London Marathon 2026 live streams will feature a fantastic line-up of the world’s elite long-distance runners tackling the iconic 26.2-mile course, which winds from Greenwich to The Mall, via the famous dry dock, Cutty Sark, in the British capital. Along with defending champions Sebastian Sawe and Tigst Assefa, more than 59,000 runners will hit the tarmac, including former F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel and Olympian Laura Kenny.
29-year-old Sawe claimed victory in 2:02:27 twelve months ago, finishing ahead of Jacob Kiplimo, the half-marathon world record holder, on his marathon debut. The Ugandan will again expect to fight for a podium place. Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta is the third runner to go under the 2:03 mark, while Joshua Cheptegei and Tamirat Tola, the reigning Olympic 10,000m and marathon champions respectively, are also in contention. Amos Kipruto, the 2022 London Marathon champion, is also set to run.
Assefa didn’t just win the women’s race in 2025. She broke the women-only world record with a time of 2:15:50. The Olympic and world silver medalist is a supremely consistent performer but will face strong competition from Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei, who won in 2021 and finished second last year. Hellen Obiri, an Olympic bronze medalist in Paris, is also expected to challenge.
In the wheelchair events, Marcel Hug is aiming for a record-like eighth London title after winning last weekend’s Boston Marathon in the men’s race. Swiss athlete Catherine Debrunner is aiming for a third title in a row in the British capital.
There will also be no shortage of familiar faces among the almost 60,000 runners. Former F1 star Vettel, Olympic cyclist Laura Kenny, former England cricket captain Alastair Cook and former champion jockey AP McCoy are all set to take part.
Read on for our guide to where you can watch London Marathon 2026 live streams online, on TV and potentially for free, wherever you are.
Can I watch the London Marathon 2026 for free?
The London Marathon 2026 is free to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer for UK residents. However, remember that you must have a TV license.
There are also free live streams from RaiPlay if you live in Italy and RTVE Play for Spanish residents.
In countries where the race has not been picked up by a local TV partner, such as Japan or New Zealand, Olympic Channel also has coverage at no cost.
This handy guide has an overview of which broadcast deals are in place worldwide, meaning you can find out if yours doesn’t via a process of elimination.
Are you traveling abroad right now? You can use a VPN to watch the London Marathon 2026 for free as if you were at home. NordVPN is our top choice of options.
How to watch the London Marathon 2026 using a VPN
A VPN is a handy piece of software that can make your device look like it’s back in your home country so you can unlock your usual service. The best VPN right now? We recommend NordVPN – it does everything and comes with up to 75% off.
How to watch London Marathon 2026 live streams in the US
FloTrack showing the London Marathon 2026 in the USA.
A subscription will set you back $150 per year or $29.99 per month on a rolling basis.
If you are traveling abroad, don’t worry as you can use NordVPN to see your usual service from abroad.
How to watch London Marathon 2026 live streams in the UK
London Marathon 2026 will be shown on BBC One, BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in Great Britain.
On Sunday, the elite race coverage starts at 8.30am on BBC One, before the live coverage moves to BBC Two at 2 p.m.
You can watch it all on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website. Remember that you need a TV license to do so.
If you are traveling abroad, don’t worry as you can use NordVPN to see your usual service from abroad.
How to watch London Marathon 2026 live streams in Canada
In Canada, FloTrack also shows London Marathon 2026.
A subscription will set you back $150 per year or $29.99 per month. It is billed in US dollars.
If you are already a subscriber but you are outside of Canada right now, download a VPN to watch the London Marathon 2026 as if you were back home.
How to watch London Marathon 2026 live streams in Australia
FloTrack also shows London Marathon 2026 live streams in Australia.
A subscription will set you back $150 per year or $29.99 per month. It is billed in US dollars.
Not in Australia? Use NordVPN to take advantage of your usual race coverage anywhere if you are away from home.
What is the start time for the London Marathon 2026?
Sunday, April 26
8.50 – Elite wheelchairs
9.05 – Elite women
9.35 – Elite men
9.35 to 11.30 – Mass participation Start
(All times BST)
Can I watch the London Marathon 2026 on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access via mobile apps or via your phone’s browser.
You can also keep up to date with the London Marathon on the official social media channels on Instagram (@LondonMarathon) and Facebook (@LondonMarathon).
We test and review VPN services for legitimate recreational use. For example: 1. Accessing a Service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that Service). 2. Protecting your online security and enhancing your online privacy when you are abroad. We do not support or condone illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consumption of paid-for pirated content is neither endorsed nor endorsed by Future Publishing.
