London Marathon Wave Start Times 2026

So, there I was, a few years back, standing in the pouring rain, huddled under a tiny, inadequate poncho, waiting for the London Marathon to start. I'd been in the 'Green' wave, which, let me tell you, felt more like the 'Soggy' wave that day. I'd spent what felt like an eternity watching the 'Red' and 'Blue' waves set off, feeling like a kid on the sidelines watching all the fun happen elsewhere. That's when it hit me - the wave start times for the London Marathon are no joke, and they're worth understanding if you want to make the most of your race day.

Now, fast forward to 2026, and you're probably wondering, "What's the deal with these wave start times, and how do I make sure I'm not stuck in the 'Soggy' wave like our friend here?" Well, grab a cuppa, and let's dive in.

What's the Big Idea Behind Wave Start Times?

Alright, so you're not a lone runner pounding the streets of London. You're part of a massive event with tens of thousands of other runners. The wave start times are there to manage that crowd, keep everyone safe, and make sure no one's stuck in a traffic jam on the course. It's like the world's biggest game of Tetris, but with people instead of blocks.

How Are the Waves Divided?

Each wave is divided based on your estimated finish time. The faster you think you'll be, the earlier your wave starts. Here's the lowdown for 2026:

Everything You Need To Know About The 2026 London Marathon

• Red Start (9:00 AM): Elite runners and those aiming for sub-3 hours. If you're planning to set a new world record, this is your wave.
• Blue Start (9:15 AM): Runners aiming for sub-4 hours. This wave is for those who want to push themselves but aren't quite in the elite category.
• Green Start (9:30 AM): Runners aiming for sub-5 hours. This is where our friend from the intro was, and while it wasn't the earliest start, it was still a fantastic experience.
• Orange Start (9:45 AM): Runners aiming for sub-6 hours. If you're aiming for a solid, steady run, this could be your wave.
• Pink Start (10:00 AM): Runners aiming for sub-7 hours. This wave is for those who want to enjoy the experience without pushing too hard.

And if you're thinking, "Hey, what if I'm not sure of my finish time?" Don't worry, you can always adjust your estimate up to a certain point before the race. Just remember, it's better to underestimate than overestimate - you don't want to be held up by slower runners in front of you.

What Else Should You Know?

Now, you might be wondering, "What about the start pens? How do I know where to go?" Each wave has its own start pen, and you'll find your pen number on your race pack. Get there early, give yourself time to use the loos (trust me, the queues get long), and enjoy the atmosphere. It's electric!

TCS London Marathon 2026 - everything you need to know...

And finally, a word to the wise - once you're in your pen, stay there. It might be tempting to move forward, but that can cause congestion and make it harder for everyone to start. Plus, you don't want to be that person who gets told off by a marshal. Been there, got the T-shirt (literally, it was free with my entry).

So there you have it, folks. The wave start times for the 2026 London Marathon demystified. Whether you're aiming for a PB or just want to soak up the atmosphere, knowing your wave and what to expect can make your race day even better. Now, who's with me for a training run? Just remember, no ponchos until race day!