Direct answer: Start times for the London Marathon 2026 are staggered, with elite wheelchair at 8:50, elite women at 9:05, elite men and first mass wave at 9:35, and regular mass participation waves running from about 9:35 to 11:30. The BBC will broadcast the event live in the UK.
What this means for you if you’re watching or participating:
- Elite races begin earlier; mass waves follow in successive bands, not all at once.
- For spectators, plan to be along the route in viewing spots that align with the waves you expect to follow.
- If you’re running, verify your exact wave and arrival time in your race pack or the official London Marathon app.
Key sources you can check for the latest confirmations and any last-minute changes:
- London Marathon official schedule and wave times [sources vary daily; broadcasters in the UK typically mirror these times].[3]
- BBC coverage details and live start-time updates in the UK.[1]
Sources
Get prepped with timings for this weekend’s big race.
www.timeout.comRunning or spectating this year's London Marathon? Here's how to plan for the big event on Sunday 21 April
www.runnersworld.comRunning or spectating the London Marathon 2025? Get start times, ballot info, best viewing spots, landmarks, and our top tips – everything you need for race day
www.visitlondon.comSabastian Sawe and Tigst Assefa return to defend their titles in the elite races on a signature day in the sporting calendar
www.independent.co.ukLatest London news, business, sport, showbiz and entertainment from the London Evening Standard.
www.standard.co.ukYour exact London Marathon start time will depend on the wave you’re in, so you need to be on top of your schedule for Sunday
www.coachweb.comChange is afoot at the London Marathon...
runabc.co.ukHistory of the London Marathon:The London Marathon has been an annual part of the sporting calendar since launching in 1981, with the event raising over £1. 4bn for charity during that period.
www.skysports.comRace day is nearly upon us.
www.timeout.com[ad_1] Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting
epublicity.co.uk