All London Marathon course records – including both wheelchair divisions – have been broken within the last decade. With fields this deep, we won’t be surprised if 2026 stages yet another rewrite of the history books.

Make sure to take water, snacks, weather protection, and download the 2026 TCS London Marathon App. It provides real-time tracking and alerts, so you’re up to date with wherever your friends and family are out on the course. It also helps you keep tabs on celebrities you might want to spot, like Cynthia Erivo and Sebastian Vettel. 

Since reception is notoriously patchy near the finish, don’t rely on phone signal. Agree on a specific meeting point in advance within the Finisher’s Area.

The Marathon Runner’s Kit Guide 

April in England? Famously temperamental weather. Expect wind, rain, sunshine, and clouds. Temperatures are forecast to range from a crisp 6°C in the morning to 23°C in the afternoon. 
 
This four-seasons-in-a-day experience is challenging for any runner’s race-day comfort. Put simply, you need layers. Choose a lightweight jacket that you can easily remove, stash in your belt or pack, then add back on as the weather changes. Tops and shorts should be made of technical, breathable, moisture-wicking materials like nylon to pull sweat away from your skin. Avoid heavier materials like cotton – they’ll soak through, then leave you cold. 

The most important layer: the shoes between you and the tarmac. PUMA’s NITRO™ technology performs superbly in shifting conditions. That’s why PUMA’s elite athletes will all be wearing the FAST-R NITRO™ Elite 3 in the new SHOWTIME colorway in London. 

Whatever you decide, remember the golden rule: never wear anything new on race day. Choose an outfit that you know has helped you feel great in your final few long runs. 

The London Approach: Four Tips for Runners 

Whether it’s your first or your fifth London Marathon, here are our top tips for runners.

1 – Enjoy the Atmosphere, Respect the Taper 

Pick up your race pack on Wednesday or Thursday when the ExCel is quieter, and don’t overdo the sightseeing – but stay mobile if it fits with your plan and calms the nerves. There’s plenty to enjoy on the other days before the race: the pop-up PUMA NITRO LAB  in the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) on The Mall will host product customisation and shakeout runs.

2 – Beware the Greenwich Descent 

Adrenaline is high, the atmosphere is buzzing, and you’re running downhill for the first three miles (4.8km). It’ll be a mental challenge to stick to your target pace. At mile 22, you’ll be grateful for any restraint shown at the start.

3 – Embrace the Event, Not the Time 

Winding turns, buffeting crowds… London is known for its atmosphere, not PB opportunity. Try not to get frustrated by the obstacles. Instead, soak it all in: the festival at Rainbow Row, the grand finish at the Mall, and the determined hordes of everyday people around you.

4 – Bask in the Medal Glow

Rest, refuel, and respect your achievement. Get your free pizza and beer on Sunday at the PUMA NITRO LAB on The Mall, and visit the PUMA London Flagship on Oxford Street for medal engraving on Sunday or Monday. Smile back at the ‘we did it’ looks from strangers on the Tube, and bask in the admiration from coworkers when you shuffle back into the office.

More Than Just a Race 

Even for those watching at home, the unique pull of the London Marathon is undeniable. It’s the most popular marathon. It’s the world’s largest one-day fundraising event. It’s the race all the elites want to run, at least once. 

And it’s the ultimate source of inspiration to lace up your trainers. Maybe we’ll see you on the 2027 start line.