The 27th of April saw the streets of the UK’s biggest cities transformed into arenas of endurance and inspiration. The country’s largest and second-largest marathon length races fell on the same weekend this year, with runners taking to the streets in their tens of thousands to take on the iconic 26.2 miles.
From emotional tributes to a world-class field, the spirit of the marathon was alive across the nation. London once again hosted some of the world’s best long distance athletes, producing several standout performances. The men’s elite race was won by Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe, with Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa delivering a sensational run, setting a world record for a women’s only field. Additionally, with more than half of this year’s official field across both marathons being female, it remains a powerful statement in the ongoing evolution of the sport.
More than half of this year’s official field across both marathons being female, it remains a powerful statement in the ongoing evolution of the sport.
The wheelchair events were no less dramatic. Swiss athlete Marcel Hug continued to prove his dominance in the men’s division, edging closer to David Weir’s record eight London victories, as he secured his seventh win in 1.25.25. Paralympian Switzerland’s Catherine Debrunner also made history by wheeling her way to a course record and in doing so cementing a landmark day for para-athletics and female representation in sports.
While elite performances drew headlines, the heart of Sunday’s was about the amateur runners lacing up to challenge themselves, raising money for incredible causing and completing personal feats. A staggering 56,640 participants crossed the finish line in London, surpassing the current record for the most completed marathon, set previously by the New York Marathon only last November.
Among them were countless stories of courage and determination. From the Southport Dads of Bibi, Elsie and Alice, running as an emotional tribute to their daughters who lost their lives in an attack at a Taylor Swift themed dance class in the town last year. Their running for the legacy of the hope that each of their daughters possessed so deeply is symbolic of the event’s roots in heartfelt causes.
Thousands of charities are represented each year in the races and has become so central so the ethos of each event, with true national camaraderie setting it apart from other major running events. The 2026 ballot has broken records, with over a million aspiring marathoners setting themselves up for the challenge. Although the official ballot has closed for next year for both races, many charities offer entry places with fundraising goals each year, why not give it a go for a cause close to your heart?
Find the next race near you:
https://findarace.com/half-marathons
Starting from scratch:
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/get-active/get-running-with-couch-to-5k/