Become a TechRadar Insider
- Watch London Marathon 2026 for free on BBC iPlayer (UK) / Olympic Channel (select countries)
- Unlock your stream with NordVPN 100% risk-free
- 46th London Marathon: Sun, Apr 26, 3.50am ET / 8.50pm BST
The 46th edition of the annual London Marathon will feature more than 59,000 runners, including everyday folks, athletes, and even Olympians from around the world compete side by side in the iconic 26.2-mile road race.
Runners will pass through some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including Cutty Sark, Surrey Quays, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, London Eye, and Big Ben, before reaching the finish line at The Mall, right by Buckingham Palace.
Want to watch all the action? Luckily, we’ve found a simple way to stream London Marathon 2026 for FREE.
Can I watch London Marathon 2026 for free?
UK viewers are in luck! The 2026 London Marathon will be aired live for FREE on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. All you need is a TV license.
The event is also freely available in several other countries, including Italy (on RaiPlay) and Spain (on RTVE Play).
Moreover, the official Olympic Channel will be providing live coverage of London Marathon 2026 for free in selected locations, such as China, Japan, Middle East, North Africa, and New Zealand.
You'll need a VPN to stop you getting geoblocked if you're outside your home country right now. We've tested dozens of VPNs, and we recommend NordVPN.
How to watch the 2026 London Marathon for free using a VPN
A VPN is handy piece of software that can make your device appear as if it's back in your home country, so you can unlock your usual service. The best VPN right now? We recommend NordVPN – it does everything and is currently offering a generous discount.
Using a VPN is incredibly simple:
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favourite.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're visiting the US and want to view your usual UK service, you'd select a 'United Kingdom' in the app.
3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head to BBC iPlayer (or Olympic Channel, depending on where you're from) and watch London Marathon 2026 live for FREE.
Why should I watch London Marathon on BBC iPlayer?
BBC One and BBC iPlayer provide unparalleled coverage of London Marathon with Gabby Logan leading the coverage from 8.30am BST. Coverage moves to BBC Two at 2pm BST.
On-course reporters include JJ Chalmers, Blue Peter’s Abby Cook, Tim Warwood and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.
In truth, you couldn't ask for better coverage for one of the biggest marathons in the world.
Can I listen to the London Marathon?
Yes. If you aren't around to stream the action, you can listen instead.
BBC Radio London is providing coverage from 8am BST, and you can listen via BBC Sounds.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.