When is the London Marathon 2026? Exact start time, how to watch, prize money, and everything you need to know

Aiming to be the biggest event yet, the 46th edition of the iconic race will see thousands of entrants helping contribute money to charity and traversing the 26.2-mile course.

Covering many of the city’s iconic landmarks, records are expected to be broken across the day, by a mix of professional and celebrity runners, as well as the public.

Here is everything you need to know about how to watch the London Marathon live, including where you can tune in, event start times and more.

When is the London Marathon? Exact 2026 start time

The 2026 London Marathon will take place on Sunday, April 26, with the first championship race beginning at 8.30am.

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How to watch the London Marathon 2026?

If you would like to watch the 2026 London Marathon live, BBC One will be showing the elite race from 8.30am. Live coverage will then move to BBC Two from 2pm.

Gabby Logan will lead the television coverage, with reporters spread across the 26.2 mile course, including JJ Chalmers, Abby Cook, Tim Warwood, and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.

Alternatively, a livestream of the event will begin from 8.15am on BBC iPlayer, which will be presented by Rick Edwards and Swarzy Shire, with commentary from Richard Newman and three‑time Olympian Steph Twell until 10.45am.

There will also be a livestream of all the mass participants of the race for friends and family to spot them running across Tower Bridge from 10.30am, with coverage of the finish line to pick up from 12.30pm on BBC iPlayer.

In addition, there will be coverage of the race on BBC Radio London from 8am to 3pm.

Watch the London Marathon live:

• On BBC iPlayer from 8.30am
• On BBC One from 8.30am
• On BBC Two from 2pm

What is the schedule for events?

The full event schedule for the 46th London Marathon is as follows:

• Elite Wheelchairs - 8.50am
• Elite Women - 9.05am
• Elite Men - 9.35am
• Mass Participation - 9.35am to 11.30am

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London Marathon 2026 prize money: Here’s how much money is up for grabs

The top prize for all elite men and women’s races is $55,000, which is around £40,810. The runners up will also win cash prizes with second place earning $30,000 (£22,260), third $22,500 (£16,695) and so on.

Cash prizes for the 2026 London Marathon Elite Races:

Here is the full list of prize money for elite races - including men and women’s elite and men and women’s elite wheelchair:

1. $55,000 (£40,810)
2. $30,000 (£22,260)
3. $22,500 (£16,695)
4. $15,000 (£11,129)
5. $10,000 (£7,419)
6. $7,500 (£5,564)
7. $5,000 (£3,709)
8. $4,000 (£2,967)
9. $3,000 (£2,225)
10. $2,000 (£1,483)
11. $1,500 (£1,112)
12. $1,000 (£741)

There are also time bonuses up for grabs.

Time bonuses for Elite Races:

Elite Men:

• 2:02:00 — $150,000 (£111,296)
• 2:03:00 — $100,000 (£74,197)
• 2:03:30 — $75,000 (£55,648)
• 2:04:00 — $50,000 (£37,098)

Elite Women:

• 2:15:00 — $150,000 (£111,296)
• 2:15:30 — $100,000 (£74,197)
• 2:16:00 — $75,000 (£55,648)
• 2:17:00 — $50,000 (£37,098)

There are then additional bonuses for those who come first and set course records, as well as world records, across each elite category.

You can find the full list of awards and bonuses here.

What else is on? Highlights and more

Ahead of the marathon on Sunday, My Reason to Run will air on BBC One at 1.30pm on Saturday, April 25. Hosted by Gabby Logan, the special half-hour programme will see her meet inspirational participants in this year’s event.

There will also be an hour-long highlights programme on BBC Two at 6pm on Sunday.

You can visit the official marathon website to learn more about the London Marathon.