The course
From Greenwich to The Mall – the sights, sounds and colours of London on Marathon Day make the 26.2-mile route one of the world’s best.
Roaring crowd support, dozens of cheer zones, live bands and DJs turn the city into one big marathon party.
Throw in famous landmarks and a picture-perfect finish and it’s easy to see why this is the bucket-list marathon.
Here’s everything you need to know about the course – including an overview of your journey from south-east London to the heart of the capital and top tips from one of our expert pacers.
What to expect on Marathon Day
Course overview
The event has grown so much over the years there are now three Start Lines.
Participants from the three starting points meet for the first time just before Mile Three, in Woolwich. You’ll turn west to pass through Charlton, Greenwich and Deptford, looping around Cutty Sark between Miles Six and Seven. Expect huge crowds as you pass the historic ship.
The route then takes you through Rotherhithe and onto Jamaica Road in Bermondsey as you head towards one of the world’s greatest marathon landmarks: Tower Bridge.
Soak up the energy of the roaring crowds and let the wall of noise push you across the River Thames towards the halfway point. This is a marathon moment to savour.
Once you’re north of the river, and have clocked 13 miles, you’ll head east along The Highway to Westferry then circle through Mudchute, Docklands and Canary Wharf.
Four years ago, Rainbow Row was launched – a buzzing 250-metre stretch of road in Limehouse where everyone unites to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and promote inclusivity.
It’s just past Mile 21 and this party atmosphere will give you a huge lift.
There are plenty of charity and local running club cheer points along the route, too, creating a super special atmosphere over the 26.2 miles.
The final five miles of the course take in The Highway, Tower Hill and Victoria Embankment before you’ll reach Parliament Square, Birdcage Walk and the final corner in front of Buckingham Palace.
The unrivalled London crowds in these final miles will give you the boost you need to make it to that world-famous Finish Line on The Mall and the celebrations waiting for you beyond it.
Toilets
Toilets are available at the Start, every mile from Mile 1 to Mile 24, and at the Finish. Accessible Toilets are available at the Start, the Finish, Miles 1 and 2 and then every even mile - ie Miles 4, 6, 8 and so on - until Mile 24.
If you have a bladder or bowel condition, register for a Just Can’t Wait Toilet Card. It’s issued by the Bladder and Bowel Community and explains that you need urgent access. There are bladder pads at the Information Points and Drinks Stations.
There are tampons and sanitary towels at the Information Points and Drinks Stations.
Water & Lucozade Sport
There’s BUXTON® Natural Mineral Water every three miles from Mile 3 to 12, then every two miles from Mile 12 to 24. Please remember to drain the bottle before finishing with it. There is Lucozade Sport at Mile 7, 15, 21 and 23. There is also Lucozade Sport Gels at Mile 13 and 19.
The Drinks Stations are accessible for wheelchair users and volunteers will hand you your drink, and they can also open the bottle for you.
If you’re bringing a bottle belt or hydration pack, you’ll also find water refill points at Mile 5, 10, 14, 17 and 20.
Pacers
You’ll spot them in your start wave. They will have a flag on their back that shows their finish time. You can read more about pacers in your wave on the Pace Team page.
Need a moment?
Please use our Sensory Calm Space, Parent and Child Space (for breastfeeding/pumping and entertaining young children), or Multi Faith Prayer Space in the Finish Area.
Roger Vilardell has run the London Marathon six times and is a sub 2:30-marathoner.
He is also an experienced pacer, helping participants hit their target time on Event Day.
“The TCS London Marathon is just a big celebration,” he says. “The wall of noise crossing Tower Bridge is something I have not witnessed at any other Abbott World Marathon Major.
“And of course, the final mile or so, with the iconic Finish Line, is always an extremely emotional and amazing experience.
“My top advice for first-timers would be to enjoy the experience. Soak up the support from the crowds, smile and enjoy every minute of it.
“The first time should never be about the clock; it should be about the experience. Finish wanting to do it again.”
Below you'll find his full route rundown.
Pacing Advice
Miles One to Three
- Wide roads and net downhill but fairly crowded
- Don’t waste energy weaving in and out or pick up too much speed on the descent around Mile 3
- Better to find a straight line, be patient and settle into your marathon pace
Miles Four to 14
- Relatively flat section (still with a small net negative elevation)
- Great crowds past Cutty Sark just after Mile 6
- Find cruise control, manage energy levels and use the early Drinks Stations if you need to
- Be ready for the slightly uncomfortable incline just before Tower Bridge – but the crowds more than make up for the effort. Crossing the bridge is possibly the loudest part of the course!
Miles 15 to 20
- The tall buildings and narrow streets in Canary Wharf, and the Westferry Underpass, can cause GPS issues
- Use Mile Markers for reliable distance references
- Good crowd support, but it can get windy as the tall buildings and narrow streets act as tunnels
- There are a few twists and turns to navigate too
Miles 21 to the Finish
- Big crowds along The Highway, around Miles 21 and 22, to push you on when you need it the most
- A favourable section for your tired legs takes you from Tower Hill to Victoria Embankment, featuring great support from charities, turning right by Westminster Bridge with about one mile to go
- Birdcage Walk becomes very emotional with one kilometre (0.6 miles) to go – with great crowds on either side
- The final turn at Buckingham Palace, which takes you onto The Mall, is possibly the best marathon finish sight in the world
- Push for the Finish Line, don’t forget to smile and get ready to celebrate!
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