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World Marathon Major · London, United Kingdom

London Marathon

The London Marathon is a fast, flat and very scenic loop along the River Thames, run every April from Greenwich to The Mall. Most places come from a very competitive public ballot, with charity places and a Good for Age route for UK residents.

The London Marathon course in London, from the start to the finish.
The course route, simplified. Check the official course map before race day.
Where and when
London, United Kingdom · April
First run
1981
Field size
about 56,000 to 60,000
Average finish
about 4:08
How to get in
Public ballot, charity places, or Good for Age (UK residents only)
Official site
londonmarathonevents.co.uk/london-marathon

Dates, fees and rules change every year, so confirm on the official site before you plan.

About the London Marathon

First run in 1981, London is known for its crowds, its charity fundraising and its welcome for runners of every pace, including costumes. It passes the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge at about halfway, Canary Wharf, Big Ben and Westminster.

Watch the London Marathon run again

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How do you get a place in the London Marathon?

A large public ballot. The fast-time Good for Age route is for UK residents only, and charity places are the other main way in. Odds in the ballot are often reported as a few percent.

  • When entry opens: The ballot opens soon after the race weekend in late April and closes about a week later.
  • Cost: About £79.99 for UK residents and £275 for international runners.

What is the London Marathon course like, and what is the cut-off?

A fast, flat loop from Greenwich along the Thames. Landmarks include the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge at the halfway mark, Big Ben and Westminster, before a finish on The Mall.

Cut-off: Eight hours from the start of the final wave. London is known for supporting the back of the field, and a second finish area stays open late for those who finish after the main one closes.

Where should spectators watch the London Marathon?

  • Tower Bridge, mile 12.5The most photographed place on the course, just before the halfway mark.
    Getting there: London Underground to Tower Hill (District and Circle) or London Bridge (Northern and Jubilee), then walk towards the river.
  • The Highway, miles 13 and 22The course uses both sides of the road, so you can see your runner at mile 13, cross over and see them again at mile 22.
    Getting there: The DLR to Shadwell.

Work out when your runner reaches each spot with the spectator timing planner, set to this race's usual start time. Tracking and signal can fail in a crowd, so agree a meeting place and a time before race day. See how to get around a marathon as a spectator.

What are the weather, start times and tracking like?

  • Weather: Cool and often damp, about 8 to 13°C (46 to 55°F), with little wind and a possible morning drizzle.
  • Start times: Elite wheelchairs 8:50, elite women 9:00, elite men and Championship 9:40, then the mass field from about 10:00 in colour-coded waves.
  • Tracking: The TCS London Marathon app shows live positions from timing mats and has a spectator route planner linked to runner pace.

Is the London Marathon a good first marathon?

Very good, if you get in (ranked 3 of 8 for a first-timer). Flat, scenic and famously welcoming to slower runners. The hard part is the ballot, where the odds are low. See the full ranking of the eight majors.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a place in the London Marathon?

Enter the public ballot, which opens just after the race in late April, apply through a charity, or use Good for Age if you live in the UK and have a fast enough time.

What are the odds in the ballot?

Low, often reported at a few percent. Many people apply for several years or raise money for a charity place instead.

Is London a good first marathon?

The course and crowds are ideal and the time limit is generous. Getting in is the hurdle.

Can I see my runner twice?

Yes. The Highway at miles 13 and 22 is reachable by DLR, and Tower Bridge at mile 12.5 is a short walk away.

What time does the race start?

Elite fields start from about 9:00, and the mass field from about 10:00. Your runner's wave time is in their start information.

Plan your race day

The other majors