Ellie Kildunne has been named as a starter for the 2026 London Marathon. She will be the starter for the world-famous event, alongside legendary runner Sir Mo Farah.
On the honour, Kildunne said, “It’s a huge honour to be part of this year’s TCS London Marathon as an official starter. The energy around the event is incredible, and to share that moment alongside Sir Mo Farah is really special. It’s an event that inspires people at every level, and I’m proud to help get such an amazing day underway.”
The London Marathon will take place on Sunday, 26th April 2026. The famous 26.2-mile race will see up to 59,000 participants racing around the famous sites of the city.
Famous starters in the past
Some of the most famous faces in the world and in sport have started the London Marathon in the past.
Queen Elizabeth II has started the event before, as has her grandson and current heir to the throne, Prince William, who started the event in 2017.
In terms of famous sports people, the race has been started by Sir Andy Murray, David Weir and a collection of the England Women’s football team. Kildunne will be the first England rugby star of her kind to start such a prestigious event.
Ellie Kildunne the face of an incredible team
Kildunne was named Women’s World 15’s player of the year in 2024. She then went on to win the World Cup in 2025. The winger and full-back scored two tries as England hammered Scotland. This sets them top of the Women’s Six Nations, looking for their eighth title in a row. These two tries brought Kildunne to 50 England tries at the age of 26. An incredible fate.
England will play Wales at Ashton Gate the day before and will look to make it three clinical wins from three after wins against Ireland and Scotland in the first two rounds.
