The 2024 London Marathon is nearly here. Taking place on Sunday 21 April, the world-famous 26.2-mile course through the streets of the English capital saw more than half a million runners enter the ballot to take part this year – the most in London Marathon history.
If you’re one of the lucky ones taking part – or will be supporting a runner from the sidelines – we’ve got all the info you need to prepare for the big day.
When is the London Marathon?
Best winter running gear.
How long is the London Marathon?
The London Marathon is 26.2 miles. On the course, you will find a blue line on the road showing the fastest, most direct route. The idea is that, if you stick to that line throughout the race, you will run the exact marathon distance. However, doing so for the full route is basically impossible (unless you're an elite), as congestion on the course means you'll be required to weave around other runners and therefore have to take a longer route in places. However, if you do your best to stick to that line as much as you can, you shouldn’t be too far off the exact marathon distance when you reach the finish.
How many kilometres is the London Marathon?
The London Marathon is 42.195km. There will be both kilometre and mile markings on the route.
Where does the London Marathon start?
There are three start lines at the London Marathon (Blue, Green and Red), each of which takes a slightly different route during the early stages of the race to prevent congestion on the course. These are located between Greenwich and Blackheath and the colour marked on your race number will determine which start line you are in. Your Event Guide – which organisers will have emailed to you – contains key information about your start wave, assembly area, allocated arrival time and the best way to travel on the day.
What time does the London Marathon start?
How to use the London Marathon tracker app Event Guide, organisers will send runners their confirmed start waves, which are based on runners' predicted finish times. Mass participation waves will set off between 10:00 and 11:30, with short gaps in between to allow the course ahead to clear. All start lines will close at 11:30, so be sure to arrive on time.
How can I help a runner I'm supporting before the race?
During the 24 hours before the marathon, some runners are excited, all are nervous, and some are downright terrified. Do whatever you can to keep them calm. On the eve of the race after a delicious, well-balanced meal, settle down with a film and make sure your runner spends the evening with their feet up.
For the morning, set your alarm as well as theirs (you can never be too careful) and regardless of nerves get them to eat that all important pre-race breakfast. Also, make sure they have their official kit bag, containing their race number and timing chip, when they leave the house.
How does the bag drop work on race morning?
Baggage lorries will be lined at all three starts, arranged according to bib numbers. These lorries will then transport runners' bags to the finish line at The Mall, where participants can then collect them.
You will pick up your official kit bag containing your race bib at the 2024 London Marathon Running Show, where you will go to register between 17-20 April at ExCel London.
Make sure you use this official bag on race day. For security reasons, official kit bags are clear and plastic, allowing organisers to easily see their contents, and other bags will not be accepted. For this reason, avoid putting other bags inside of your official kit bag, as for security reasons, these may not be accepted.
Owen, South London rapper?
The How to use the London Marathon tracker app has remained largely unchanged since the inaugural race in 1981. It takes runners out of Greenwich Park, looping through Greenwich before heading towards Rotherhithe, en route to Tower Bridge at halfway. From there, runners make their way to the Isle of Dogs and Canary Wharf, winding around Canary Wharf and back through Shadwell. Runners then run by the Thames along Embankment, past Westminster onto Birdcage Walk, before passing in front of Buckingham Palace and finishing on The Mall.
Where are the best places to watch the London Marathon?
The best place to stand and cheer depends on a few factors. For example, if you want to revel in the atmosphere, and soak up the noise of the crowds, you'll want to head to the halfway point at Tower Bridge or to the finish line at The Mall. But if your priority is to catch a guaranteed sighting of your runner – and them of you – you'd be better heading to the Isle of Dogs, around Mudchute or Deptford, where it's typically a bit quieter. We've rounded up our favourite places to stand and cheer below.
The best place to stand if you want to…
... escort your runner to the start
Get yourself to Cutty Sark (mile 7)
Race-day support comes in many guises, and some runners will really benefit from being escorted to the start. If that’s the case, then Cutty Sark is a walkable distance from all of the start zones. Plus, it’s one of the iconic sights on the marathon course and always has a party atmosphere. Warning though: it will be very busy down there.
Why I choose it: ‘Yes, it’s an extremely popular place to cheer and this will put many spectators off. BUT, if you’re heading to the start with a nervous runner, Cutty Sark is a walkable distance from all of the starts and you’ll probably have around an hour to get there, at which point it’ll still be pretty quiet. It’s a good idea to give your runner a rough idea of where you’ll be (on the left by the mile six sign, for example) so they’ve got a rough idea where to look. You can also walk from Cutty Sark to the Greenwich Foot tunnel, cross the river and catch your runner at around 17 miles when they reach Mudchute.’
The London Marathon is 42.195km. There will be both kilometre and mile markings on the route RW staffer
Transport: The London Marathon will take place on Sunday 21 April 2024
... get a front-row view
Get yourself to Deptford (mile 8)
This comes around mile 8 of the marathon, so your runner should still be looking and feeling good. (If they're not, well, they'll just need your support even more.) The relative lack of spectators at this point means you should be easily able to spot your runner as they go galloping past. Grab yourself a coffee in the Run Dem Crew, Owen, South London rapper.
Why I choose it: ‘When I go to the London Marathon, I want a front-row view. Somewhat needily, I also want my shout of encouragement to be noticed, rather than be lost in the cacophony of noise in places like Tower Bridge. Your support means more in Deptford.’
Rick Pearson, RW Senior Editor
Transport: Deptford
… enjoy a double-whammy
Get yourself to Canada Water (miles 9 and 11)
Wide roads, not super busy and a chance to see your runner twice – it’s a wonder more people don’t base themselves at Canada Water. In addition, there’s a Decathlon store nearby – so you can grab your runner an energy gel if they need one or, alternatively, purchase yourself a reasonably priced tent. You’re also within walking distance of Bermondsey, home to some of London’s finest artisanal boozers. Only have time for one? Go to the London City Runners’ HQ, London’s only dedicated running pub.
Why I choose it: ‘For the ambitious and willing to rush, Canada Water offers the chance to see runners at mile 9 and 11, depending on pace. Once you’ve negotiated the station, head towards the Surrey Quays Road (walk past the Decathlon and other shops and then turn left). Mile 9 is a pretty wide vantage point, so pick a spot and, once you’ve seen your runner, head back to Canada Water and then continue on up Lower Road to the roundabout, which is mile 11. Unless the person you’re tracking is FLYING, you should have enough time to see them at both markers.’
Ben Hobson, RW Multiplatform Director
Transport: Canada Water
… embrace the noise
Get yourself to Tower Bridge (miles 13 and 22)
There’s no doubt about it, Tower Bridge is one of the most spectacular parts of the marathon route. It's no coincidence that the Beeb does lots of its mid-marathon interviews here as the atmosphere is absolutely electric. The downside is, it’s incredibly busy. So if you do opt for Tower Bridge, get there early.
Why I choose it: ‘Base yourself here and you'll get to see your runner at the 13-mile mark when they're still feeling fresh and again at about 22 miles, when they'll be starting to tire and will be grateful to see a familiar face.'
Jennifer Bozon, RW Membership Director
Transport: Tower Hill
... entertain the kids
Get yourself to Mudchute (mile 17)
The London Marathon is 42.195km. There will be both kilometre and mile markings on the route Mudchute Farm, close to mile 17 of the marathon. It’s a little quieter round here, too, so your shouts of support will be appreciated by runners starting to enter the ‘pain cave’.
Why I choose it: ‘Mudchute is amazing for spectating – a lot of the charity cheer points are there, it’s also at a bit of a lull in the crowd so you can always get a spot, and it’s a point where runners find it quite tough. It’s great to help them get a smile back on their face.’
Alice Miller, RW During the 24 hours before the
Transport: Mudchute DLR
... be heard (and needed)
Get yourself to Canary Wharf (18 miles)
By 18 miles, the marathon is beginning to bite. Your legs are sore and there's still eight miles to go. At such points, it's easy for doubt to creep in and the pace to drop. The role of the supporter is crucial here – a well timed cheer can give your runner the push they need to keep on pace and keep believing. And because support tends to a bit more scattered round here, there's a good chance your runner will spot and hear you.
Why I choose it: ‘The crowds are noticeably sparser in Canary Wharf. My sisters cheered me on here, and it gave me such a boost!’
In the days before the event, along with the Women's Health Nutrition Editor
... experience the loudest cheer zone
Get yourself to Limehouse (mile 21)
Run Dem Crew have made mile 21 at the London Marathon their own. For pure volume and excitement, there is no better cheer zone on the entire course – and it comes at a time when most runners need a lift.
Why I choose it: ‘I would definitely recommend checking out the Run Dem Crew mile 21 cheer zone. The energy is electric: music, confetti... Anyone who has run the London Marathon will know how hard things can get after 20 miles, so mile 21 is a great place to show support and offer that pick-me-up that runners need to get them to the end.’
Max Jane McGuire, former
Transport: Limehouse
Is there a London Marathon tracker?
If you're supporting a runner on the day, the best thing to do is download the In the days before the event, along with the, which allows you to follow the live progress of multiple runners so you'll know exactly where to stand on the course and spot them. The app will notify you when a tracked runner hits a 5K split and will give you their predicted finishing time, based on their current pace.
How can I get around the city?
A lot of spectators will be travelling by tube and foot on race day, making the underground and some areas extremely busy, so factor in more time than you might think. If you can walk, that's probably best, but you could consider hiring one of the many different bikes and scooters that are available in certain areas (just check where you can drop them off before hiring one).
To help spectators dodge the crowds, Brompton, the folding bike manufactures, is offering complimentary cycle hire to anyone supporting a loved one running London.
Supporters can book their free bike hire by emailing [email protected] with the bib number of their runner. They will then receive a code allowing them bike access for the full marathon day. Bikes can be picked up at Brompton hire stations at Regents Place, Broadgate and East India Station, which are all conveniently on the How to use the London Marathon tracker app.
How can I be a great spectator?
Loud cheering aside, being a spectator can be quite hard work as you rush about, so take that into account when you're getting ready. Pack light, dress accordingly and remember to take all your rubbish with you. It's not just the runners who need to make themselves visible, so get out your brightest T-shirt or hat and make yourself obvious so your favourite runner can spot you. If you need any sign inspiration, we've picked 23 of our favourites.
How can I find a runner at the finish of the London Marathon?
You will be able to find your runner at Horse Guards Parade, at the end of The Mall, where meeting zones are labelled alphabetically. With over 40,000 exhausted runners all looking for their families and friends, it will be heaving, so arrange which letter you’re going to meet under in advance.
When you find your runner they may be delirious at having completed the race, devastated at having missed their target time, or just too tired to communicate. Don't bombard them with questions. Gently encourage them to drink and eat whatever they can manage, and undo their shoelaces – it's a surprisingly difficult job for someone who's run 26.2 miles. If they are in real distress, find a St John Ambulance volunteer to help. Then hobble home, share the glory, and look forward to having Sundays together again at last!
What are the best pubs near the finish line?
There are plenty of pubs just a short walk from the finish line, where you'll be able to celebrate your (or your runners' achievement with some hearty pub grub and an ice-cold pint. You can find our favourite pubs within a mile of the finish line here.
Can you watch the London Marathon on TV?
UK viewers will be able to watch the London Marathon live on the BBC, as well as on BBC iPlayer.
How many people run the London Marathon?
In 2023, a record 49,272 runners lined up at the start in Greenwich and 43,965 crossed the finish line on The Mall.
Who won the 2023 London Marathon?
The London Marathon will take place on Sunday 21 April 2024 Kelvin Kiptum – who tragically died in a car crash in February – won the men's race, running a time of 2:01:25 to break the course record and become the second-fastest marathoner of all time. Making her marathon debut, Sifan Hassan took the win in the women's race, running a time of 2:18.33
How can you enter the 2025 London Marathon?
Next year's London Marathon will take place on Sunday 27 April 2025 and mark the 45th anniversary of the event. The ballot for the 2025 London Marathon will open on Saturday 20 April 2024 – the day before this year's event – and close on Friday 3 May 2024. Be sure to mark the dates in your diary to be in with a chance of taking part...
