London Marathon 2025: The ultimate guide for runners and spectators
The countdown to the 2025 London Marathon is on. An ever-coveted event with monumental appeal, tracing an iconic route from Greenwich to The Mall, the London Marathon will take to the English capital again on Sunday 27 April – and it is set to be the jewel in the crown of this year’s running calendar.
Tens of thousands of participants will take on the 26.2-mile challenge in 2025, including first-time movers, charity runners, club competitors, some of the greatest professional athletes the world has ever seen and, of course, the lucky ones: the successful ballot entrants.
Indeed, a world record-breaking 840,318 people entered the ballot for a place in the 2025 London Marathon – an eye-watering figure that well eclipsed the previous world record of 578,374 ballot applications for the 2024 London Marathon. So, if you have a confirmed ballot place for 2025, guard it with your life and cherish it forever.
Whether you’re running the London Marathon this year or supporting all the action from the sidelines, here’s all the information you need to prepare for the big day.
When is the London Marathon?
The 2025 London Marathon will take place on Sunday 27 April. It will be the 45th edition of this world-famous race.
How many people run the London Marathon?
In 2024, more than 53,700 people completed the London Marathon – the most in the event’s history and this year will most likely be even bigger! The 2024 London Marathon also raised a staggering £67 million for charities, making it the biggest one-day fundraising event in the world, ever.
What time does the London Marathon start?
In the days before the event, organisers will send all runners their confirmed start times, which are based on their predicted finish times.
Although this year’s timings are yet to be confirmed, the men’s and women’s elite wheelchair races set off first, usually just after 9am, followed by the elite women at around 9:25am. The elite men’s race then kicks off at around 10am, which is the same time that the first mass participation runners start. Runners will then continue to set off in waves until around 11.30am.
How long is the London Marathon?
The London Marathon is 26.2 miles, or 42.2km, in distance. To accommodate followers of both metrics, the route will feature kilometre and mile markers.
If you’re a participant, you’ll also spot a single blue line on the road, which travels the entire length of the course and indicates the fastest, most direct route. If you stick to that line throughout the race, you will run the exact marathon distance – but that’s easier said than done when you’re a mass participation runner moving along a busy course. So, do your best to stick to the blue line as much as you can and understand that you may have to do some weaving and take a longer route in places where the course is particularly congested.
Where does the London Marathon start?
The London Marathon has three start lines (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 bib will determine which start line you should head to on the day. The organisers will email you all the important race day information – including your start wave, assembly area, allocated arrival time and best travel options – in the days before the event.
How do I get my race bib?
You must collect your race bib from the 2025 London Marathon Running Show, which will take place at ExCel London. Here, you’ll also collect your official kit bag to use for the bag drop on race day, should you wish to.
Although the exact opening times are yet to be confirmed, the 2025 London Marathon Running Show will be open on the following days.
Wednesday 23 April
Thursday 24 April
Friday 25 April
Saturday 26 April
The Running Show can get very busy on the Friday and Saturday, so try to attend on the Wednesday or Thursday if you can. If you’re unable to attend the Running Show in person, you will be allowed to ask someone else to collect your race bib on your behalf – you will not be able to collect your race bib on the morning of the event.
How does the bag drop work on race morning?
Several baggage lorries will be assembled at all three start areas – the lorry featuring your bib number will be the one where you’ll need to drop off your bag. These lorries will then transport all bags to the finish line at The Mall, where runners can collect them.
For security reasons, you will only be able to use the official kit bag that you collect at the London Marathon Running Show for the bag drop. So, put all the items that you’ll need at the end of the race directly in this official kit bag and avoid putting other bags inside it.
What is the London Marathon route?
The point-to-point London Marathon route has remained largely unchanged since the race was first held in 1981. Starting in and looping around the historic maritime borough of Greenwich, the course then heads toward Surrey Quays, Rotherhithe and Tower Bridge, the famous London landmark situated around the halfway mark. From there, runners make their way to the Isle of Dogs and Canary Wharf, before heading back through Shadwell and all the way along to Embankment, which runs adjacent to the Thames. The route then veers right onto Birdcage Walk and the final, long-awaited stretch on The Mall, just in front of Buckingham Palace.
Where are the best places to watch the London Marathon?
The London Marathon is known for its electric atmosphere – and that’s largely thanks to the countless spectators that line the course each year. If you are powered up by the energy of big crowds and want to situate yourself in the heart of all the noise and energy, head to the halfway point at Tower Bridge or to the finish line at The Mall. If you’d prefer a slightly quieter day out, head to the Isle of Dogs, Mudchute or Deptford, where the crowds are thinner and you’re much more likely to spot your runner – and vice versa.
Need some more inspiration? We’ve rounded up our favourite cheer spots below.
Cutty Sark
Where is it located?
Mile seven – take the DLR to Cutty Sark or Greenwich.
What’s it best for?
Escorting your runner to the start line.
Why is it worth it?
Some runners are more nervous than others and appreciate company before they race. If this is the case for your runner, head with them to the Cutty Sark, as it’s a walkable distance from all three London Marathon start lines. Plus, since the Cutty Sark is one of the most iconic sights on the marathon course, it always has a party atmosphere and is worth going back to once the runners have set off. One word of warning, though: this area can get very busy as the day goes on.
‘Yes, it’s an extremely popular place to cheer and this will put many spectators off,’ says Jane McGuire, former RW staffer. ‘But, the Cutty Sark is a walkable distance from all three start lines, trusting you give yourself about an hour’s grace, and it’ll still be pretty quiet this early in the day. 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 know where to look when they get there. You can also walk from the Cutty Sark to the Greenwich Foot tunnel, cross the river and catch your runner at around 17 miles when they reach Mudchute.’
Deptford
Where is it located?
Mile eight – take the DLR to Deptford Bridge.
What’s it best for?
Getting a front row view.
Why is it worth it?
Since runners hit Deptford within the first third of the marathon, they should still be looking and feeling good when at this point of the course. (If not, they’ll just need your support even more.) The relative lack of spectators here means that you should be able to spot your runner quite easily as the move past – and they’ll probably be glad to spot you, too.
‘When I go to the London Marathon, I want a front row view,’ says Rick Pearson, RW’s Senior Editor. ‘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.’
Canada Water
Where is it located?
Miles nine and 11 – take the tube to Canada Water.
What’s it best for?
Enjoying a double-whammy of running action.
Why is it worth it?
With wide roads, manageable crowds and a chance to see your runner twice, Canada Water is a spectator’s paradise and it’s a wonder more people don’t base themselves there. Since there’s a mammoth Decathlon store nearby, you can even 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, which is home to some of London’s finest artisanal boozers and the city’s only dedicated running pub, London City Runners’ HQ.
‘For the ambitious and willing to rush, Canada Water offers the chance to see runners at miles nine and 11, depending on pace,’ says Ben Hobson, RW’s Multiplatform Director. ‘Once you’ve negotiated the station, walk past the Decathlon and then turn left toward Surrey Quays Road to reach mile nine, which offers a pretty wide vantage point. Once you’ve seen your runner here, head back to Canada Water and continue 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.’
Tower Bridge
Where is it located?
Miles 13 and 22 – take the tube to Tower Hill.
What’s it best for?
Embracing the noise.
Why is it worth it?
There’s no doubt about it – Tower Bridge is one of the most spectacular parts of the entire London Marathon route. It’s no coincidence that the BBC does lots of its mid-marathon interviews here, as the atmosphere is absolutely electric. The downside? It is, of course, incredibly busy at Tower Bridge, so be sure to get there early.
‘Base yourself on the northern side of Tower Bridge and you’ll see your runner twice,’ says Jennifer Bozon, RW’s Membership Director. 'You’ll see them first at the 13-mile mark, when they’re still feeling fresh, then again at about 22 miles, when they’ll be starting to tire and wanting to see a familiar face.’
Mudchute
Where is it located?
Mile 17 – take the DLR to Mudchute.
What’s it best for?
Entertaining the kids.
Why is it worth it?
If yoTaking the kids to cheer on a parent? Sweeten the deal with a quick visit to 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 those tough final miles.
‘Mudchute is amazing for spectating and a lot of the charity cheer points are here,’ says Alice Miller, RW reader and runner. ‘It’s a point where the crowds wane a little, so you can always get a spot. Plus, it’s part of the course which runners find quite tough, so it’s great to help them get a smile back on their face.’
Canary Wharf
Where is it located?
Mile 18 – take the tube to Canary Wharf.
What’s it best for?
Being heard – and needed.
Why is it worth it?
If you’ve ever run a marathon in the past, you’ll know that the race truly begins to bite at the 18-mile mark. More likely than not, your legs are already feeling sore, even though there’s still eight miles to go. At such moments, it’s easy for doubt to creep in and the pace to drop. So, the role of the supporter is crucial here – a well-timed cheer can give your runner the push they need to keep on moving and believing. Since support tends to be a bit more scattered around Canary Wharf, there’s also a good chance that your runner will spot and hear you.
‘Canary Wharf is a tough part of the course – the crowds are sparser, the buildings are taller and more intimidating and the route itself is quite twisty and energy-sapping,’ says Rachel Boswell, RW’s Senior Content Writer. ‘So, seeing people you know in the crowds among all those glassy skyscrapers really does give you a boost like no other. Plus, since it’s such a built-up area, you’ll probably lose GPS signal around Canary Wharf, which can raise the panic levels if you’re trying to hit certain splits. Seeing a familiar face at that point will help you to relax and enjoy the moment regardless.’
Limehouse
Where is it located?
Mile 21 – take the DLR to Limehouse.
What’s it best for?
Immersing yourself in a buzzing cheer zone.
Why is it worth it?
Run Dem Crew has made mile 21 at the London Marathon its own. For pure volume and excitement, there’s no better cheer zone on the entire course – and it comes at a time when most runners need a lift.
‘I would definitely recommend checking out the Run Dem Crew mile 21 cheer zone,’ says Max Owen, a rapper from South London. ‘The energy is electric – full of music, confetti and more. 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 the pick-me-up that runners need to get them to the end.’
Westminster
Where is it located?
Mile 25 – take the tube to Westminster, Embankment or St James’s Park.
What’s it best for?
Seeing London’s best landmarks.
Why is it worth it?
The London Marathon course keeps its greatest architecture for the final couple of miles. While the magnificence of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben may be lost on runners who have ventured deep into the world of fatigue, it’s undoubtedly one of the most exciting points from which to spectate. What’s more, cheering from here means that you’ll be reunited with your runner fairly soon after they cross the finish line. Just remember the golden rule: you walk to where they are, not the other way around!
‘To glimpse the whole spectrum of human emotion, head to mile 25, around Westminster,’ says Isaac Williams, contributing writer for RW. ‘Here, giddy ecstasy meets pain and exhaustion as runners turn right at Big Ben and realise that their efforts over 26.2 miles are almost at an end. To secure the best spot, get down early and stand just past Horse Guards Road, opposite St James’s Park, where you can encourage weary legs to keep going for another few hundred metres.’
Is there a London Marathon tracker?
If you’re taking on supporting duties this year, be sure to download the London Marathon app, which will become available for the 2025 event closer to race day. The app allows you to follow multiple runners as they make their way around the course and gives you their predicted finish times based on their current pace and 5K splits. That way, you’ll know exactly where to stand along the route – and when – to spot them.
Who should I look out for in the elite races this year?
If you secretly wish that you were running rather than spectating the London Marathon this year, here’s something to make you feel better – the elite races at the 2025 London Marathon will quite possibly be the greatest you’ll ever see. A swathe of big names will whizz past you in pursuit ultra-quick times, including the finest distance runners in Britain, the reigning Olympic marathon champions, Sifan Hassan and Tamirat Tola, the women’s marathon world record holder, Ruth Chepngetich, and the marathon GOAT, Eliud Kipchoge.
Blink and you’ll miss them – so get to the roadside early and keep your eyes peeled for some extraordinary running from some of the best on the planet.
What’s the best way to travel around London?
Thousands of spectators will be travelling by tube and foot on race day, making the underground and some areas very busy, so factor in more time than you might think to get around the course. While walking or even jogging is probably your best bet when it comes to transportation, you could also consider hiring one of the many different bikes and scooters that are available in certain areas – just be sure to check where you can drop them off before hiring one.
How can I succeed in my spectator duties?
Loud and enthusiastic cheering aside, being a spectator can be quite hard work as you rush around from one point to the next, so take that into account when you’re getting ready. Pack lightly, dress accordingly and remember to take all your rubbish with you. To make sure that your runner can spot you along the way, don your brightest clothing and perhaps even make a funny sign – it’ll make them smile and give them that all-important boost.
How can I find a runner at the London Marathon finish line?
You’ll be able to find your runner at Horse Guards Parade, at the end of The Mall, where meeting zones will be labelled with different letters from the alphabet. The area will be packed with thousands of tired runners all looking for their families and friends, so arrange which letter you’re going to meet by in advance.
When you find your runner, try not to bombard them with questions. Whether the race was a roaring success or not the one that they’d planned, it’s likely that they’ll need some time to comprehend what they’ve just achieved and wind down from such a huge undertaking. Gently encourage them to drink and eat whatever they can manage and untie their shoelaces – it’s a surprisingly difficult job for someone who’s just run 26.2 miles. If they need medical attention, seek help from a nearby St John Ambulance volunteer.
What are the best pubs near the finish line?
There are plenty of highly recommended pubs just a short walk from the finish line. Whether you’re a runner or a dedicated spectator, there’s no better way to celebrate your marathon achievement than with some hearty pub grub and an ice-cold pint or two.
Can I watch the London Marathon on TV?
If you’re in the UK, you’ll be able to watch live coverage of the 2025 London Marathon on BBC One, BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. You’ll also have the option to follow two live streams – from Tower Bridge and the finish line – on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport app. Since these live streams will be available on demand, you’ll be able to watch yourself back if you’re running!
How can I enter the 2026 London Marathon?
Next year’s London Marathon will take place on Sunday 26 April 2026. The ballot for the 2026 London Marathon will open on Saturday 26 April 2025 – the day before this year’s event – and close on Friday 2 May 2025. If previous ballot application figures are anything to go by, the 2026 London Marathon will be another extremely sought after event...
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