On Sunday 23 April 2023, the TCS London Marathon will return to its traditional springtime slot – its home. And fittingly, it’s at this homecoming marathon that we’ll see a swathe of homegrown running talent take to the Start Line, including decorated Briton Sir Mo Farah.

Back in MOtion

A multiple Olympic and world champion, medal-adorned Farah is also the fastest British marathon runner in history, having set the current British record of 2:05:11 when he won the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in 2018. With three London Marathons to his name already – including the 2018 event, where he achieved his best-placed finish of third just months before his Chicago victory – he is now raring to give his all at the 2023 TCS London Marathon in April.

This news follows disheartenment last autumn, when Sir Mo was forced to withdraw from the 2022 event on Sunday 2 October due to a hamstring injury – just days before the big 26.2-mile dance. Following three months off running and a steady return to fitness and marathon mileage, he will now head to a training camp in Ethiopia for final preparations before his long-awaited London return.

“I was really disappointed to miss last October’s TCS London Marathon because of injury,” he said. “But I’m so happy the event has returned to April for 2023, as I don’t have to wait a whole year to get another chance.

“London is where I grew up and there really is no place like home. The people and support are incredible and it’s one of the best marathons in the world, for sure.”

Farah's farewell?

Farah has accomplished formidable things across multiple running distances over his extensive running career, having won the Mini London Marathon three times as a junior and claimed victory at iconic 5000m, 10,000m and half marathon events – among other feats. But will this year’s TCS London Marathon be the 39-year-old's final stab at 26.2 miles?

“Who knows? It depends on my body,” he said. “I want to go out and give the London Marathon another shot and, most importantly, get to the Start Line feeling healthy.

“It has been a tough few years with injuries, but I love what I do. I’m in such a good mood when I’m out there running and representing my country, and you've got to make the most of that.”

Uncertain that his professional athletic career will extend beyond 2023, Farah is prepared to absorb every moment of this year's London Marathon – especially as it could be his last.

“I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved and have got nothing to prove in this race”, he said. “I’m very lucky to have had such a long career with so many wins, and it'll just be special to be back on the streets of London, knowing that everyone’s behind you.”

A first-class British field

While Farah may be phasing out his competitive appearances, other homegrown talent is not in short supply, with some of the finest runners in Britain set to join him in the 2023 elite men's race. These include the head-turning debutant Emile Cairess, who gained valuable London Marathon experience as a pacer at last year’s event.

Cairess will arrive in London equipped with a silver medal from the 2022 European Cross-Country Championships, where he came second to Norway’s imposing 1500m Olympic and 5000m World Champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen. Alongside Farah, Cairess is also the joint-holder of the British 10K record (27:44) and, thanks to his outstanding time of 60:32 for 13.1 miles, the fourth-fastest British man in history over the half marathon distance.

Will Farah head the British field or be dropped by any of his countrymen? You can check out the competitive British men’s start list for the 2023 TCS London Marathon below – and see the action unfurl for yourself on Sunday 23 April.

British elite men at the 2023 TCS London Marathon

• Sir Mo Farah (PB 2:05:11 NR)
• Dewi Griffiths (2:09:49)
• Chris Thompson (2:10:52)
• Ben Connor (2:11:20)
• Joshua Griffiths (2:11:28)
• Luke Caldwell (2:11:33)
• Weynay Ghebresilasie (2:11:57)
• Phil Sesemann (2:12:10)
• Mohamud Aadan (2:12:20)
• Charlie Hulson (2:13:34)
• Adam Craig (2:13:58)
• Ross Braden (2:14:32)
• Nick Earl (2:14:38)
• Nigel Martin (2:15:19)
• Ronnie Richmond (2:16:59)
• Nicholas Bowker (2:17:35)
• Alex Milne (2:17:40)
• Josh Lunn (2:17:59)
• Fraser Stewart (2:18:40)
• Matthew Dickinson (2:19:23)
• Emile Cairess (debut)
• Paulos Surafel (debut)