The TCS London Marathon Running Show 2026 returns to ExCeL London from Wednesday April 22 to Saturday April 25, providing four days of kit launches, panel discussions, elite athlete appearances, and — most critically — race number collection for the approximately 50,000 runners who will take to the streets on April 26. The expo is an essential stop for every London Marathon entrant, as race numbers can only be collected in person (or by a nominated proxy) during the show.
For the running industry, the London Marathon Expo is the biggest single retail event in the European running calendar. Every major shoe brand, nutrition company, and apparel manufacturer uses the show to launch products, offer exclusive discounts, and generate the kind of face-to-face engagement that digital marketing cannot replicate. This year's standout launches include the Nike Pegasus 42 (which will have launched nine days earlier on April 9), the Hoka Zinal revival, and Kiprun's UK market debut following its US launch earlier this month.
Elite athlete appearances are a highlight of the show, with past and present London Marathon champions typically making scheduled appearances at sponsor stands. The exact schedule is usually confirmed the week before the expo, but runners can expect opportunities to meet and hear from some of the sport's biggest names. Panel discussions covering topics from marathon nutrition to race-day pacing strategies provide practical value for first-time and experienced marathoners alike.
Practical advice for expo visitors: go early in the week if possible (Wednesday and Thursday are least crowded), collect your race number before browsing the stands, avoid buying new shoes or untested nutrition products that you plan to use on race day, and budget more time than you think — the expo is vast, and the temptation to browse every stand is real. For international visitors, ExCeL is accessible via the Elizabeth Line and DLR, with nearby hotels in Royal Victoria and Canary Wharf offering the most convenient accommodation for both the expo and race-morning logistics.