The 2026 London Marathon is set to showcase elite athletes in both wheelchair and traditional marathon categories. Catherine Debrunner, the women's wheelchair record holder, is a strong contender for victory and aims to break her own world record after narrowly missing it last year. Mo Farah, a four-time Olympic gold medallist, will serve as an official starter for the event, marking his return to the marathon scene since his retirement in 2024. The marathon has gained immense popularity, with over 1.1 million entries this year, significantly up from previous years, particularly among younger women. Key competitors in the men's elite category include Kenya's Sabastian Sawe, who hopes to defend his title against notable challengers like Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo and Ethiopia's Deresa Geleta. As nearly 60,000 participants prepare to run the 26.2 miles (42.195 km) course across London, the event highlights the growing trend of inclusive running clubs, particularly among Gen Z women, who are seeking community and shared experiences.