London Marathon 2026 Returns as World's Biggest Single-Day Charity Fundraising Event

The TCS London Marathon returns on April 26, 2026, as the world's largest single-day charity fundraising event. After last year's edition raised a world-record 87.3 million pounds — beating the previous year's total by 13.8 million pounds — expectations are high for another historic fundraising achievement.

Since its founding, the London Marathon has helped raise over 1.4 billion pounds for charitable causes, cementing its place as one of the most impactful sporting events in the world. The 2026 edition features Marie Curie, the UK's leading end-of-life charity, as its official Charity of the Year.

“After last year's edition raised a world-record 87.”

Thousands of runners will take on the iconic 26.2-mile course through the streets of London, with many running to raise money for causes close to their hearts. From major charities to small grassroots organizations, the marathon provides a platform for fundraising that reaches every corner of the charitable sector.

The event also showcases elite competition alongside community participation. World-class professional runners compete for podium places while everyday runners — from first-timers to veterans — share the same course, creating a unique atmosphere of shared achievement and purpose.

What makes the London Marathon special is how it combines athletic excellence with social impact. For many runners, completing the marathon represents a personal triumph, while their fundraising efforts create tangible benefits for millions of people served by participating charities.

Registration for charity places remains one of the most popular routes into the marathon, with hundreds of charity partners offering guaranteed entries in exchange for fundraising commitments. The model has been replicated worldwide but nowhere has it achieved the scale of London's annual event.