London Marathon 2026 – live updates

• Updates as runners head from Greenwich to the Mall

• Why I’m running dressed as a badger | Get in touch

The prodigious growth of running clubs, fuelled by young women, has seen the popularity of the London Marathon sky-rocket.

More than 1.1 million people entered the ballot for this year’s race – 750,000 more than four years ago. Notably, a third of those were in the 18-29 category, with female entrants making up the biggest percentage of those under 30.

The explosion in this new breed of running clubs or “crews” has been key to the boom. Unlike a traditional club, their emphasis isn’t usually on super-fast times but on being inclusive, enjoying a run and a chat, and a coffee afterwards.