Water
Canada Water station will be extremely busy. Use London Overground to Rotherhithe or Surrey Quays instead.
Mile 21 - Limehouse
Limehouse station will be extremely busy with queues up to 90 minutes. Expect queues of up to 90 minutes at peak times. Consider walking to and from Shadwell station via Cable Street, Westferry station or Poplar station.
Mile 23 - Tower Hill
Tower Hill will be extremely busy, consider using Cannon Street or Mansion House. For Lower/Upper Thames Street, use Bank, St Paul’s or Southwark.
Mile 26 - Westminster
Westminster station and St James’s Park will be extremely busy. Westminster station will be exit only from 7pm to 7pm. It will be possible to arrive via this station but not to leave from it. Consider using Charing Cross, Piccadilly Circus, Victoria and Waterloo.
What time should you arrive in Greenwich for the start?
08:42 , Shaun WilsonAll runners can travel for free on the London Underground, Overground, DLR and buses on race day, just show TfL staff your running bib to get through the barriers.
There are three start areas across Greenwich and Blackheath, assigned by colour. Blue Start is in Blackheath, while Green Start (Greenwich Park) and Red Start (Greenwich Park, Charlton Way) are both based nearby.
For those taking part, here’s how the morning unfolds (staggered start times apply):
- 08:50: Elite Wheelchair races
- 09:05: Elite Women’s race
- 09:35: Elite Men’s race and Mass Start begins
- 09:35 – 11:30: Mass Start waves continue
- 19:30: Official finish line on The Mall closes (it then moves to St James’s Park until midnight)
How to track a runner in the London Marathon
08:38 , Shaun WilsonFor every one of the 59,000 runners in this year’s London Marathon, there will be plenty of eagle-eyed watchers at home keen to follow their updates.
'Keep smiling and if you think you're done, you're not': Kids give their advice to marathon runners
08:36 , Shaun WilsonChild runners in the Mini London Marathon gave their inspirational advice to adults taking part in today’s event
Tube reminder: All marathon participants can travel today for free
08:26 , Shaun WilsonTransport for London has reminded participants in the London Marathon they can travel today for free as a “little perk” for all their hard work.
Celebrities runners bring touch of Hollywood
08:25 , Michael HowieCynthia Erivo, James Norton and Jack O’Connell will bring a touch of Hollywood to the marathon, as just three of many famous faces taking part.
A host of sports personalities are also expected to run in the event, including four‑time Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel, Olympic gold medal-winning sailor Sir Ben Ainslie, champion jockey Sir Anthony McCoy, cycling star Dame Laura Kenny, and England cricket legend Sir Alastair Cook.
They will pound the streets of London alongside thousands of other runners, including former England captain Tony Adams, McFly drummer Harry Judd, and TV chef Tilly Ramsay.
Spectators can also look out for fitness expert Joe Wicks, who is taking part in the world-famous race with children’s TV character Daddy Pig to help raise money and awareness for the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS).
Wicked star Erivo is taking on the marathon after completing the 2022 event in an impressive 3:35:36, according to figures released by TCS London Marathon.
She is running to raise money for two charities – The King’s Trust and Shameless Fund.
It's marathon day!
07:46 , Michael HowieGood morning and welcome to our coverage of the 2026 TCS London Marathon.
Some 59,000 people are preparing to take part in the annual event, which organisers hope will be the biggest ever.
Stay with us as we bring all you the news and colour during what promises to be a sensational day for London under bright blue skies.
