On 27th April, the streets of London will be filled with participants taking part in the TCS London Marathon. Race day planning usually covers kit, fuel, and toilet breaks, but beauty experts are urging runners to also plan skincare stops.
Why SPF matters
Annabelle Taurua, beauty expert at Fresha, explains: “Historically, the sun has been shining on the day of The London Marathon, with temperatures hitting the low – mid 20s in 2025. With people running for hours on end, this prolonged exposure to UV can have damaging effects on the skin, making protection paramount.”
She adds that UV exposure not only causes sunburn but also breaks down collagen and elastin, leading to premature ageing, fine lines, and loss of firmness. It can trigger hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone, and the effects can intensify even on cooler or cloudy days.
How often to reapply SPF
“When you are outdoors and UV has direct access to your skin, the rule of thumb is to reapply SPF every two hours. However, when sweating, this time reduces to roughly every 60 minutes, as when you’re wiping away sweat, you’re also wiping away your SPF.
“If you sweat a lot, plan a stop every hour to reapply sunscreen. For a four-hour marathon, that means four stops. If you sweat less, every two hours is sufficient with a good quality SPF,” says Annabelle.
Choosing the right SPF
Annabelle’s top tips for race-day SPF
- Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher
- Select water- and sweat-resistant formulas for prolonged protection
- Opt for convenient formats like sticks or sprays for speedy application
- Protect lips with a hydrating SPF lip balm
How to apply SPF on race day
To ensure full coverage
- Apply a generous layer of SPF at least 20–30 minutes before the race
- Focus on easily missed areas: ears, back of the neck, and hairline
- Pat skin dry before reapplication
- Reapply every 60 minutes if sweating heavily, or every 2 hours otherwise
Experts note that dermatological guidance aligns with these recommendations. Water- or sweat-resistant formulas are preferred for endurance sports to maintain efficacy throughout prolonged physical activity.
The TCS London Marathon begins with elite races in the early morning, with mass participation waves starting around 9:30 am from Greenwich Park and Blackheath. Temperatures in 2025 started near 10°C–12°C, rising to highs of 20°C–23°C in the afternoon, with sunny intervals possible despite some cloud cover. UV exposure remains a factor throughout the day, regardless of cloud cover or temperature.
Incorporating SPF application into race-day routines, ideally alongside hydration or fuel stops, helps maintain consistent protection. Runners are encouraged to test their chosen SPF during training runs to ensure compatibility with sweat patterns and personal skin response. By treating sunscreen as a core essential alongside standard marathon kit, participants can focus on performance while safeguarding their skin.
“Planning SPF application ensures runners cross the finish line with nothing more than a medal and immense pride, and maybe a couple of blisters,” concludes Annabelle.