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Monday, May 4, 2026

London Marathon 2026: Sawe wins race in under two hours 

Sabastian Sawe has won the London Marathon after running the fastest race in history – smashing the world record in under two hours.

The extraordinary feat saw the Kenyan athlete pass the finish line in a time of one hour 59 minutes and 30 seconds.

He was followed by Yomif Kejelcha in second place and Jacob Kiplimo who came in third. 

Tigst Assefa won the elite women’s London Marathon race – claiming her second consecutive victory and also setting a new world record.

The enduring athlete passed the finishing line in two hours 15 minutes and 41 seconds, nine seconds quicker than her 2025 time.

She was followed by Hellen Obiri and Joyceline Jepkesgoi – with all three finishing under the two hour 16 minutes mark. 

It comes as thousands of runners set off today for the much-anticipated mass event – with temperatures expected to soar to 20C.

WATCH: World records smashed at today’s 48th edition London Marathon

World records were shattered at today’s London Marathon – Sabastian Sawe became the first person to run a marathon in less than two hours.

What’s more, Tigst Assefa beat her previous women-only world record, marking her second consecutive victory in the event.

You can watch these moments as they played out in the below video.

Jack O’Connell ‘stuns’ at London Marathon

Actor Jack O'Connell on BBC before London Marathon, 2026

Hollywood star Jack O’Connell ‘stunned’ ahead of the race this morning in a pair of chic black sunglasses and a back to front baseball cap.

One person said: ‘Wish I looked that good when I ran the Manchester one last weekend, some people really are gods favourites.’

The Skins actor will be running his first marathon in support of Alzheimer’s Research UK.

More costumes… which one is YOUR favourite

Marathon runners claim their well-deserved medals

A big congratulations to all the runners who have already claimed their well-deserved medals at the finishing line.

And as for those still going – there’s still time, you’re doing great!

Laura Robson after crossing the finish line after the 2026 TCS London Marathon. Picture date: Sunday April 26, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: John Walton/PA Wire.NOTE TO EDITORS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.
Sophie Raworth after crossing the finish line after the 2026 TCS London Marathon. Picture date: Sunday April 26, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: John Walton/PA Wire.NOTE TO EDITORS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

London Marathon date could change… ‘due to climate change’

'Run, fatboy run!': London Marathon runner, 24, will 'never run it again' after 'race officials' hurled abuse and joked he 'should have started at 6am' due to his slow speed - as event bosses probe conduct that left competitors in tearsJack Glenny, 24, ran the Marathon in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust on SundayBut 'proudest moment of his life' was ruined by alleged taunts from stewards Hugh Brasher, the event director, has apologised after a string of criticismSocial media has erupted with many others sharing similar experiences of race

Bosses are weighing up shifting back the London Marathon to an earlier slot in the calendar – ‘due to climate change’.

The event’s CEO Hugh Brasher cited increasing temperatures during the British spring.

It comes after this year’s Paris Marathon controversially banned single-use plastic cups and bottles for runners.

Mr Brasher revealed climate is now a consideration regarding the future date of the event.

READ: Father running Marathon after ‘unquenchable thirst’ turned out to be deadly brain tumour

Gavin White, 46, was away with family in July 2023 when he suffered a seizure on the beach and was given six to 14 months to live.

He is now running the Marathon to raise money take in the ‘great atmosphere’.

You can read his story below.

Joe Wicks seen running alongside pig after marathon runners accused him of giving ‘dangerous’ advice

Fitness coach and host Joe Wicks has spent much of his own race running alongside Daddy Pig, having trained him for the event.

The pair are raising money and awareness for the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS).

It follows previous allegations the fitness guru was giving bad advice.

According to comments on X, his recommendations included eating a whole banana, a limited amount of water and not going to the toilet.

The Running Channel, which hosted Mr Wicks, commented on the YouTube video: ‘In an earlier version of this video there was some discussion about nutrition, specifically around marathons, which didn’t align with advice that we would give, and wasn’t challenged enough in the discussion.

‘We have since removed that short section to avoid any confusion, and in response to your feedback.’

EMBARGOED TO 0900 THURSDAY MARCH 9Undated handout photo courtesy of Charlie Flint of Joe Wicks training with Daddy Pig in preparation for the TCS London Marathon. Fitness expert Joe Wicks has said running the TCS London Marathon with children's TV character Daddy Pig will be

READ: Harry Judd is left panicking after forgetting his bib on Marathon morning

McFly’s Harry Judd was left panicking after forgetting his bib on the morning of today’s London Marathon.

Read the full report by showbusiness reporter Amelia Wynne here:

IN PICTURES: Runners take to Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge – which marks the route’s halfway point – has been packed out with sweaty runners as they try to keep their momentum going.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Vuk Valcic/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock (16846696aa) Thousands of runners pass across Tower Bridge during London Marathon 2026. London Marathon 2026, England, United Kingdom - 26 Apr 2026
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Vuk Valcic/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock (16846696ac) Thousands of runners pass across Tower Bridge during London Marathon 2026. London Marathon 2026, England, United Kingdom - 26 Apr 2026

Celeb competes with tattoos on both knees to ‘highlight toll of Marathon on the nation’s joints’

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 26: Hundreds of runners â¿

Podcaster, entrepreneur and endurance athlete Spencer Matthews has participated in the Marathon with The Turmeric Co. ‘tattooed’ across his knees – because the race is allegedly hurting people’s knees.

It comes as four in 10 exercisers are battling some form of injury, according to new research.

Speaking on why he decided to ‘sponsor’ his own knees, Mr Matthews said:

I’m no stranger to serious injuries caused by running and once I started to prioritise the less obvious areas of performance I saw enormous improvements.

But it’s not just about performance – injuries can take a huge mental toll and dealing with constant pain can be completely debilitating.

That’s why this is something I feel so passionately about. If we can help runners look after their bodies better and avoid some of that pain, that’s a win.

I’m a marathon runner – this is the app you NEED to recover from your own gruelling race

The Daily Mail’s very own Harry Bamforth – live sports coverage reporter – has revealed the essential app needed for anyone competing their own marathon.

He described his experience of constant ‘cramps’ in the aftermath of the race and barely being able to walk.

But Harry explained the Runna app had greatly aided his recovery.

He said:

I allowed myself a week’s rest before easing myself back to the tarmac, using the training app that guided me to a PB in Rome, Runna.

Runna is an app, founded in 2021, that offers custom training plans and coaching for various race distances and goals.

Common sense is key when recovering from a marathon – something I don’t always possess when it comes to training – and you need to listen to your body as you get back up to speed.

READ: ‘A Sign Of The Swine?’ Fans convinced HARRY STYLES is secretly Daddy Pig

Harry Styles fans have been convinced the singer disguised himself as Daddy Pig to take part in today’s Marathon.

You can read the full report by showbusiness reporter reporter Milly Veitch here:

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