Shorts: London Marathon, Anthony Joshua, Sheffield United

Sir Mo Farah and Ellie Kildunne will start the elite wheelchair, elite women’s and elite men’s races, as well as the mass participation event, at the 2026 TCS London Marathon on 26 April.

More than 59,000 participants are expected to take part, with the race beginning at Blackheath and finishing on The Mall.

Farah, a four-time Olympic gold medallist, returns to the event in an official capacity for the first time since retiring from athletics in 2024. Kildunne, who represents England in rugby union, will take part following England’s Six Nations fixture against Wales the day before the marathon.

The elite fields include returning champions across men’s, women’s and wheelchair races. The event remains one of the largest mass participation sporting events in the UK and continues to attract international elite athletes alongside amateur runners.

Sir Mo Farah said, “It’s an incredible honour to be the official starter of the 2026 TCS London Marathon. This event means so much to me as not only did I make my marathon debut here, but I also won the Mini Marathon when I was a young boy. Marathon Sunday is also such a special day for the city of London – it brings people together from all walks of life to achieve something extraordinary. I can’t wait to send thousands of runners off on their journey and feel that special London energy once again.”

Ellie Kildunne said, “It’s a huge honour to be part of this year’s TCS London Marathon as an official starter. The energy around the event is incredible, and to share that moment alongside Sir Mo Farah is really special. It’s an event that inspires people at every level, and I’m proud to help get such an amazing day underway.”

British boxer Anthony Joshua has been unveiled as the new Blade Master for Wilkinson Sword’s men’s Quattro razor.

The partnership sees Joshua front the new “Protect What’s Important” campaign, which is built around routine, discipline and having the right tools. The campaign marks the next chapter of Wilkinson Sword’s Blade Masters platform, which first launched in 2024.

As part of the deal, Joshua will promote the new men’s Quattro razor, which has been designed with enhanced skin protection, including titanium and diamond coated blades and a self-standing handle made with over 30% recycled materials. The campaign will roll out across digital and in-store channels.

Anthony Joshua said, “Confidence is key to having a champion’s mindset, but it has to be built on something. For me, confidence comes partly from doing the work and sticking to your routine and your goals. Wilkinson Sword is a legendary brand and I really connect with its Blade Masters identity. It is defined by its mastery, and I like to think I’ve dedicated the same discipline towards my own craft.”

Sheffield United have partnered with digital specialists ADI to complete a digital transformation of its Bramall Lane stadium.

The project includes the installation of a new high-resolution LED screen, a digiBOARD perimeter system, a mid-tier digital ribbon, and new digital signage across the John Street Family Stand and externally above the Tony Currie Stand reception. The upgrade is designed to increase the club’s commercial opportunities and improve the fan experience.

The entire platform is powered by ADI’s Live Venue broadcast fibre network, which enables remote content creation and management from ADI’s headquarters.

Stephen Bettis, CEO of Sheffield United, said, “This is a landmark moment for the club. We’re not just upgrading our screens – we’re enhancing the entire fan experience and creating a more dynamic commercial platform for our partners. This investment reflects our ambition to modernise Bramall Lane and deliver a Premier League-standard environment, both on and off the pitch.”

Faster Football has renewed its global distribution partnership with sports entertainment platform DAZN for a second year.

Under the agreement, DAZN will stream the tournament live and free-to-air on its global platform in more than 200 markets.

The 7-a-side tournament, which launched as Soccer7Series in 2025, will feature 95 matches across Men’s, Women’s, and Masters competitions, with teams from clubs including AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Leicester City, QPR, Corinthians, and Sydney FC.

Shay Segev, DAZN Group CEO, said, “Faster Football is a great example of how new, high‑energy formats are reshaping the way fans experience sport. DAZN supports innovative competitions and giving them a truly global platform to grow. By bringing Faster Football to fans free‑to-air in more than 200 markets, we’re helping the tournament expand its audience and unlock new opportunities at scale, while delivering fast-paced, engaging football built for today’s digital‑first fans.”