Chasing Sub-3 at the London Marathon 2026: Marco McKerlie’s Story

For many runners, completing a Marathon is the ultimate goal. For Marco McKerlie, it was something more: a benchmark he had long set his sights on.

Crossing the finish line in under three hours at the London Marathon 2026, 25-year-old Marco not only achieved a personal milestone but also raised over £1,100 for The Ability Hub, our new play and development centre based at Thames Valley Park.

“I’m really happy,” Marco said after the race. “When I started running, it seemed like the pinnacle of it and I’m proud of myself for getting there.”

Building Toward the Big Day

Marco’s preparation pointed clearly toward a strong performance. A 1:22 finish at the Reading Half Marathon and a sharp 17:47 5K gave him confidence in his fitness leading into race day. These results helped him gauge his condition and set realistic expectations for the marathon.

His race strategy was equally well thought out. The day before, he kept things simple with “a LOT of pasta and not much else.” During the race, he followed a disciplined fuelling plan, taking in a 40g carbohydrate gel every 30 minutes, alongside water and salt from a soft flask. Everything went to plan nutritionally, giving him one less thing to worry about on the course.

Overcoming the Tough Moments

Training wasn’t without its challenges. Marco recalls one particularly difficult long run four weeks out, battling intense winds and a dip in morale.

“I lost my head a bit on that run,” he admitted. But in hindsight, that session may have been crucial—helping him develop the mental resilience he would rely on later.

Race morning brought its own nerves. Sitting on the Tube en route to the start, Marco found calm in an unexpected place: classical music. “I put some Mozart on and it did the trick, weird, I know.”

A Race Run Smart

From the start, Marco executed a controlled and thoughtful race. He aimed for an even split (in pace) and stuck to it closely, making an early adjustment when he noticed his heart rate creeping higher than expected in the first 10K. Slowing slightly proved to be a smart move, allowing him to maintain consistency throughout.

At halfway, he felt strong though the electric atmosphere at Tower Bridge required some composure. “I was more trying to calm myself down from the buzz… it was amazing,” said Marco.

Unlike many marathon runners, Marco never hit “the wall.” Conservative pacing and careful monitoring paid off, keeping him steady deep into the race. A boost from seeing family around the 20-mile mark gave him an extra lift just when it mattered.

The Final Push

The loudest crowds, according to Marco, came in Canary Wharf. The sound reverberating off the buildings created an intense, energising environment. Later, along the Embankment, familiar faces shouting encouragement helped drive him forward.

But there was one unexpected hurdle: a brief toilet stop at 38K. Coming out of it, Marco quickly did the maths: he was on track for 3:00:04 if he maintained pace.

“So I thought I better get a move on!” he said. Which he certainly did, achieving a lifelong goal and impressing supporters and everyone here at the charity.

Crossing the line under the three-hour mark is a huge personal achievement and a testament to disciplined training, smart pacing and mental strength.

However, his journey wasn’t just about time. By raising over £1,100 for The Ability Hub, Marco’s run will help create opportunities for others, making his accomplishment all the more meaningful.

To contribute to Marco’s amazing run head to: https://www.justgiving.com/page/marco-mckerlie-ldn26