Runners and supporters alike joining the London Marathon tomorrow should not skimp on sunscreen as the race day will be bright. After Londoners endured sunny but brisk days during the Tube strikes this week, the weather is finally turning milder – just in time for the 2026 edition of the London Marathon.
Thousands to Run Iconic Route
Thousands of people are arriving in the capital to run the 26.2-mile route through some of London’s most iconic sights before finishing at The Mall near Buckingham Palace. It looks like the athletes and crowds have the weather on their side as the Met Office predicts ideal conditions for running.
Race Day Forecast
Tomorrow, mostly sunshine is expected from the morning ahead of the men’s and women’s elite wheelchair races, the first wave to start at around 8:50 am. Temperatures will reach around 13°C when the non-elite runners set off from Greenwich Park from 9:30 am onwards. The Met Office forecasts highs of up to 19°C, with some cloud appearing from late afternoon.
With UV levels at moderate, the Met Office advises taking care during midday hours and using sunscreen. Wind is forecast to blow mild easterly to westerly, which is the direction of the majority of the course – a welcome aid for runners. However, hayfever sufferers should note that oak pollen levels are expected to be high on Sunday.
Week Ahead Outlook
Next week will continue largely warm and sunny, with no rain currently in the pipeline in London. Showers are expected in the north and east on Monday, with some possibly turning heavy, the Met Office said. The forecaster added: ‘Mostly fine on Tuesday and Wednesday, though a strengthening easterly wind in the south.’
World Puddle Jumping Championships Under Threat
The warm weekend weather will be welcomed across the country, but it has put a damper on a unique competition in Northamptonshire. This year’s ‘World Puddle Jumping Championships’ is under threat due to the upcoming UK mini heatwave, because there won’t be any puddles to jump in. Organisers are concerned that no rain could stop play at the quirky annual event, prompting theme park bosses to change the rules for the first time in 13 years, allowing competitors to jump into paddling pools instead.
Each year, hundreds of children from across the world enter the bizarre competition, which has previously received backing from Jacob Rees-Mogg in the House of Commons. With a lack of muddy puddles this year, organisers have had to think outside the box. Competitors are urged to submit video entries this week, and the winner will be announced at the end of next week. The event has attracted thousands of entries over the years, with previous winners including a nine-year-old girl from Kettering, Northamptonshire, and a three-year-old boy from Monmouthshire, Wales, with entries coming from as far as Australia.
