Thousands of runners are gearing up to take part in today’s 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 is set to feature 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.
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: 59,000 runners get set to take on 26.2-mile race with temperatures to hit 20C
