As the 2026 London Marathon approaches, the story isn’t just about elite runners chasing records, but also about a growing wave of celebrities lacing up for the full 26.2 miles. Actors, comedians, and chefs have turned the marathon into a test of endurance as much as a platform for charity. Among them is a Hollywood star who arrives in London with clear, personal goals: Cynthia Erivo.

While most of her focus might be on performing ‘Dracula’ at London’s Noel Coward Theatre until May 2026, Erivo is also a marathoner. The 39-year-old first started with the 2016 New York City Marathon and credits the race and her training for helping her return to herself.

“When I was doing The Color Purple [while she was training for the New York Marathon], I found that running allowed me to process some of the show, to regain who I was in my body, because my body was taking on the character,” Erivo told Runner’s World.

“What the run did for me was allow me to return back to myself. And so, I’ve used it just as a meditation, and it’s really helped in my work. It’s really helped in preparing me for getting ready for things. It’s really helped in centering. So, I guess running for me is my meditation. Some people choose different forms of sports. Some people choose very strict, pure meditation. Running is that for me.”

The Wicked-actor proceeded to run the New York City Marathon with an impressive time of 3:57:07 but that wasn’t enough for her. So her preparations continued, and Cynthia Erivo eventually tackled the London Marathon in 2022. She once again improved her performance, setting a personal best and shaving almost 20 minutes off, finishing 3:35:36.

It marked one of the better finishes from the celebrities running the race, including Radio presenter Vassos Alexander, Golden Globe winner Josh O’Connor, Mumford & Sons frontman Marcus Mumford and more. Now, four years later, Erivo is targeting another personal best at the 2026 London Marathon, hoping to shave off even more time from her PB.

“I really would love to run it at 3:15. If I could run it at 3:15, I’d be very, very happy. If I could shave off failing that, if I could get—because I ran it 3:35 last time—if I can get like a 3:30, 3:25, I’d also be very happy. But 3:15 is like the goal,” Erivo added.

And she’ll be amongst impressive company again, but Erivo isn’t worried because for her, it’s home turf.

Cynthia Erivo praises the atmosphere at the London Marathon

The 39-year-old actress was born and raised in London, and has spent most of her life in the city, even studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). It means for Cynthia Erivo, the race means that much more, and it’s likely why she was at her very best during the 2022 London Marathon.

And that’s exactly what the Wicked star attested, although the atmosphere during her first London Marathon left her stunned.

“It’s home,” Erivo explained. “I’m born and raised here too. The first time was really special, but to get to do it a second time around whilst I’m doing this show and I haven’t been on stage here for a long time, it feels like lots of full circle moments are happening. And there’s something really special about the London Marathon. The atmosphere is unlike any.

“And it really surprised me the last time I did it. You are supported the entire way. Every step of the way there is someone there, there is a crowd there, they are outside of the pubs, they are outside of their houses, people are on the streets. It’s such a wonderful atmosphere.”

The 39-year-old, however, will be racing alongside a host of celebrities, including actor James Norton, Jack O’Connell, Amy Jackson Westwick, Ore Oduba, and more. Former athletes and sports stars like F1 icon Sebastian Vettel, three-time FA Cup winner Aaron Ramsey, four-time Olympic gold medalist Sir Ben Ainslie, and five-time Olympic gold medalist and Britain’s most decorated female Olympian Dame Laura Kenny will also join them, among others.

Now, four years later, Erivo is targeting another personal best at the 2026 London Marathon, aiming to shave even more time off her PB and show that her running career is as much a part of her story as the stage.