London Marathon: Ones to Watch in Glasgow as Commonwealth Games Legends Take to the Start Line
Almost 60,000 runners will take to the start line of the iconic London Marathon this weekend. Among them, Commonwealth Games legends, past and present, as well as rising stars set to compete at Glasgow 2026.
For those looking ahead to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, this is a chance to track form, spot new talent, and get a glimpse of what could unfold at Scotstoun Stadium this summer.
Ones to Watch in Glasgow
Eilish McColgan – Scotland
Scotland’s golden girl of distance running and official Glasgow 2026 Athlete Ambassador, Eilish McColgan, returns to London this weekend, one year on from her debut across the 26.2-mile distance. Eilish cemented her name in Commonwealth Games history at the Birmingham 2022 Games with her iconic gold medal finish in the 10,000m shortly followed by an impressive silver in the 5,000m.
After injury setbacks delayed her marathon debut, she stepped up to the distance for the first time in London last year and now returns ready to build on what she started.
With a Commonwealth title, multiple Olympic appearances, European medals and British records to her name, McColgan’s move to the marathon adds a new layer to her already remarkable career. Glasgow 2026 is firmly on the horizon, and a strong showing in London would only heighten expectations on home soil.
“The marathon is the event I'm focused on now, and if the Commonwealth Games were anywhere else in the world, it wouldn't even be on my radar,” McColgan said ahead of the 2026 London Marathon.
“But, with it being Glasgow and the opportunity to wear a Scotland vest, be in front of my family and friends, it's something I can't turn down. I'll do everything I can within my capabilities to be on the start line in Glasgow and to defend my title.”
Madison de Rozario – Australia
A name synonymous with success, Madison de Rozario arrives in London as one of the most decorated wheelchair racers in the world. The Australian has dominated the Commonwealth stage, winning four gold medals across the Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022 Games, including back-to-back marathon victories.
Her London pedigree is equally strong, with consistent performances among the world’s best in the T53 and T54 classes. A Paralympic champion and serial world medallist, de Rozario has built a career on resilience and excellence.
Glasgow 2026 offers the chance for a historic third consecutive Commonwealth title in the 1500m, and she will be one of the standout stars of the para athletics programme.
Noemi Alphonse - Mauritius
Noemi Alphonse could be one of the breakthrough names of the year. The Mauritian wheelchair racer, who is part of the Commonwealth Sport GAPS programme, is targeting what would be a landmark Commonwealth Games debut this summer.
Alphonse has already made history on the global stage, becoming the first Mauritian para athlete to reach a Paralympic final before going on to secure her country’s first World Para Athletics Championships gold medal.
Still only 25, she brings fearless ambition to the London Marathon. Ambition that we are sure to see tenfold on the track at Scotstoun this summer.
Commonwealth Legends on the London Start Line
The London Marathon is also packed with familiar names who have delivered unforgettable Commonwealth moments.
Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei, a double gold medallist in the 5,000m and 10,000m at Gold Coast 2018, brings his relentless pace to the roads. His compatriot Jacob Kiplimo, who completed the same golden double in Birmingham while setting a Games record, is another to watch closely.
Kenya’s Hellen Obiri, Commonwealth 5,000m champion from 2018, has already proven her class over the marathon distance and returns as a major contender once again.
In the wheelchair races, British and Team England legend David Weir lines up with a legacy that includes six Paralympic titles and Commonwealth gold in Glasgow 2014. His presence alone adds weight to an already stacked field.
Honourable Mentions
Rubbing shoulders with the pros in London will be thousands of amateur runners. Amongst them, some familiar faces in the world of Commonwealth Games.
Dame Laura Kenny, Britain’s most decorated female Olympian, will be swapping her wealth of experience on the bike for her running shoes as she makes her London Marathon debut. A Commonwealth champion with England at Glasgow 2014 and Birmingham 2022, she is running in support of The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust.
Chris Newton, another former Team England cyclist and Commonwealth medallist, is no stranger to the marathon. A multiple London finisher, he returns once again, this time raising funds for the Anthony Nolan Trust.
Double Olympic and two-time English Commonwealth champion Alex Yee will take on ‘pacemaker’ duties in the men’s elite marathon. The 28-year-old is returning a favour to Emile Cairess, who paced him for 21 miles at the Valencia Marathon last December.
Yee is aiming to help Cairess break the British record time of two hours, five minutes and 39 seconds, set by Sir Mo Farah. The four-time Olympic champion, who competed for England at Melbourne 2026, set the existing mark in 2019.
