It’s the big one, the one they’re all talking about…it’s LONDON MARATHON WEEKEND 2026!
A HOT day that saw nearly 60,000 participants take to the country’s capital (from 1m+ ballot applications), an upsurge in women and young people taking on the 26.2 mile distance as well as an outstanding (and world breaking!) performance from Sabastian Sawe who won this year’s marathon with a time of 1:59:30 – the first official sub-2-hour marathon.
And who else was part of the day? Well, Folkestone Running & Athletics Club of course.
Our members have proudly be representing the town at London every single year, with this event being no different.
20 red, white and blue vested runners entered their names into this prestigious major marathon and returned back to the coast with some extraordinary tales of fitness and determination to tell.
We’ve got all the times to go through, with some special mentions from the day. So, let’s get to it – London is calling after all!
TCS London Marathon 2026
Some brilliant and hard-earned performances all round, but here are our top five finishers all below that prestigious sub-3 hour marker:
- Daniel Radcliffe (18-39), 02:38:52
- Rob Collier (50-54), 02:54:34
- Paul Bartlett (50-54), 02:56:26
- Phil Hayes (18-39), 02:56:26
- Nick Steele (40-44), 02:58:13
Absolute stunning performances lads. You had Sawe in your sights!
Next up were two marathon running legends, Torben Jessen and Krzysztof Klidzia who both finished only five seconds apart!
These experienced athletes finished in 03:04:15 and 03:04:20 respectively, coming 17th and 18th in their 60-64 age category.
Well done boys!
Another set of fab performances from Harry Wall (18-30) at 03:11:21, Ben Hancox (45-49) in 03:21:12 and Andrew Noble (60-64) with 03:28:16.
Our first female finisher was a FRAC favourite and a backbone for the entire club, Vicky Scott (40-44).
She came out of an incredibly strong training block and did us all proud with her new personal best time of 03:33:45.
Brilliant work Vicky!
Here she is again! It’s our club coach Catherine O’Connor for her 15th marathon, 9th at London and 2nd in the last week!
As to be expected, she did amazing. Following her effort the previous weekend at Manchester Marathon representing England, she claimed another great time today with 03:36:58.
“Really pleased with my time off the back of last weekend. Time for a bit of rest now before I go again for Berlin in September!”
We’re not sure you know the meaning of rest!
Selected to represent Folkestone through the club ballot, James Springett did us all proud by bringing home a new PB – despite a crushing injury.
Due to some unfortunate achilles issues that flared up a few weeks before race day, James gave it his all at pace until around 26km to which the pain became too hard to bear.
But bear it he did as he struggled his way to the finish line and achieved a stunning new personal best time at 3:41:26.
Through the pain and struggle, you did amazing James.
Coming up behind him were two runners both raising money for The Aspinall Foundation, Greg Dixon (60-64) at 03:46:19 and Ron Bell (50-54) with 04:27:45.
Together their funds almost total £5,000!
Smashing showing today Greg & Ron and thank you for all your fundraising efforts!
Finishing very close to nearly ten-minutes apart, Rebecca Stevenson (04:41:38 – a PB!) and Julie Apps (04:53:51) both came across the finish line smiling after their marathon showings.
After those two was another pair of fab runners, Deborah Fowles (55-59) with 04:57:50 and then Ray Johnson (60-64) at 05:05:00.
This was Ray’s 26th consecutive marathon and one where he was raising vital funds for the Kent Association for the Blind.
This is what we like to see!
Taking on her FIRST EVER MARATHON, Sophie O’Callaghan (40-44) debuted with a brilliant time of 05:05:01.
Soaking up those unmatched vibes of London, we doubt this will be her last go around!
Well, that’s it! All the Folkestone results from the TCS London Marathon day on Sunday 28th April 2026.
It’s always an emotional and happy day for not only those running in the event and their friends & family but those watching and receiving support from all those funds being raised throughout.
Feeling inspired to take on the distance? Why not start your journey to TCS London Marathon 2027 by joining Folkestone Running & Athletic Club – we’ve got the training, support and guidance to help get you to the starting line.
Find more information about joining on our website: folkestonerunning.club.
Who’s ready to do it all again next year?
Reverse London Marathon 2026
Taking place during the eve before the big Sunday, this popular informal running event sees participants run the official London Marathon, but route backwards!
Starting on Birdcage Walk and ending in Greenwich, it takes place on the same day as the official marathon but in the early hours of the morning, often around midnight.
This year saw Hilary Collins take on the distance where she did brilliantly:
“At 1 minute past midnight on Sunday I ran the Reverse London Marathon. Very different experience running the course on roads that are not closed, lots of stopping & starting to cross roads and no spectators. Plus 529 ft of climbing!
“Finished at 6.05am and walked down to Greenwich to cheer on the forward marathon!”
Kent Young Athletes League
In this Saturday’s youth athletics league, we receive a report on Folkestone’s young superstars from the day.
Th U16 boys placed 2nd overall in division 2, with some brilliant performances all around.
All achieved PBs in the races, jumps and throws.
Aiden Robinson in the 200m (24.39), 300m (38.94) and shot putt (9.12m).
Sam Voyle in the 300m (38.67) and 200m (25.0).
Timothy Ukperi won B string shot putt (9.06m) and scored (20.55) in the hammer.
Mack Stein-Hughes placed 3rd in the U16 high jump (1.55m).
The U14 boys were represented by:
Seve Arana-Morton who jumped in the long jump achieving 3 PBs one after the other and winning the 2nd division long jump with (4.92m).
He followed that with a brilliant 2nd place showing in the 200m (26.02).
The U14 girls saw Mae Hanson, Jessica Smith and Olive Ukperi in the team claiming 4th place in division 2 and with the U16.
Vlada Bilousova achieved PBs and season’s bests. Well done!
The next league match is Sunday 3rd May at Ashford track. Members are invited to come and represent the club – just come speak with the Folkestone Running & Athletics Club coaches.
Saturday parkruns
Another week of great runs, with the latest parkrun results being found here.