Direct answer: Start times for the London Marathon 2026 are listed as 8:50am for the wheelchair races, 9:05am for the elite women, and 9:35am for the elite men with mass-start waves following between roughly 9:35am and 11:30am, depending on your wave. In the UK, BBC coverage begins at 8:30am on BBC One and continues on BBC Two and iPlayer later in the day.[1][2]
What this means for you in London:
- If you’re spectating, plan to be near your preferred viewing spots by around 9:00–10:00am to catch the early elite action, then move to avoid crowding as the mass field grows.[1]
- If you’re running, check your assigned wave start time and arrive accordingly to avoid delays at the start corral. Waves span from about 9:30am to 11:30am, with the course closing times following later in the day.[2]
- For broadcast updates, BBC coverage will provide live commentary and race progress across channels and streaming platforms.[1]
If you’d like, I can pull the most recent official schedule or viewer tips for the exact wave you’re in and provide a concise plan for your day.[2]
Sources
Change is afoot at the London Marathon...
runabc.co.ukRace day is nearly upon us.
www.timeout.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.comGet prepped with timings for this weekend’s big race.
www.timeout.comHistory 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.
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epublicity.co.ukSabastian Sawe and Tigst Assefa return to defend their titles in the elite races on a signature day in the sporting calendar
www.independent.co.ukEverything you need to know ahead of the annual race
www.independent.co.ukLatest London news, business, sport, showbiz and entertainment from the London Evening Standard.
www.standard.co.ukRunning or spectating this year's London Marathon? Here's how to plan for the big event on Sunday 21 April
www.runnersworld.com