London Marathon 2026 on TV: Channel, live stream and highlights

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More records are expected to be broken at the 46th edition of the London Marathon, which returns to our streets and screens on Sunday.

The iconic race has been part of the British sporting calendar for nearly five decades but last year was particularly special, setting a world record for the most marathon finishers ever.

That is expected to be surpassed again on Sunday, when just shy of 60,000 runners – a mix of professionals, celebs, and the public – make their way around the landmark-littered 26.2-mile course in the capital.

Reigning champions Tigst Assefa, who broke the women's marathon world record when she stormed to victory last year, and Sabastian Sawe, who recorded the London Marathon's second fastest time ever in 2025, return to defend their titles.

Sunday's race is about much more than just the elite athletes, however, and thousands will be running to add to the £1.4 billion that has been raised for charity since the race's inception.

Radio Times brings you all the details about how to watch the London Marathon live on TV in 2026.

London Marathon 2026 on TV and live stream

Coverage of the London Marathon will be shown live across BBC platforms from 8:30am on Sunday 26 April 2026.

BBC iPlayer will boast coverage throughout the whole event, while the TV broadcast will switch from BBC One to BBC Two at 2pm.

Live streams of Tower Bridge (from 10:30am) and the Finish Line (from 12:30pm) will allow viewers to spot anyone they know running the race.

London Marathon 2026 TV schedule

All UK times. Subject to change.

TV schedule

BBC One/iPlayer: 8:30am – 2pm
BBC Two/BBC iPlayer: 2pm – 6pm

Event schedule

08:50 – Elite wheelchairs
09:05 – Elite women
09:35 – Elite men
09:35 to 11:30 – Mass participation start

London Marathon 2026 highlights

If you can't tune in for live coverage, BBC will broadcast a two-hour highlights show, presented by Gabby Logan, on the evening of Sunday 26 April 2026.

Highlights

BBC Two/iPlayer: 6pm

Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.