London Marathon Calendar
| Year | Date | Day | Days Left |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | April 29 | Wed | 73 days |
Standing on the start line in Greenwich feels unlike any other Sunday morning you have ever experienced. The air buzzes with nervous energy, the smell of deep heat rub, and the chatter of thousands of strangers who are about to become friends. The London Marathon isn’t just a race; it is a massive street party stretching across 26.2 miles of the UK’s capital. Whether you are chasing a World Major medal or just trying to survive the distance in a rhino costume, the atmosphere pulls you along. It is loud, it is chaotic, and it is absolutely brilliant.
Key Event Information
| Event Name | TCS London Marathon |
| Standard Distance | 42.195 kilometers (26.2 miles) |
| Typical Month | April |
| Participants | Approx. 50,000+ runners |
| First Race | 1981 |
| Course Type | Flat and fast (mostly) |
The Route: A Running Tour Of London
One of the biggest draws is simply where you run. You start in the leafy Blackheath area, but soon you are weaving through pure history. The course is essentially a highlight reel of London. Around mile 12, you hit the most iconic point: Tower Bridge. Crossing this landmark is often described as the most emotional part of the day. The crowds are deafening here. You might actually feel the bridge vibrate from the noise and the pounding feet.
After crossing the river, you head towards the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. This section can be tough mentally. It is where the “wall” often hits runners. But keep moving, because the finish line offers the best view of all. You run right past Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament before turning onto The Mall. Seeing Buckingham Palace as you sprint (or stumble) to the finish is a memory that sticks with you forever.
Getting A Spot On The Start Line
Here is the hard truth: getting into this race is difficult. It is one of the most popular sporting events on the planet. Most people try their luck in the Public Ballot. It works exactly like a lottery. You apply months in advance, usually just after the previous race finishes, and wait to see if you get lucky. The odds? Not great, but someone has to win, right?
If the ballot doesn’t go your way, the Charity Entry is the most common alternative. This is the heart and soul of the London Marathon. Thousands of runners pledge to raise a specific amount of money for a cause. It adds a layer of purpose to your training. When your legs hurt during a long rainy run, knowing you are helping a charity keeps you moving. Plus, charity vests get the loudest cheers from the crowd.
Spectator Tips And Tricks
Watching is almost as much fun as running, and significantly less sweaty. However, London gets extremely busy. If you try to follow a runner to multiple spots, you might get stuck in the Underground crowds. Pick one or two spots and stick to them. The area around Cutty Sark is fantastic but very crowded. For a slightly calmer view, try the areas along the Highway or the Embankment.
Make sure you download the official tracking app. It is fairly reliable and lets you see exactly where your runner is. Phone signals can be patchy due to the sheer volume of people, so agree on a specific meeting point for after the race. Do not just say “meet at the finish” because the finish area is huge. Pick a specific letter at the Horse Guards Parade meeting area to avoid panic.
The Magic Of The Crowd
You will hear people say the crowd carries you, and it sounds like a cliché. It isn’t. The noise is constant. Strangers scream your name (pro tip: put your name on your shirt) as if they have known you for years. They offer jelly babies, orange slices, and sometimes even tissues for the tears. The London spirit is on full display here. It restores your faith in humanity a little bit. Even if you are just watching on TV, the excitment translates through the screen.