Manx contingent preparing for 2026 London Marathon

Island participants to be present again for iconic race

Another strong Isle of Man contingent is set to take on the iconic London Marathon this weekend.

The 2026 race is due to take place on Sunday, 26 April with local competitors set to be involved for either personal or charitable causes.

As a whole, the event has seen record demand to take part with more than 1.1million people worldwide applying for a spot in the ballot.

Among the Isle of Man's successful entrants is a man who has the potential to make Manx history at the event.

Michael Ryan - who previously served in the military with the Royal Engineers - is aiming to become the first wheelchair participant from the Island to finish the full race.

Whilst he isn't underestimating the task, he describes his mindset as 'unbreakable', and hopes his efforts can inspire others to take on different challenges of their own:

In support of his efforts, a fundraising campaign is also underway to raise money for Island charity, Isle Listen.

Another one of the Isle of Man athletes to take on the marathon this year will be Jess Bryan.

Less than 24 hours before the race she will be on her hen party in Manchester before travelling down to London overnight and taking part in the race the following morning.

In what will be her first time taking on the London race, Jess says, whatever happens, it'll be a day she'll never forget:

On the day itself, the 2026 London Marathon will get started from 8.50am with the Elite Wheelchairs athletes.

That will be followed by the Elite Women starting at 9.05am before the Elite Men set off shortly after at 9.35am.

The mass participation start will then get underway between 9.35am and 11.30am.