pickupthepacepaul

On Sunday 26th April 2026, I ran the London Marathon. I make no secret of the fact I think the London Marathon is the best marathon in the world. I have ran a lot of marathons, and there are so many fantastic races out there, but in truth, I am biased. London was my first marathon in 2011, and yes I ran it as a Rhino. I had been trying to enter on ballot for a long time. The idea of raising money for charity was very daunting, as I didn’t grow up with a lot of money. But eventually I decided to go for charity as the ballot seemed like it would never happen. I did not know about the Rhino costumes but when asked, I find in life the right answer is often yes.

In 2012, on London Marathon day something more important happened, I got married to my beautiful wife. 2013 I actually got in the ballot (I have entered the ballot over 20 times and got in once). Then I found the love of pacing. Everyone knows that whilst I like to run marathons now, I don’t go for my own time. I prefer to enjoy it and most of all I love helping others achieve their times. I have ran London Marathon 4 times for charity, and 9 times as an official pacer. This year I am raising money for Cancer Research as I have lost another friend.

Today was my 8th marathon of 2026, my 186th Marathon (plus) and my 138th time as an official pacer (including 75 marathons). It was a perfect day, but for London we start at the expo. There were actually many shake out runs and activations, but it takes me 90 minutes to get to central London, so a 3 hour round trip just feels to much, and there are plenty of family activations for me to go to. When I am abroad it makes sense to explore, especially when I’m staying central, but before any marathon I think it’s important not to overdo it the days before.

London Marathon Expo

Arguably the best Marathon Expo in the world, but certainly up there. Over the years I have worked the expo many times, I have explored and purchased so much. Now, I have what I need, or know what I want. It is great for people looking for deals and newer runners can have a field day with the different merchandise. I highly recommend the expo even if you are not running. Without fail this is where I stock up on race day nutrition.

As a pacer we all go and do a 3 hour shift at the pacer stand. It is a highlight for me to talk with runners and answer all the questions. I enjoyed my 3 hours, then collected my kit and had a quick look around. I noticed a cool little feature this year with the community section. There was a community chill zone and the artwork was pretty special.

When I got home from the expo I laid out all my kit to make sure I had everything needed. I think preparation before a marathon is really important, and when pacing a major marathon I feel even a duty to ensure I am ready to deliver at my best. Here are my other top tips for a marathon.

London Marathon 2026

It was an early start for me for London Marathon as it always is. I stay at home because whilst it is a bit of a trek, it means  I can spend more time with family and I can get to the start on the first bus and tube. I set my alarm for 4am and left my house at 05:15. We had a meeting time of 07:30, so funny enough the first train to Blackheath was full of pacers. Yes, it is particularly early, considering my start time was not until 10:30, but it allows for delays, and enables everyone to get together, have a briefing and the fastest pacers to get away for their waves.

I made my way to the start wave at 09:15, so I had time to drop my kit, go to the toilet and get to my wave start before it opened. When our wave opened I immediately started speaking with my group. Asking about people’s experiences, if they have ran a marathon before, ran London before, aiming for a PB, and generally trying to calm nerves.

During the walk to the start I talked about the pace strategy, we spoke about focusing on what we can control (hydration, pace, positive attitude) and not worrying about what we cannot control (training, weather, a bad day). By the time we started, everyone was ready.

The start of the marathon is always a hard part for a pacer. Everyone has adrenaline pumping, ready to go, and the marathon pace is an unnatural pace. It is easy at the start, much slower than you would expect. But this is an important job, to ensure people don’t go off to fast.

Organisation at London Marathon was on point, perfect aid stations, and the crowd support is unrivalled. New York comes close, but London was just constant noise. For a little while I paced Daddy Pig (which at time of writing was rumoured to be Harry Styles) and Joe Wicks.

I had a large group stay with me throughout. It was a very hot day, so anyone who fell off pace, be proud, you were amazing. Around 22 I lost a few runners, but then started picking up others. I expected on a day like today that people may struggle, but getting a strong start is always a positive.

We had a great group, it went really well, and I am proud of my splits. At the start I always say my strategy is to: go at a steady  pace, gradually aiming for 30 seconds ahead of target at half way. Then to hold the pace and in the last few miles, gradually ease up so people who can see me can catch me and be sure to finish ahead, finishing around 15 seconds ahead of target.

I held a very consistent pace, and at half way was exactly 30 seconds ahead of target. Once I got to 24 miles I gradually eased off. I saw my family after 25.5 miles, where I always do, this keeps me going.

After seeing my family I was on perfect pace, but these last few hundred metres are always determined by those around me. I had a few slow, and together we picked up the pace, and I finished in an official time of 04:09:51. Always good to keep the last few going to hit their goal.

It was great to see those around me who had pushed on. A hard day, but successful day.

I made my way to meet the pacers and share a few stories, before going to meet my family for pizza express. The best day.

Did you run London Marathon or were you spectating? Tell me about your day.