Celebrity Runners at the 2026 London Marathon: A Star-Studded Lineup
Imagine yourself powering across Tower Bridge during the 2026 London Marathon, surrounded by cheering crowds and thousands of fellow runners. Suddenly, you spot a familiar face out of the corner of your eye—it's Cynthia Erivo, and she's overtaking you. For the more than 50,000 courageous souls gearing up to race on Sunday, April 26, 2026, this scenario could become a reality. Elphaba the green witch isn't the only celebrity tackling the 26.2-mile course across London; the list of famous faces hoping to cross the finish line is impressively stacked.
From Stage and Screen to Sports Icons: The Celebrity Participants
From stars of stage and screen to sports icons and social media personalities, the 2026 London Marathon features a diverse array of VIPs. Whether you're currently completing your last taper runs or planning to cheer on friends and family along the barriers, here are all the celebrities confirmed to take on the challenge, along with their chosen charities where applicable.
- Aaron Ramsey – Former Arsenal footballer
- Adrian Sanderson – MAFS star running for Marie Curie
- Aimee Fuller – Former Winter Olympian snowboarder and TV presenter
- AJ Pritchard – Dancer and TV personality running for Marie Curie
- Alexandra Burke – Singer running for Parkinson UK
- Amy Jackson Westwick – Model and actor running for Alder Hey Children’s Charity
- Charlie Turnbull – Ipswich Town first team coach
- Chris Foggin – TV actor and director
- Chris Newton – Former professional cyclist
- Christopher Harper – Actor running for NSPCC
- Curtis Pritchard – Dancer and TV personality running for Marie Curie
- Cynthia Erivo – Actor
- Dame Kelly Holmes – Former British middle-distance athlete and television personality
- Dame Laura Kenny – Former professional track and road cyclist
- Dan Hudson – A Gay and NonGay podcast host running for Marie Curie
- Dejon Noel-Williams – Former footballer and Love Island star running for Mind
- Evie Pickerill – CBBC Presenter
- Fern Brady – Comedian and author running for Autistica
- Gary Rowett – Football manager
- George Rainsford – TV actor running for Huntington’s Disease Association
- Geraint Thomas – Welsh former professional racing cyclist
- Harry Clark – Winner of The Traitors season two running for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
- Harry Judd – McFly drummer
- Helen Thorn – Comedian running for Women’s Aid
- Jack O'Connell – Actor running for Alzheimer’s Research UK
- James Norton – Actor running for Breakthrough T1D
- Jenni Falconer – Radio and podcast host running for Marie Curie
- Jody Morris – Former England and Chelsea footballer running for Rays of Sunshine Children's Charity
- Joe Wicks – Fitness coach running alongside Daddy Pig
- John Robins – BBC radio presenter, podcast host and comedian running for Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse
- Julian Claud Caillon – Strictly Come Dancing professional
- Kate Rowe-Ham – Fitness and health influencer running for PCD support UK
- Kitty Scott Claus – Drag performer
- Laura Doddington – Actor
- Lauren Wood – Love Islander 2025 running for Dogs Trust
- Lee Grant – Ex Man Utd and Derby goalkeeper
- Liam MacDevitt – TV presenter and former footballer running for Cancer Research UK/Bobby Moore Fund
- Lucas Aurelio – Actor running for Marie Curie
- Matthew Haywood – BBC’s Survivor winner running for Marie Curie
- Ore Oduba – TV personality, presenter and actor running for Black Girls Hike and Smartphone Free Childhood
- Reece Bibby – Social Media influencer and former band member of New Hope Club running for Teenage Cancer Trust
- Rob Deering – Comedian and podcast host running for Parkinson's UK
- Ruby-May Martinwood – Actress running for Juvenile Arthritis Research
- Samantha Spiro – Actor running for Alzheimer’s Research UK
- Sean Fletcher – TV presenter running for Young Minds
- Sebastian Vettel – Four-time Formula One world champion running for the Brain & Spine Foundation and the Grand Prix Trust
- Shane McGuigan – Boxing trainer running for Young Lives vs Cancer
- Sian Brooke – Actress running for MACS Belfast
- Sir Alastair Cook – Former England cricket captain running for Ruth Strauss Foundation
- Sir Anthony (AP) McCoy – Twenty‑time champion jockey and Grand National winner running for the Matt Hampson Foundation
- Sir Ben Ainslie – Four-time Olympic gold medallist running for the 1851 Trust
- Tilly Ramsay – TV presenter and chef running for Feeding Britain
- Tim Minchin – Writer, actor, comedian, composer running for National Autistic Society
- Tony Adams – Former England and Arsenal footballer running for Forward Trust
- Tyler Smith – Traitors Season 3 star running for Crohn's & Colitis UK
Best Viewing Locations to Spot Celebrity Runners
Now that we've highlighted the biggest names running this year's race, it's time to guide spectators to the best spots for catching a glimpse of them. While you can head to the starting gates between Greenwich and Blackheath, be warned that this area will be absolutely heaving with crowds.
For optimal viewing, consider these prime locations along the route:
- Tower Bridge at Mile 12: Perfect for snapping stunning photos of runners crossing this iconic London landmark.
- Mudchute Farm at Mile 17: A scenic spot to watch the race unfold.
- Blackfriars Underpass at Mile 24: See runners emerge as they approach the final stretch.
- Final Stretch Towards Buckingham Palace: Cheer on competitors as they near the finish line.
If you prefer a quieter spot for dedicated people-watching—or celebrity-spotting—the London Marathon organisers recommend the following areas:
- Rotherhithe Peninsula - miles 9-11
- The Highway - miles 14/22
- Westferry - mile 15
- Isle of Dogs - mile 16
- Poplar - mile 20
- Victoria Embankment - mile 25
With this guide, you're well-equipped to experience the excitement of the 2026 London Marathon, whether as a runner or a spectator. Keep an eye out for these celebrity participants as they tackle one of the world's most prestigious marathons, all while supporting meaningful charitable causes.
