2026 London Marathon: Global Broadcast and Viewing Guide

The 46th London Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, April 26, 2026. The elite wheelchair race starts at 8:50 a.m. BST (3:50 a.m. ET, 12:50 a.m. PT, 5:50 p.m. AEST), elite women at 9:05 a.m. BST (4:05 a.m. ET, 1:05 a.m. PT, 6:05 p.m. AEST) and elite men/mass start at 9:35 a.m. BST (4:35 a.m. ET, 1:35 a.m. PT, 6:35 p.m. AEST). Approximately 59,000 runners will line up at the start.

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Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe, defending men’s champion, posted a 2:02:27 finish in 2025 (second-fastest ever). Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa, reigning women’s champion, also returns. Both are tipped to challenge records on a 26.2-mile course that passes Tower Bridge, the Cutty Sark and finishes on The Mall outside Buckingham Palace.

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• Expected participants: ~59,000

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In the UK, the marathon is free on BBC 1 and BBC 2, with live streaming on BBC iPlayer for licence-holding viewers; coverage starts at 8:30 a.m. BST on BBC 1 and moves to BBC 2 at 2 p.m. BST. In the United States, Canada and Australia, FloTrack streams live from 3 a.m. ET (12 a.m. PT, 5 a.m. AEST) and charges $30 per month or $150 annually.

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FloTrack confirms its subscription provides marathon access and notes the $30 monthly fee. The BBC states iPlayer streaming requires a current UK TV licence. Organizers have announced a field of 59,000 runners and highlighted the iconic landmarks along the course.

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Industry observers note that some platforms restrict VPN use, limiting access abroad, and that FloTrack’s $30-per-month price may deter casual fans. VPN providers warn services may block VPN traffic, requiring compliance verification.

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• "ExpressVPN is our current best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN, and it works on a variety of devices." — CNET

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• "If you're considering a VPN for streaming, check the platform's terms of service to ensure compliance." — CNET

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• "Some streaming platforms may block access when a VPN is detected, so verifying if your streaming subscription allows VPN usage is crucial." — CNET

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• "The 2026 London Marathon will air in the US on FloTrack." — CNET

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• "Sports fans in the UK can watch the 2026 London Marathon live on free-to-air channels BBC1 and BBC2." — CNET

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• "Coverage starts at 8:30 a.m. BST on Sunday morning on BBC1 before switching over to BBC2 at 2 p.m. for the rest of the day's action." — CNET

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Viewers should secure a FloTrack subscription or verify VPN compatibility before April 26, 2026, and UK audiences must hold a valid TV licence for BBC iPlayer. The marathon will finish outside Buckingham Palace, concluding the global broadcast.

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