Running Show Flash Quotes

The countdown is on for tens of thousands of runners ahead of the 2026 TCS London Marathon, with participants arriving in their droves on the first day of the Running Show at Excel London. 

Those taking part collected their bib numbers, browsed the exhibitors’ offerings and took part in activations from partners. Here’s what some of those running this year said...

Joe Wicks, the Body Coach, opened the Running Show alongside running royalty Paula Radcliffe, and Daddy Pig, who Wicks has been training ahead of his first ever marathon. 

“I’ve just had the honour of cutting the ribbon for the TCS London Marathon Running Show and it is great to be here. I did it with Daddy Pig and the running legend that is Paula Radcliffe, which was a real honour. It is great to be here, and the energy is building now. Everyone is excited and it is a really great exhibition. There are so many interesting talks and shows. 

“It’s almost time to get out on the course at the weekend, and I cannot wait to be there in a few days’ time.” 

 Daddy Pig will be ‘jeffing’ [a run-walk interval method popularised by Olympian Jeff Galloway] the TCS London Marathon alongside Joe Wicks, and is taking part to raise awareness for the National Deaf Children’s Society, after his son George was diagnosed with moderate, single-sided deafness.  

“It’s all starting to feel very real now. I can’t believe I’m here picking up my running bib with the big day so close – 26.2 miles is quite a long way! I'm nervous, but I'll be fuelled by my coach and friend Joe Wicks, plenty of pasta, and Mummy Pig, Peppa, George and Evie cheering me on.  
 
“It’s going to be a wonderful feeling to cross that Finish Line, and most importantly I'm doing it all to support the incredible work of the National Deaf Children's Society, who have been a huge support to our family and so many others."  

Catherine Nagl, 45, from Glasgow, is running for Marie Curie, the 2026 TCS London Marathon Official Charity of the Year. Catherine has been raising money in memory of her Granny and has been fundraising in a unique way. 

“Fundraising is going well – I thought it would be harder than the training, but I have been hosting concerts as a musician and the audiences have been so generous. I play the bassoon and have raised more than £4,000 so far.  

“It is an amazing charity for end-of-life care. I was just talking to the CEO, and he told me about the help they offer in Glasgow, and I am so pleased I can help. Their team has been so good, whether I needed banners to promote what I was doing or extra clothing for running over the winter, they have been there to help – you need it in Glasgow! 

“My Granny, during the latter stages of her life, had a Marie Curie nurse, who helped a lot with my family as well. During this fundraising period, I have heard so many stories about how Marie Curie nurses, even after the death [of their family members], have stayed in touch. It is such a caring and giving charity. 

“I am feeling ridiculously nervous. It is my first and only marathon! The crowds will be phenomenal and all I need to do is finish. I’d love to party when I finish but the Finish Line and restaurants may be closed by then! There will be tears and then I will drink some fizzy. That is as far as my brain can go!” 

Santiago Alvarez, 48, has made the long journey from Texas, in the USA. He is running his first London Marathon this year, although it won’t be the first time he has trodden the 26.2 miles. 

“I am pretty excited. The energy in this place is amazing. It will be my seventh marathon, and I want to do as many of the Abbott World Marathon Majors as I can. Up to now I have run the New York City Marathon twice, and this will be my second Major before I run the Sydney Marathon in August. I have a little bit of time to rest in between, although not that much! 

“London is such an amazing city and there is so much to see. I have been a few times before for sightseeing, but the opportunity to run through it and finish on The Mall is just great – I can’t wait. 

“I am looking forward to seeing the Expo and am just thrilled to be taking part.” 

Alex Flack, 51, from Richmond in London, is a previous participant and, along with collecting her bib, was hoping for one extra souvenir to take home. 

“I want a selfie with Daddy Pig, so that is top of my list! My kids are nearly adults, and I would love for them to do the London Marathon with me one day. They grew up watching Peppa Pig, so a selfie with Daddy would be great! 

“Personally, I am feeling good. I have done London a few times and just love running in general. I got a Good For Age place this year and am targeting 3 hours 40 minutes. My advice to first-time runners would be not to go out too fast. Usually, I do this and it doesn’t end well, so I am going to try and do it properly on Sunday.” 

The TCS London Marathon Running Show is open until Saturday. A full list of exhibitions can be found here.