London Marathon 2026

A wall of noise for 26 miles where I could barely hear myself think, let alone my music. TV just doesn’t do the intensity justice. 

This wasn’t a charity run (I keep getting asked "who are you running for?" and always feel terrible saying "errrrr, me?"). I was simply very fortunate to win a place through our wonderfully supportive running club, Gade Valley Harriers, after failing in the initial ballot. I was proper chuffed as I never win anything (everyone always says that but I really don’t!). It was a privilege and I am so thankful to everyone (especially those that didn’t get a place).

This race for me was as close to a lifelong bucket list item as it gets (unless I get to become a professional footballer or an astronaut which is looking very unlikely at my age). It’s a bit tenuous but it’s a 'thing' I've mentally made a connection with as a memory of my mum - not because she ran it (no chance) but because I remember watching it on a lazy Sunday morning with her feet up and a cup of tea and she'd point out things like Cutty Sark and the thousands of amazing runners. I was in awe of it all. I’ve probably made it up filling gaps in my memory given the time passed but I'm sure she told me I could run it one day as any parent would. Yesterday I did, and it felt in moments simply joyous (full disclosure – for many other moments it was horrendous).

Winning the spot

Early in December I was caught off guard getting the spot – it was a last ditch entry (why not?) and I hadn’t really done the maths in terms of time between my January Spine Challenger Ultra and readying for a Marathon. I then became very aware of not getting myself injured on the Pennine Way and ruining our club entry.

I set relatively low expectations with the limited recovery time after Spine – it took loads out of me and left me riddled with niggles. It was a 2-3 week recovery and then 9ish weeks of training and a 2 week taper. I thought a PB was possible given my learning since my marathon debut but I'd no idea really. I put myself in the 3hr 20 wave. Several times it’s been said to me “a marathon will be really easy for you now you’ve done that Ultra” but really it isn’t. They are totally different races.

Coming up to the day I'd had a surprising upturn in form. I attribute the turnaround largely on coaching I've received on improved diet, a focus on balanced sugars, more protein and just being more aware of the impact it all has on performance. My mileage has been down on my Ultra training but I've picked up PB's at shorter distances so have started to believe that close to 3hrs might be possible. The pace is there, but the variables of a marathon are the unknown. I thought I’d give myself a chance by at least starting at the pace and see where I ended up.

The race

Getting to Blackheath was thankfully painless (booking the coach was more stressful than it needed to be and I was constantly checking I hadn't left anyone behind) and pre-race went nice and quick - I was pretty chilled taking in all the advice given. It was a warm day (much warmer than I would have preferred) but the first half went pretty well. I weaved too much to get away from my wave and in doing so kept pace up but probably with a very inefficient stride pattern.

The crowds were phenomenal as were all the motivational signs (including one that literally said 'motivational sign' - that got me smiling) but I mostly zoned out trying to find a rhythm. I wished at times I'd put my name on my vest but it probably helped me focus not to hear my name constantly being yelled.

I was strict with gels at about every 7km. My tolerance isn’t great but I thought that would be just about ok. I carried a load of salt tabs in my back pocket to be used every 30-45 mins. I took water every 3 miles which was about on plan. 

Seeing the kids in the crowd at 17 miles, I waved frantically and loved the connection. I felt good. By the time I came back at 21 miles I was just about holding it together as I high fived them - it was a nice boost but I'd stifled the cramping to just make sure I passed in one piece. Reaching for my salt tabs I found they had ‘melted’ in my back pocket and I was soon in struggle town. Every time someone cut in front of me I had to change my stride pattern and winced as the muscles tightened (not one cramp but a systematic breakdown).

The energy was there, as was the will, but like Manchester in 2021, I balanced a fine line between not tearing a muscle and keeping moving. The 3hr time was unlikely after half-way, 3:10 at about 23 miles. Getting to the end was the new goal.

Lots of stretching ensued and it became a bit of a wary hobble to the end - a grind past Big Ben, then past my professional home at the ICE, and finally Birdcage Walk. I wish I'd been happier running down the Mall and over the line but I was in a mix of pain and disappointment. I shouldn’t have been – It’s a massive PB (about 35 mins) and I know there is more there.

Once at Euston it was great to see the kids again and they seemed buzzed. Not by being there the day the 2hr barrier was broken (twice) – more by seeing Daddy Pig running with Joe Wicks and seeing a man running with a fridge on his back. Maybe a bit of it will inspire them to do something similar one day.

Next steps

Back to the drawing board. My competitive nature doesn’t let me switch off for long and a marathon is no better test of being at the limit. A return to the distance will happen once I've worked out a better hydration strategy and worked in some fatigue resistance.

In the meantime, it’s back to the favoured trails and another Ultra once recovered or to try and tick off some missing short stuff PBs. Spine Challenger North then awaits early in 27.