‘I'm not even going to pretend I enjoyed it because I absolutely did not’ – Laura Kenny among former cyclists who excelled at London Marathon

Among the 59,000 participants in the 2026 London Marathon was a notable contingent of former elite cyclists, including multiple Olympic champion Dame Laura Kenny. Kenny completed the demanding 26.2-mile course in 3 hours, 45 minutes, narrowly missing her husband Sir Jason Kenny’s time from the previous year by less than two minutes. The marathon route, which finishes on The Mall in London, is set to gain further prominence as the venue for the third stage of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift team time trial during the 2027 double Grand Départ. Kenny spoke openly about her shift from track cycling to marathon running, highlighting the mental escape running provided during training, especially after a challenging period following her retirement from competitive cycling. She ran to raise funds for the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust, a cause deeply personal to her after experiencing ectopic pregnancy post-Tokyo Olympics. Her family, including her parents and young daughter Lily, supported her on race day, with Kenny candidly admitting she did not enjoy the race but was motivated by the cause. Other former cyclists also excelled in the marathon, with Olympian Dani Rowe finishing in 3:07:43, showcasing her endurance beyond the track. Chris Newton, a decorated cyclist with multiple Olympic and World Championship medals, completed the race in an impressive 2:34:42. Newton’s transition to running has been successful, though he faces stiff competition from former professional cyclist Tom Dumoulin, who boasts a sub-2:30 finish in the Amsterdam Marathon alongside his Grand Tour and World Championship accolades. The participation of these elite cyclists in the London Marathon underscores the versatility and enduring athleticism of former professional riders as they take on new challenges beyond cycling. Their performances also highlight the growing trend of athletes crossing disciplines, bringing attention to the physical and mental demands of endurance sports. With the upcoming Tour de France Femmes stage set to take place on the marathon finish route, London continues to cement its status as a key location for both cycling and running events.