London Marathon 2026: Sabastian Sawe, Joshua Cheptegei, Tamirat Tola, Jacob Kiplimo and Yomif Kejelcha will be on the start line
Following a memorable 2025 edition, the 2026 London Marathon is shaping up to be truly monumental. Last year, London had already delivered a spectacular showdown by bringing together multiple generations of marathon legends in a rare clash of styles and eras. For 2026, the organizers have raised the bar even higher. The men’s and women’s fields feature the very best in global distance running: Sabastian Sawe, Joshua Cheptegei, Tamirat Tola, Jacob Kiplimo, Yomif Kejelcha, Tigst Assefa, Sifan Hassan, Joyciline Jepkosgei, Peres Jepchirchir, and Hellen Obiri. The list goes on and confirms one thing: London is the most prestigious marathon in the world for elite athletes—the race where the greatest runners want to be seen, perform… and win. The spectacle promises to be extraordinary.
| London, the perfect race for marathon legends
Year after year, the London Marathon confirms its unique status in the global running landscape. The race regularly gathers exceptional elite fields, thanks to its fast course, electric atmosphere, and one of the most attractive appearance-fee systems in the sport.
As a result, the world’s best marathoners want to be there. The 2025 edition already made history with a start list widely considered one of the strongest ever assembled. Eliud Kipchoge, Sabastian Sawe, Jacob Kiplimo, and Tamirat Tola were all present.
In the women’s race, the spectacle was equally remarkable, with Tigst Assefa setting a women-only world record, finishing alone ahead of Joyciline Jepkosgei and Sifan Hassan.
A founding member of the World Marathon Majors since 2006, London is one of the pillars of this exclusive circuit. The race sets trends, breaks participation records (with more than one million applications for the 2026 edition) and inspires millions of amateur runners.
The iconic crossing of Tower Bridge, the finish line in front of Buckingham Palace, and the immense prestige of winning London make it a unique goal.
It is no coincidence that London is one of Kipchoge’s favorite races—he has won it four times. Race organizer London Marathon Events has now unveiled the elite fields for 2026. The race already looks legendary.
| An exceptional women’s field: records, rivalries and revenge
In the women’s race, the stage is set. Defending champion Tigst Assefa (2:11:53), holder of the women-only marathon world record, will return to defend her crown.
Since entering the major marathon circuit in 2022, the Ethiopian star has impressed with remarkable consistency, never finishing outside the top two in her five Major marathons.
But her rare defeats share something in common: two fierce rivals. Peres Jepchirchir (2:14:43) beat her in a sprint finish in London in 2024 and again at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.
Sifan Hassan (2:13:44) defeated her in the unforgettable final of the Paris 2024 Olympic marathon. For the first time since those Games, Assefa, Hassan and Jepchirchir will share the same start line, promising a tactical, mental and physical battle of the highest level. Around this trio, London 2026 will also welcome:
Joyciline Jepkosgei (2:14:00), author of an incredible 2:14 performance in Valencia in 2025
Hellen Obiri (2:17:41), double winner of Boston and New York and Olympic medalist
A strong British contingent will also be present, including Charlotte Purdue, Rose Harvey, and Eilish McColgan. The women’s race promises to be one of the highlights of the global marathon season.
| London gathers the world’s best male marathoners
In the men’s race, defending champion Sabastian Sawe will return determined to confirm his dominance. His 2025 victory marked a turning point: London is not only a stage for legends but also a platform for the new generation of marathon stars. At just 30 years old, Sawe has already proven himself one of the best in the discipline. His record speaks for itself: three prestigious marathons, three victories. After a stunning debut in Valencia in 2024 with a 2:02:05 personal best, he went on to win London and Berlin in 2025. Some observers even believe he has the potential to run under two hours in an official race.
His opposition will be exceptional:
✔ Jacob Kiplimo (2:02:23), half-marathon world record holder (56:42)
✔ Joshua Cheptegei (2:04:52), Olympic 10,000 m champion and world record holder for 5,000 m (12:35) and 10,000 m (26:11)
✔ Tamirat Tola (2:03:39), Olympic marathon champion
✔ Amos Kipruto (2:03:13), London winner in 2022
✔ Deresa Geleta (2:02:38), the ninth fastest man in marathon history
Highly anticipated marathon debuts—such as Yomif Kejelcha—add even more intrigue to a field capable of turning the race into a brutal battle long before the halfway mark.
| British hopes: Emile Cairess chasing the national record
No London Marathon preview would be complete without discussing the British contenders. Local fans will focus on Emile Cairess (2:06:46), whose rapid progression places him among the world’s best. His goal is clear: attack the British record and secure a lasting place in the legacy of Mo Farah (2:05:11).
Other British runners to watch include:
Philip Sesemann (2:07:10)
Mahamed Mahamed (2:07:05)
Charlotte Purdue (2:22:17)
Patrick Dever (2:08:58)
In a race where the crowd can elevate performance, Cairess and his compatriots will benefit from one of the most passionate atmospheres in world marathon running.
| French ambitions: Hassan Chahdi and Fadouwa Ledhem
From the French side, Hassan Chahdi and Fadouwa Ledhem will carry national hopes in an incredibly competitive race. London represents both a major test against the world’s best and a rare opportunity to compete on the stage of a World Marathon Major. Chahdi knows the challenge well. In 2023, he finished 8th at the Boston Marathon, just behind Eliud Kipchoge. He also competed in London in 2024, targeting the French record and qualification for the Paris Olympics. This time, he arrives in much stronger form and will aim to improve his 2:07:30 personal best, set here in London. Ledhem will also attempt to lower her personal best of 2:25:50.
Year after year, the London Marathon establishes itself as the absolute benchmark for elite marathon fields. While some races stand out for pure speed or world records, London excels at bringing together the greatest names, creating unforgettable race scenarios, and writing history live. The 2026 edition will be no exception. Everything points to one of the greatest marathons of the year—perhaps even of the decade. One thing is certain: on Sunday, April 26, the running world will have its eyes fixed on London.
✔ Full registration details are available here
Clément LABORIEUX
Journalist
