The London Marathon has done it again—smashing its own fundraising record and proving that the power of running can change lives. This year's event has already raised an incredible £87.5 million for charities, edging past last year's record of £87.3 million. And with the final tally expected to hit over £90 million by September, it's clear that this race is more than just a run; it's a global movement.

But the records didn't stop there. The 2026 edition was a day of historic firsts. Kenyan runner Sabastian Sawe became the first athlete to break the two-hour barrier in an official competition, crossing the finish line in a jaw-dropping 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 30 seconds. Meanwhile, Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa shattered her own women-only world record with a time of 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 41 seconds. And if that wasn't enough, the race also set a Guinness World Record for the most finishers in a marathon—59,830 people completed the 26.2-mile course through the streets of London.

Hugh Brasher, chief executive of London Marathon Events, summed it up perfectly: "It was an extraordinary day of world records, from the elite men and women running such extraordinary times, to the participation numbers, and now in fundraising. Huge thanks to everyone who fundraised, and to everyone who donated to such a wide range of charities."

Looking ahead, the National Autistic Society has been named the official charity for the 2027 London Marathon. Their goal? To make it the most inclusive marathon yet. Through their "It's Time To Show Up" campaign, they're inviting everyone to be part of a national movement for autistic people, showing how small changes can make a huge difference.

Whether you're chasing a personal best, running for a cause, or just cheering from the sidelines, the London Marathon continues to inspire. And if you're dreaming of lacing up for next year's race, the ballot is open until 16:00 BST this Friday. Don't miss your chance to be part of history.