Team Marathon launches in London for the first time

A new team marathon running event is launching in London that’s part race, part festival <i>(Image: Team Marathon)</i>
A new team marathon running event is launching in London that’s part race, part festival (Image: Team Marathon)
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A marathon with a festival atmosphere and a team twist is launching in London.

The Team Marathon, taking place on May 22, 2027, in Hackney Wick, invites teams of four to complete the 26.2-mile distance together, with each member running a 10.55km leg.

Unlike traditional relays, all teammates will start and run together on a short-loop course designed to keep participants connected throughout the race.

Nick Keller, CEO of Benchmark, the event organiser, said: "80% of 18-24 year-olds are signing up with others [1], and a 59% increase in run club participation has been seen globally [2] - the numbers don’t lie - but, while running has become increasingly social and community-driven, most race formats still centre on competition and individual achievement."

The event is part race, part festival, featuring live music, DJs, cheer zones, and a race village offering street food, drinks, and brand experiences.

Mr Keller added: "We’re excited to be stepping out with something different, having seen first-hand how powerful a team-based running concept can be. Shared experience will be at the heart of everything we do.

"So yes, you’ll get a shared marathon time and we still want runners to feel that sense of achievement – but, we also want them to have fun with their mates."

The Team Marathon is the latest venture from Benchmark, the sports events company behind the Bloomberg Square Mile Relay, which has hosted 86 events worldwide since 2008.

Pre-sale for the London event  went live on August 26th, at 10am, with 100 founding team tickets available. Each ticket covers four runners at a cost of £26.20 per person.

The organisers plan to expand the concept to three other UK cities in 2027 before launching across Europe.

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