Over a Thousand Participants Undertake London’s Overnight Marathon Course Prior to Official Race Day

(SeaPRwire) –   LONDON, April 26, 2026 — The streets of London were filled with runners at midnight last night for the yearly Reverse Marathon, an unofficial 26.2-mile overnight run held just before the official Marathon starts.

Runners began gathering at Trafalgar Square as early as 6pm to absorb the atmosphere. PUMA provided the first 100 arrivals at its PROJECT 3 Van with a complimentary shoe exchange, trading their old footwear for a new pair of the latest Deviate NITRO™ Elite 4, allowing them to conquer the streets in style.

Due to a record number of ballot applications for the 2026 official race, many were unable to secure a spot. The Midnight Marathon created a chance for all to tackle the course. More than a thousand members of London’s running community participated, gaining a completely different view of the standard route.

During the event, PUMA kept participants energized and morale boosted with music, complimentary t-shirts, and festivities that lasted the entire night.

The initial finishers reached the finish line in the early morning, and PUMA awarded the first male and female runners a year’s supply of PUMA Running shoes and clothing to commemorate their success.

One participant commented after completing the Reverse Marathon: “What an incredible experience. This is a fantastic and distinctive way to see the Marathon route. The atmosphere in London during marathon weekend is unbeatable, and I’m thrilled to absorb the city’s positive energy.”

Later today, PUMA will maintain high energy at The NITRO™ Lab by offering free post-race pizza and beer to any finisher over 18 who presents a medal (terms and conditions apply). A live tattoo artist will also be on hand providing free flash tattoos, ensuring this becomes a truly memorable race.

Alongside The NITRO™ Lab, PUMA will also generate excitement at the PUMA London Flagship store, where finishers can get their medals engraved for free on Sunday afternoon, Monday, and Tuesday.

Reverse Marathon Imagery: FASTCat Link

Notes for editors

The NITRO™ Lab: The Mall, London SW1Y 5AH
Opening Times
Sunday 26th April (13:00 – 15:00)

PUMA London Flagship: 376-384 Oxford St, London W1U 1EF
Opening Times
Sunday 26th April (10:00 – 19:00)

Media Contact:
Stefan Popovic
Lead PR
stefan.popovic@puma.com

Sarah Fuller
Junior PR Manager
Sarah.fuller@puma.com

PUMA

PUMA is a top global sports brand that designs, develops, and sells footwear, apparel, and accessories. Established in 1948, PUMA supports the world’s finest athletes and teams with its innovative products. Recognizable by its iconic cat logo and the Formstrip, the company provides performance gear for categories like Football, Running, and Training. Its Sportstyle lines are based in sports and motivate consumers by honoring sports culture. Boasting a long history and rich heritage, PUMA takes pride in possessing one of the most extensive archives in the business, featuring timeless items such as the Suede and the Speedcat. The PUMA Group owns the brands PUMA, Cobra Golf, and stichd. The company sells its products in more than 120 countries, has over 20,000 employees, and is based in Herzogenaurach, Germany. For further details, visit https://about.puma.com.

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