How many calisthenics athletes did the London Marathon 2026?

59,830 people finished the 2026 London Marathon, but how many of them were calisthenics athletes?

We can’t know exactly how many of those runners train calisthenics, but we do know that our friends at Steel Warriors had people running for them. And they’re unlikely to be the only ones.

A few years ago, the idea of calisthenics athletes lining up for a marathon would have seemed unlikely. Different goals, different training styles. But that’s changing.

More athletes now see the value in combining strength and endurance. They understand that you don’t have to choose one or the other.

Does calisthenics actually help with running long distances? Let’s break it down.

Calisthenics for marathon running

At first glance, calisthenics and marathon running look like opposites.

One focuses on strength, control, and skill. The other is about endurance, pacing, and mental resilience.

But when you look closer, they complement each other well.

In marathon training, every extra kilogram has a cost. At the same time, strength helps maintain form under fatigue. Calisthenics builds strength relative to bodyweight, which is exactly what distance running demands.

Is calisthenics good for marathon running?

Calisthenics isn’t just an add-on. It can directly improve running performance.

Efficiency improves because stronger glutes, core, and posterior chain help maintain better running mechanics over long distances.

Posture becomes more stable, especially later in a race when fatigue sets in. Upper body strength, particularly pulling strength, helps keep you upright.

Joint health improves as calisthenics strengthens stabilising muscles that support impact during running.

Injury risk is reduced because many common running injuries come from weakness or imbalance, both of which calisthenics helps address.

Can you combine marathon running and calisthenics?

You can combine both, but it needs to be done properly.

Running should stay the priority if you’re training for a marathon. Calisthenics should support it, not interfere with it.

A simple structure might include calisthenics sessions two to three times per week, with a focus on quality rather than volume.

Exercise selection matters. Avoid heavy leg work right before long runs to prevent unnecessary fatigue.

Why are calisthenics athletes doing marathons?

Calisthenics athletes tend to be drawn to challenge.

They’re interested in what the body can do, not just how it looks. That mindset naturally leads to exploring endurance alongside strength.

There’s also a growing shift toward hybrid training. Athletes want to be well-rounded, not limited to one style of performance.

Marathon running offers something completely different. It tests pacing, mental resilience, and endurance over hours rather than seconds.

For many, it’s a way to build a more complete version of strength.

Best calisthenics exercises for marathon training

Lower body strength exercises like single-leg squats, lunges, step-ups, and glute bridges help build stability and power in each leg.

Core work such as planks, hanging knee raises, and dead bugs supports posture and efficient energy transfer while running.

Upper body exercises like pull-ups, rows, face pulls, and push-ups help maintain posture and control, especially during long efforts.

Plyometric and control-based movements like box jumps, controlled step-downs, and light bounding drills can improve foot control and running efficiency when used appropriately.

Can calisthenics athletes do marathons?

Seeing calisthenics athletes at the London Marathon is part of a broader shift.

Strength athletes are building endurance. Runners are building strength. The gap between disciplines is closing.

Calisthenics fits naturally into this approach. It’s adaptable, scalable, and builds strength that carries over into real-world performance.

Whether you’re a runner looking to build strength or a calisthenics athlete considering your first marathon, combining the two is not only possible, it makes sense.

And if you’re thinking about entering the London Marathon 2027, you won’t be the only one coming from the bars.