London Marathon 2026:
Your Free Training Plan
A bucket-list World Major. Make sure your training does it justice.
Get Early AccessThe TCS London Marathon on April 26, 2026 is the race every runner dreams of. One of the six World Marathon Majors, London combines an iconic route past Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace with the most electric crowd support in world running. Over a million spectators line the course, creating a wall of noise from Greenwich to The Mall. Whether it's your first marathon or your fastest, London is an experience like no other.
What makes London special
Date & Distance
April 26, 2026. Full marathon (42.195 km). A World Marathon Major with world-class organisation and the biggest marathon crowd on earth.
The Course
Starts in Greenwich Park, passes through Deptford and the Isle of Dogs, crosses Tower Bridge at halfway, then heads west along the Embankment to finish on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace. Mostly flat with a few gentle undulations.
Weather
Late April in London is unpredictable: 10,16°C is typical, but warm years can push 20°C+. Snel's weather adjustment recalculates your race pace if conditions turn warm, keeping you from overheating in the second half.
The Crowd
Over a million spectators. Bands, DJs, and supporters on every corner. The noise crossing Tower Bridge is deafening. London's crowd can carry you through the tough miles - but don't let the energy push you too fast too early.
Why train with Snel for London
Weather-proof pacing
London's weather is famously unpredictable. If race day turns warm, Snel adjusts your target pace based on temperature and humidity. No more gambling on conditions - you race smart whatever the weather.
VO2max zones for disciplined racing
London's crowd energy can tempt you into starting too fast. Snel gives you exact VO2max-based pace zones so you know your limits. Run Tower Bridge at your pace, not the crowd's, and you'll have a strong second half.
Winter training adaptation
An April marathon means peak training in February and March - cold, dark, and often wet. Snel adapts when you miss sessions, reshaping your plan without panicking. Consistency over perfection.
Peak for April 26
Your plan phases - Foundation, Build, Specific, Taper - are calculated to deliver peak fitness on race day. Start in January and arrive at Greenwich Park in the best shape of your running life.
16 weeks to The Mall
Start training in early January to peak for April 26
Weeks 1,3Foundation
New year, new training block. Build your aerobic base with easy runs, strides, and gentle tempo work. The January miles are where your London marathon begins.
Weeks 4,9Build
Volume ramps through February and into March. Tempo runs, threshold intervals, and long runs extending to 28,32 km. The days get longer and so do your runs. Snel caps weekly increases at 10%.
Weeks 10,13Specific
Race-specific sessions: marathon-pace long runs, sustained threshold efforts, and peak mileage. Your body learns exactly what London pace feels like over distance. This is where fitness is forged.
Weeks 14,16Taper
Volume drops dramatically. Short, sharp race-pace efforts maintain speed while your body absorbs months of training. By race morning, you'll be itching to run - that's exactly how it should feel.
London Marathon questions
How do I get a place in the London Marathon?
The London Marathon uses a ballot system. Apply through the official website (usually opens in spring for the following year's race). You can also enter through a charity place, a Good For Age qualifying time, or a running club ballot place.
What are Good For Age qualifying times?
GFA times vary by age group. For men aged 18,39 it's typically sub-3:00; for women aged 18,39 it's sub-3:45. Older age groups have adjusted times. Check the official London Marathon website for current standards.
Any course tips for London?
Don't go out too fast at Greenwich - the first miles are slightly downhill and the crowd energy is intoxicating. Save energy for the Embankment (km 35,40), which can feel exposed and long. Tower Bridge at halfway is the emotional peak - enjoy it, but stay disciplined.
What if race day is warm?
London has had warm years (2018 hit 24°C). Snel's weather adjustment slows your target pace based on temperature so you don't overheat. Take water at every station, pour it over your head, and trust the adjusted pace. Finishing strong beats a fast first half that falls apart.
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