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
Your 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
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