London Marathon

The TCS London Marathon is one of the most prestigious road races on the planet and a proud member of the six World Marathon Majors. Held every spring through the streets of one of the world's greatest cities, it attracts elite athletes, charity runners, and weekend warriors alike — all united by the extraordinary atmosphere that makes London a bucket-list marathon destination.

Why Run the London Marathon?

• World Marathon Major: One of only six Abbott World Marathon Majors globally
• Iconic Landmarks: Run past Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace
• Legendary Atmosphere: Hundreds of thousands of spectators line the streets cheering every runner
• Charity Running: Raises more money for charity than any other event in the world
• Historic Finish: Cross the line on The Mall, in the shadow of Buckingham Palace

Course Highlights

The London Marathon course winds through some of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, from the historic streets of Greenwich to the grand finish on The Mall.

Key Landmarks Along the Route

• Start: Blackheath (mass start) and Greenwich Park (elite/championship start)
• Tower Bridge: The race's most iconic moment — crossing this Victorian masterpiece at mile 12
• Canary Wharf: Through London's modern financial district
• Embankment: Running along the Thames with stunning river views
• Buckingham Palace: The unforgettable final stretch past the Queen's residence
• Finish: The Mall — one of the most celebrated finish lines in all of sport

Course Profile

The London Marathon course is largely flat, with gentle undulations through the capital's varied neighborhoods. The 75m elevation gain across the 42.195 km course makes it accessible for runners of all abilities while remaining fast enough for world record attempts.

Race Day Experience

London Marathon day is unlike any other sporting event in the world:

• Record Participation: Over 40,000 runners from more than 100 countries
• Elite Racing: The world's best marathoners battle for prize money and course records
• Costume Runners: Thousands of runners in fancy dress make it a true spectacle
• Cheering Crowds: Deafening support along every mile of the course
• Charity Impact: Collectively raising hundreds of millions for thousands of charities

Training Tips

To make the most of your London Marathon experience:

1. Respect the course: While largely flat, the long miles on London's streets demand strong training
2. Spring weather: April in London can be warm — train in layers and be prepared for anything
3. Crowd energy: Embrace the atmosphere — London's crowds will carry you through the tough miles
4. Arrive early: London Marathon logistics are complex; plan your journey well in advance

After Your Race

London is the perfect city for a post-marathon celebration. The city's world-class restaurants, iconic pubs, and vibrant neighborhoods offer endless options for recovery and celebration.

Commemorate Your Achievement

Create a stunning custom map poster of your London Marathon route with makemap. Simply:

1. Download your GPS data from your running watch or Strava
2. Upload it to makemap's editor
3. Customize your poster with your finish time, date, and personal message
4. Choose from various styles and sizes

Turn your London Marathon memory into a beautiful piece of art for your home or office.

Getting There

London is one of the world's best-connected cities:

• Heathrow (LHR) / Gatwick (LGW): Major international hub airports
• Eurostar: High-speed rail from Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam
• Public Transport: London's Underground (Tube), buses, and trains make race day travel straightforward

Registration

The London Marathon ballot opens in April each year and receives hundreds of thousands of applicants for the 50,000 available places. Options include:

• Public Ballot: Apply each year for a chance at a ballot place
• Championship Entry: Qualify via Good for Age or Championship standards
• Charity Places: Run for one of the hundreds of official charity partners
• Club Places: Via affiliated running clubs

Weather

The London Marathon takes place in late April, offering variable spring conditions:

• Temperature: Typically 10–16°C on race day
• Weather: Can range from perfect running conditions to unseasonably warm
• Wind: London can be breezy — factor this into your pacing strategy

The London Marathon is more than a race — it's a celebration of human endeavor. Start planning your journey to the start line in Blackheath today, and let makemap help you commemorate your achievement with a beautiful custom map poster.