Eilish McColgan has just come home for seventh in the women's race. That makes her the leading Briton.

Her time in the 2:24s is just outside her personal best.

Paula Radcliffe
Former women's marathon world record holder on BBC One

Image source, Getty Images

Whatever happens from here on in, it is a phenomenal debut from Yomif Kejelcha.

So in terms of the elite races, there is now just the men out on the course.

Kenyan defending champion Sabastian Sawe and debutant Yomif Kejelcha are out in front.

Sawe has never lost a race over 26.2 miles. The world record is still a possibility. The course record is definitely in play.

Paula Radcliffe
Former women's marathon world record holder on BBC One

Image source, Getty Images

The marathon is constantly a learning experience and Hellen Obiri learned a lot.

The final time for Ethiopian Assefa is 02:15:41.

There have been quicker efforts with male pacemakers, but that's the quickest in a women's-only race.

Hellen Obiri and Joyciline Jepkosgei, both of Kenya, are second and third respectively. They both finish under 2:16.

Steve Cram
BBC One commentator

Tigst Assefa makes it two in a row in London. She is the champion, again.

A roar of celebration from Assefa. Another tough race.

A different type of test, but she came through it.

Tigst Assefa has got this. She is pulling clear at the last.

Now for the women's only world record?

Joyciline Jepkosgei of Kenya looks the most tired of the three.

Tigst Assefa hits the front again. 400m to go.

Tigst Assefa was out on her own at this stage last year when she charged to victory. This is very different but she seems to have found something as Big Ben disappears behind them.

Assefa looked tired but now there's a spring in that step again. Hellen Obiri pushes back through the legs.

Paula Radcliffe
Former women's marathon world record holder on BBC One

This is now going to come down to a strength race. It's about what you have got left.

There are about five minutes to go.

Remember the women's only world record is Tigst Assefa's 2:15:50 set last year.

That's the time to beat if you want your name in the record books.

Steve Cram
BBC One commentator

This is where you can see Big Ben. They have two and a bit kilometres to go.

Image source, Getty Images

The trio remain under world record pace as Big Ben begins to loom large.

Hellen Obiri's shoulders are rocking. Assefa's legs look heavy.

It's going to be a battle.

Paula Radcliffe
Former women's marathon world record holder on BBC One

Some of the splits we have there are is yo-yoing of the pace. The last time Hellen Obiri was at the front, she picked it up.

Aimee Fuller
BBC Sport reporter on BBC Radio 5 Live

Image source, PA Media

The London Marathon is beautiful because it is for anyone. You start small and you build up and you work through the hardest part of the year in winter, when it is dark and rainy and wet. It makes standing on that start line, in April, even sweeter.

It is something we can measure and scale. It doesn't matter if you're doing it in sub-three hours, if you're an elite runner, if you're a beginner - it doesn't matter how long it takes. That is what unites everyone. It is the power of sport on that day.

It is an Olympics for all and gives us a sense of mass participation. You are a part of something that is just bigger than you - it is about the mass movement of people and it is a healthy place to be.

If you're just joining us today for the 2026 London Marathon, then you have missed Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner defend their respective wheelchair titles.

You can watch the final moments from their race below!

Is this a siginificant moment in the men's race?

Defending champion Sabastian Sawe and Yomif Kejejcha have kicked on and built a little lead of around 10m at the front.

Jacob Kiplimo, one of the big contenders, is working hard to bridge the gap.

Paula Radcliffe
Former women's marathon world record holder on BBC One

I think this is mind games from Hellen Obiri. Go to the front and maybe slow it down, but certainly push on.