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London Marathon breaks fundraising record, with mammoth sum raised for charity

Event director Hugh Brasher said it was 'an extraordinary day of world records, from the elite men and women running such extraordinary times, to the participation numbers, and now in fundraising'

[Crowds of spectators line the streets as thousands of runners pass across Tower Bridge during London Marathon 2026]

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A total of 59,830 people competed in this year's event, held last Sunday(Image: Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images/Shutterstock)

The 2026 London Marathon broke the race's own fundraising record, organisers have announced.

This year's event has raised at least 87.5million for charity so far, already surpassing the previous record of 87.3m, set at last year's race. The final total for this year's race will be announced in September and is expected to top more than 90m.

Hugh Brasher, chief executive of London Marathon Events, said: "It is fantastic to know we have already surpassed our 87.3m world record from 2025. Huge thanks to everyone who fundraised, and to everyone who donated to such a wide range of charities."

The marathon is reportedly the biggest annual one-day fundraising event in the world. This year's race, which took place in the capital last Sunday, saw Sabastian Sawe become the first athlete in history to run 26.2miles in under two hours in an official competition. The Kenyan man crossed the line near Buckingham Palace to set a new world record of one hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds.

[Sabastian Sawe of Team Kenya celebrates with his adidas shoe after winning with a new World Record time during the Mens 2026 TCS London Marathon]

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Sabastian Sawe of Team Kenya celebrates with his adidas shoe after winning with a new World Record time during the Mens 2026 TCS London Marathon(Image: WireImage)

Ethiopian runner Tigst Assefa also broke her own womens world record, setting a new time of two hours, 15 minutes and 41 seconds. And this year's race also saw competitors break the Guinness World Record title for the most finishers in a marathon, with 59,830 people completing the event.

Hugh Brasher said it was "an extraordinary day of world records, from the elite men and women running such extraordinary times, to the participation numbers, and now in fundraising".

Organisers have spoken about plans to stage a two-day event next year, which would raise more than 130m for charity and bring in 400m in social and economic benefits, according to researchers from Sheffield Hallam University. Advanced talks are already under way for the one-off event, which would allow around 100,000 people to take part, nearly double the number who took part this year.

[Peppa Pig's father Daddy Pig and Joe Wicks crossed the finish line on The Mall, raising thousands of pounds for charity]

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Peppa Pig's father Daddy Pig and Joe Wicks crossed the finish line on The Mall, raising thousands of pounds for charity(Image: Shaun Brooks for London Marathon Events/Shutterstock)

Speaking last week, Mr Brasher, the event director, said: "We think it would be absolutely amazing. And it is something that weve been working on for a long time.

The idea was also overwhelmingly positively received. But you have to bear in mind that the London Marathon has been going for 45 years and its got to a position of love, not only the sporting calendar but the calendar of London.

You can lose that love, and we have to be mindful of that. And that is why it is very much a one and done. But there is a need in this country to do it.

Mr Brasher also confirmed talks have been had with the BBC to ensure both days would receive significant TV coverage and further consultations are set to take place within days in a bid to get the plans fully signed off.

[British runner Jordan Adams carries a fridge at the start of the 2026 London Marathon]

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Dementia fundraiser Jordan Adams, who ran while carrying a fridge on his back, was another charity runner at this year's event (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

He added: There has to be a huge amount of consultation, absolutely rightly, whether its the police, whether its the fire [service], whether its ambulances, whether its the boroughs, whether its TfL [Transport for London], whether its the mayor, whether its private landowners.

We do hope we will get signed off, but it is a huge undertaking, not only from our teams point of view, but also Londons point of view.

The National Autistic Society has said it has been selected as the official charity for the 2027 London Marathon. A spokesperson said: "We're excited to announce that we're the official charity of the year for the 2027 TCS London Marathon. "We aim to make 2027 the most inclusive marathon yet and that's just the start. Through our It's Time To Show Up campaign, we'll be inviting everyone to be part of a national movement for autistic people, showing how small changes can make a huge difference."

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