The 2026 London Marathon was a star-studded event, with many familiar faces taking on the legendary 26.2-mile course. Among them were Tilly Ramsay, daughter of renowned chef Gordon Ramsay, and award-winning singer Cynthia Erivo, both of whom made their mark on the marathon with impressive performances and emotional moments that left fans in awe.
Tilly Ramsay: A Victory for the Ramsay Family
Tilly Ramsay, the 24-year-old Strictly Come Dancing star and budding chef, achieved an inspiring milestone as she completed the marathon in four hours and one minute. As she crossed the finish line, Tilly was greeted by her famous parents, Gordon and Tana Ramsay, who showered her with hugs and congratulatory kisses. This heartwarming moment, captured on camera, showed just how much support Tilly had received from her family throughout her preparation for the race.
Tilly has garnered significant attention online for her dedication to fitness and running. Her participation in the London Marathon was part of her continued journey to challenge herself and expand her horizons, proving she’s much more than just a reality TV star. The Ramsay family’s visible pride in Tilly’s accomplishment was heartening, making her achievement even more special for her fans.
Cynthia Erivo: A Glowing Finish and a Grin
Also making waves at the marathon was Cynthia Erivo, the 39-year-old Wicked star and powerhouse performer, who completed the course in three hours, 21 minutes, and 40 seconds. Erivo, who has already conquered Broadway and film, now added marathon runner to her list of impressive feats.
Despite the intensity of the race, Cynthia was spotted receiving assistance from a staff member as she took a moment to compose herself. But the superstar wasn’t down for long—soon after, she was seen flashing a wide, victorious smile while proudly displaying her marathon medal. This marked a moment of triumph, showing that her hard work and determination had paid off, adding another triumph to her already illustrious career.
Iconic Start to the Marathon with Mo Farah and Ellie Kildunne
The event kicked off with Sir Mo Farah, the Olympic legend, and Red Roses World Cup-winning star Ellie Kildunne sounding the starting buzzer, setting the stage for a thrilling race. Mo, a long-time supporter of the marathon, later showed his dedication to the event by distributing water bottles to the exhausted runners on the sidelines.
A Romantic Proposal at the Finish Line
The marathon also witnessed a heartwarming moment beyond the finish line. One lucky runner chose the iconic setting of the marathon’s conclusion to propose to his girlfriend, now fiancée. Photos captured the couple celebrating with immense joy as the newly-engaged woman proudly showed off her sparkling ring, making their marathon experience even more memorable.
An Unlikely Disguise: Is Harry Styles Running as Daddy Pig?
Among the many stories circulating during the marathon, one particularly amusing theory captured the public’s imagination. Fans were convinced that global pop sensation Harry Styles was participating in the race disguised as Daddy Pig, the beloved character from Peppa Pig. While many fans were adamant that the man in the pig costume had the same legs as Styles, others were quick to refute the claim, pointing out that they knew what the singer’s legs truly looked like.
The rumors started when Daddy Pig, in a specially designed running costume, appeared during the marathon, raising funds for the National Deaf Children’s Society. The costume was being worn in solidarity with Peppa Pig’s brother George, who was diagnosed with hearing loss. Theories about Harry’s involvement gained traction when he was seen in London earlier in the week sharing a kiss with his reported fiancée, Zoe Kravitz, adding fuel to the already-raging fire of speculation.
However, in a hilarious twist, Joe Wicks, the Body Coach who had been training Daddy Pig for the event, was asked live on the BBC about the theory. Wicks dismissed it humorously, maintaining that “Daddy Pig is Daddy Pig” and insisting there were no celebrities involved. But fans continued to speculate online, with some suggesting a “Masked Singer-style reveal” to uncover the truth. Could Harry Styles really be hiding under the pig costume? Only time will tell.
Record-Breaking Achievements: Sabastian Sawe and Tigst Assefa
As the celebrities made their way across the finish line, the elite runners continued to impress. Kenyan long-distance runner Sabastian Sawe made history by becoming the first person to run a marathon in under two hours, finishing the London Marathon in a remarkable time of one hour, 59 minutes, and 30 seconds. This victory not only secured his spot as the men’s champion but also broke a world record previously held by the late Kelvin Kiptum.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa successfully defended her London Marathon title, clocking in at an impressive two hours, 15 minutes, and 41 seconds—breaking her own world record by nine seconds. These exceptional performances were a reminder of the incredible athleticism and dedication required to take on such a grueling challenge.
Celebrity Runners and Personal Stories
The marathon also saw a number of other celebrities participating for charitable causes, including Made in Chelsea star Spencer Matthews, who showed off “The Turmeric Co.” written across his knees to highlight the impact of running on the body. Spencer explained that, having experienced serious injuries from running himself, he wanted to help others avoid similar pain and raise awareness for sports-related injuries.
Jack O’Connell, the Sinners star, ran his first marathon in support of Alzheimer’s Research UK, while other stars like Alexandra Burke, Chris Evans, and AJ Pritchard crossed the finish line, their smiles beaming with pride after completing the formidable challenge.
Wheelchair Champions: Marcel Hug and Matt Hampson
Among the inspiring performances, Swiss wheelchair racer Marcel Hug equalled British Paralympic legend David Weir’s eight London Marathon gold medals, after winning the men’s wheelchair race. Hug’s achievement is especially significant as he continues to push boundaries in wheelchair racing, further solidifying his place in the sport’s history.
In another inspiring display, former Under-21 England rugby player Matt Hampson, who was paralysed over 20 years ago in a training accident, completed the marathon in his specially adapted racing wheelchair with the help of his team. Hampson’s charity, the Matt Hampson Foundation, provides support for young people who have suffered life-changing injuries in sport, and the funds raised through his participation in the marathon will continue to support this cause.
The Marathon: A Day of Inspiration
The 2026 London Marathon was not just about breaking records or crossing the finish line—it was a day that showcased the strength, determination, and generosity of people from all walks of life. From A-list stars like Cynthia Erivo and Tilly Ramsay to everyday runners and inspiring figures like Matt Hampson, the marathon reminded us all of the power of perseverance and the importance of supporting meaningful causes.
As the marathon continues to inspire the world, it will no doubt remain a symbol of human endurance and community spirit for years to come.
