London Marathon 2026 Review: Atmosphere, Setbacks, and Finding a Way to the Finish

Aaron Lamb
Apr 28
4 min read

The London Marathon 2026 was everything people say it is — and more.

It is one of those events that goes beyond being “just a race.” It becomes an experience. A day you remember long after the medal is put away and the soreness fades.

Having now completed a number of races over the years, I can honestly say London sits right at the top when it comes to atmosphere and support.

The London Marathon Atmosphere Is on Another Level

There are some races that stand out because of the crowd, the energy, and the way they make you feel as a runner. London is one of those events.

If you have ever run the Oxford Half Marathon or Thame 10K, you will understand the supportive environment those races create. London has that same spirit — just on a much bigger scale.

From start to finish, there are people everywhere.

There is noise, encouragement, music, and support around almost every corner. It is hard to explain just how special that feels until you experience it for yourself.

Whether you complete the course in nine hours, three hours, or break the two-hour mark, you are part of something unforgettable.

If you are considering entering the London Marathon in the future, my advice is simple:

Give it a go.

Before the Start Line: A Journey Bigger Than the Race

One of the most powerful parts of the day happened before the race had even started.

I got on the train at Hounslow Central, where I grew up in West London. At the time, it seemed like a small detail, but I was one of only two people getting on that train heading to the marathon.

It did not mean much in that moment.

It meant everything later.

After the race, medal around my neck, legs barely working, I stepped back off the train at the same station.

This time, I was the only one getting off.

That hit me harder than expected.

The place I came from is not the place that defined who I became.

Growing up there, I often felt pulled down rather than pushed forward. It was not an environment that reflected the person I wanted to become. For a long time, London became something I struggled to connect with.

But standing on that platform after finishing the London Marathon, I felt something different.

I felt distance.

Not physical distance — personal distance.

I am not the same person who left there at 22 years old to join the Royal Marines.

I am not that little kid anymore.

A lot changed between those two versions of me.

And in that moment, hobbling down the platform, medal around my neck, waving it at the ticket attendant for the free travel home, it felt like a visible reminder of how far I had really come.

It was one of the most unique and meaningful moments of the entire day.

My Race Plan Going In

While the event itself was incredible, my own race had a few challenges.

The week before the marathon, I picked up a slight meniscus pinch in my knee. I knew there was a chance it could become a bigger issue once the miles started to add up.

A huge thank you goes to Sarah Green, who helped me during the week leading into race day. Her treatment and guidance were vital in helping me understand where the real problem was coming from and how to manage it as best as possible.

Without that support, the race could have gone downhill much earlier.

A Strong Start

The opening miles felt great.

The first few miles of London are unique because you do not immediately see the full scale of the event. Then, around the three-mile mark, the waves merge and suddenly you are surrounded by runners and spectators in every direction.

That moment was special.

You open out towards the river, running down towards Cutty Sark, and the size of the day really hits you.

The first 10K went exactly how I hoped. I felt strong, controlled, and in a good rhythm.

When Things Changed

Around Tower Bridge, the knee started to flare up.

From there, it became less about racing and more about problem-solving.

By the time I reached 16 miles, going through Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs, the pain had significantly increased.

Then around the 20-mile mark, I hit a low point.

I rang Sacha and told her I thought my knee was done and I would need to walk the rest of the way.

That was genuinely where my mind was in that moment.

The Decision to Keep Going

What I am most proud of from the day is not the finish time.

It is that I did not stay in that mindset.

Instead, I kept moving forward.

Some sections were run. Some sections were walked. Some sections were simply about resetting and staying in the race.

With 385 yards to go, just outside Buckingham Palace, I made one final push and ran all the way to the finish line.

Crossing that line was an incredible feeling.

Not because the day was perfect — it was far from it.

But because there is something powerful about finding a way through when things do not go to plan.

Final Thoughts on London Marathon 2026

Overall, it was an amazing event and one I am very glad to have experienced.

Would I do it again?

If my name came out in the ballot, absolutely.

Would I go out of my way to chase another place right now?

Probably not.

But I would recommend it to anyone considering it.

The London Marathon is more than a race. It is a challenge, a celebration, and a reminder of what can happen when ordinary people decide to do difficult things.