Record Numbers Brave the Rain: 26,000 Participants Conquer the Capital’s Record-Breaking Cancer Research UK London Winter Run

February 15, 2026

LONDON – Sunday 15 February /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – London transformed into a winter wonderland this morning as 26,000 winter enthusiasts took to the closed streets of the capital for the 2026 Cancer Research UK London Winter Run – the UK’s biggest 10K and one of the most visually spectacular events in the city’s sporting calendar.

Braving the day’s conditions, participants gave their all at a high-energy start line in Trafalgar Square to a finish beneath the iconic Mall. The sold-out event saw entrants take on up a route packed with live entertainment, larger-than-life winter-themed characters and thousands of cheering supporters.

With live performers lining the streets, the event delivered a cool carnival atmosphere throughout the morning, transforming the heart of the capital into a snow-stopping showcase of community, resilience and hope. Whether breaking the ice on their way to a personal best, or melting away the miles of their first-ever 10K, participants were united by a shared mission: to help beat cancer.

Olympic legend Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards joined event goers and supporters on the day, officially starting each wave, cheering participants home and sharing his own passion for sport and perseverance.

The event is expected to raise up to one million pounds for Cancer Research UK, helping to fund vital research into preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer – bringing hope to millions of people affected by the disease.

“Today has been a truly landmark moment in the history of the Cancer Research UK London Winter Run,” said Andrew Smith, CEO of ASO UK. “To see a record-breaking 26,000 people flood the streets of London with such incredible energy and purpose is a powerful testament to the unique spirit of this event.

The atmosphere has been electric from the very first ‘Snow Blast-Off’ at Trafalgar Square, and having Olympic legend Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards join us to inspire our entrants as they set off past the National Gallery made the day even more special.”

“This event has always been about more than just a 10K. It is a celebration of our community. Every participant who crossed the finish line today to claim their masterpiece medal has not only achieved something remarkable personally but has played a vital role in helping us stop cancer in its tracks by raising significant funds to support life-saving research. We are immensely proud of every single person who braved the cold to make 2026 our biggest and best year yet.”

With its unique winter theme, central London route and uplifting atmosphere, the 2026 edition once again proved why the Cancer Research UK London Winter Run has become one of the capital’s most loved mass participation events.

Register now for 2027:

• Priority access opens on Sunday 15th February 7pm
• Public access opens on Monday 16th February at 11am

Those wishing to secure their spot at the start line are encouraged to sign up early in order to avoid disappointment as the Cancer Research UK London Winter Run notoriously sells out each year.

See more at https://www.londonwinterrun.co.uk/

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About the Cancer Research UK London Winter Run

The Cancer Research UK London Winter Run challenges people to keep running through the winter by taking on a 10km run. Thousands of people fill the streets each year making their way past London’s most iconic landmarks where they brave the elements to raise vital funds to help beat cancer. The annual Cancer Research UK London Winter Run is organised by ASO UK, the UK’s leading mass participation events’ company.

About ASO.UK

Human Race (https://aso-uk.com/) is the UK’s leading mass participation events’ company, set up to own, promote, and deliver world class sports events. Part of Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.), owners of the Tour de France and the leader in the French running and sportive market, Human Race’s prestigious portfolio includes the Dragon Ride, the Cancer Research UK London Winter Run and the adidas Manchester Marathon. The company also specialises in delivering bespoke corporate events, working with businesses such as JLL.

Human Race’s events bring together an active community of people taking part in sporting events for reasons ranging from fitness, competition, charity, health, fun or to simply finish. The participants vary from nervous first timers of all ages through to World Champions. Collectively, the events raise millions of pounds for hundreds of charities each year.

For more information please visit: www.humanrace.co.uk

About Cancer Research UK  

• Cancer Research UK is the world’s leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research, influence and information.
• Cancer Research UK’s pioneering work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has helped save millions of lives.
• Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen survival in the UK double in the last 50 years.
• Cancer Research UK supports research into the prevention and treatment of cancer through the work of over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses.
• Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK is working towards a world where people can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.

For further information about Cancer Research UK’s work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 0300 123 1022 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org.

Images here.