A guide to the world’s leading 26.2-mile race on Sunday

Eliud Kipchoge, Brigid Kosgei, David Weir and Manuela Schär lead the entries for the 40th London Marathon on Sunday. Originally due to be held on April 26, the event was moved to October 4 due to the coronavirus pandemic and is an elite-only event on a spectator-free loop course in St James’s Park.

In addition, 45,000 runners will be completing their own virtual marathon around the world, with race director Hugh Brasher saying the 40th race will be a “beacon of hope” during a dark year.

Elite men’s race

World record-holder and reigning champion Eliud Kipchoge (main image above, right, with pacemakers) faces a tough field in an attempt to win his fifth title in London. A full run-down of his rivals and the British contenders – who are paced by Mo Farah – can be found here.

Kipchoge’s No.1 rival was due to be Kenenisa Bekele but the Ethiopian pulled out on Friday due to a calf injury – see more here.

Elite women’s race

Brigid Kosgei (below, right) defends her title in London almost a year to the day since she smashed Paula Radcliffe’s world record in Chicago but she faces a tough field that includes world champion Ruth Chepngetich and former London winner Vivian Cheruiyot – the full line-up can be found here and you can find out more about Kosgei here.

There is also a strong British entry list including Steph Twell and Lily Partridge and you can read more about this ‘race within a race’ here.

Wheelchair races

David Weir is going for an incredible ninth title on home soil but faces tough opposition from Marcel Hug, Brent Lakatos and Josh Cassidy and our list of contenders is here.

Manuela Schär is strong favourite for the women’s race with former champion Shelly Woods the home nation hope – see more here.

How to watch and follow live

For fans in the UK, BBC is showing an unprecedented 8hr 20min of coverage starting from 7am local time on BBC Two. The coverage switches to BBC One from 10am for the elite men’s race and then back to BBC Two from 1pm until 3.20pm.

Highlights are then on the BBC Red Button from 7-8pm and BBC Two from 11:35pm-12.35am.

For fans in the USA, coverage will be shown on NBCSN and the Olympic Channel, while FloSports will be broadcasting in Australia, Canada, Pan Europe and Pan Asia.

Coverage in Kenya will be shown by NTV.

Further TV coverage information can be found here.

What time do the races start?

7.15am – elite women

10.15am – elite men

1.10pm – wheelchair races

You can also read features on the background to Sunday’s big event in our brand new monthly magazine which you can learn more about here.

Keep an eye on our website and social media channels on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for reports and updates from London on race day.