Thousands of runners have set off for the annual London Marathon – with temperatures expected to soar to 20C.
Participants will make their way through the historic course from Greenwich to the Mall on what is expected to be a bright and sunny day, with the occasional rainy spell.
The 46th edition of the event featured Sir Mo Farah and rugby World Cup-winning captain Ellie Kildunne as the official starters for all three races.
The current course record set by Kenyan runner Sebastian Sawe is said to be under threat – after he won last year’s edition in two hours, two minutes and 27 seconds.
His main rival is Ugandan Jacob Kiplimo, the Chicago Marathon winner and last year’s London runner-up.
But many of the day’s spectators will of course have their eyes on friends and family participating in the race – who may be first-time runners or otherwise hoping to set a new personal best.
Ready, set, go! The race begins
The elite men’s race has now begun.
Sebastian Sawe’s two hours two minutes and 25 seconds is the time to beat.
Other contenders include Jacob Kiplimo and GB’s David Bishop.
The start of the race also signals the start of the mass event.
The BBC’s Gabby Logan has taken a risky jibe at ‘Daddy Pig’ – who will be running the marathon today.
Noting the hot weather, she said ‘let’s hope there’s no pork scratching’ – an important reminder not to skimp on the suncream.
Peppa Pig’s father will be running the race to raise funds and awareness for the National Deaf Children’s Society.
Which celebrities will be taking part?
Cynthia Erivo, James Norton and Harry Judd are just some of the celebrities taking part in this year’s event.
Other big names include:
Tony Adams – Former Arsenal and England captain and Chair of The Forward Trust
Sir Alastair Cook – England cricket legend
Dame Laura Kenny – Britain’s most decorated female Olympian
Joe Wicks – Fitness coach and bestselling author known as The Body Coach
Harry Clark – Winner of the Traitors season two
Samantha Spiro – The award-winning British actress
Daddy Pig – Chief Puddle‑Jumper and avid jogger
Women’s elite race begins
The women’s elite race has now officially kicked off.
Ethiopa’s Tigst Assefa sets the time to beat at two hours, 15 minutes and 50 seconds.
Rose Harvey, Eilish McColgan, Louise Small and Verity Hopkins will be flying the flag for Great Britain.
Who are you pinning your hopes on?
And, they’re off!
This year’s 46th edition is now officially underway, with the elite wheelchair racers zooming off the start line.
Last year it was the Swiss sensation Marcel Hug who bagged the top prize – for the fifth year running.
Another win today would put him level with David Weir as the most successful athlete in London Marathon history.
IN PICTURES: Runners get ready to… run
Runners are now making their way to the start line ahead of their big races.
Participants in the wheelchair event will likely already be there – with only a few minutes left to go before the event begins.
London marathon choir makes its return after it was dropped over founder’s gender-critical views
The Singing Striders were initially dropped from Sunday’s race because of its founder Janet Murray’s criticism of gender ideology.
However, after only one member said they would go ahead perform, a decision was made to reinstate them.
Disability charity Scope had told Ms Murray here views went against its ‘commitment to diversity and inclusion’.
Charity bosses said:
We are concerned about your views because we don’t agree with your views.
Read more here:
The historic 26.2-mile course
The Cutty Sark is the first recognisable landmark on the route – coming in at 6.5 miles.
Next up Tower bridge at 12.1 miles, crossing the Thames near the halfway point.
A jog east through Canary Wharf then sees a pass through Cleopatra’s Needle and the Tower of London before Big Ben comes into view.
Parliament Square is a sign runners are close to the finish line before The Mall and Buckingham Palace come mark the finish-line.
How can I watch the race?
If you’re in the UK, you will be able to watch the London Marathon live on the BBC – extensive television coverage and online streaming is also available via BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
What can we expect of the great British weather?
Expect highs of 20C with sunny intervals and light winds.
Runners have been advised not to skimp on suncream as moderate UV levels are predicted.
The sunshine is expected to be noticeable in the morning ahead of the men’s and women’s elite wheelchairs before temperatures reach around 13C when the non-elite runners set off.
Some cloud is then expected to make an appearance from the late afternoon.
The Met Office said:
There will be some hazy spells of sunshine, the best of these across southern England and Wales.
The risk of some showers, mainly across Scotland. Highs reaching 21C or 22C.
When do the races start?
Today’s event will get underway at 8.50am when the elite wheelchairs roll off the Start Line.
The elite women will follow at 8.50am before the elite men and masses begin at 9.35am.
The record to beat is currently Sebastian Sawe’s three-year-old time of two hours, one minute and 25 seconds.
But of course, many spectators will also have their eyes on the more than 59,000 other runners – who may be first-time participants or otherwise hoping to set a new personal best.
Good morning and welcome to our live blog!
Good morning on what is expected to be a sunny 46th edition to the annual London Marathon.
Stay tuned as we bring you all the latest updates on today’s event – from the whacky costumes and changing British weather to the all-important new records.
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London Marathon 2026: Ready, set, go! 59,000 runners take part in 26.2-mile race with temperatures to hit 20C
