The TCS London Marathon follows its iconic 26.2-mile (42.195 km) course through the heart of London, showcasing many of the city's most famous landmarks.
Start: The race begins in Blackheath, with runners assigned to one of three start zones based on their bib color:
Red Start: Charlton Way
Green Start: St John's Park
Blue Start: Shooter's Hill Road
Finish: The course concludes on The Mall, in front of Buckingham Palace, after runners pass iconic sites like Big Ben and the London Eye.
Route Highlights
The marathon route offers a tour of London's rich history and architecture:
Mile 6: Pass the historic Cutty Sark in Greenwich.
Mile 12: Cross the iconic Tower Bridge.
Miles 14-21: Navigate through Canary Wharf, London's financial district.
Mile 22: Run past the Tower of London.
Mile 25: See the London Eye and Big Ben as you approach the final stretch.
Mile 26: Finish on The Mall, with Buckingham Palace providing a regal backdrop.
Course Characteristics
Elevation: The course is predominantly flat, making it conducive to fast times and personal bests.
Surface: Entirely on paved roads, suitable for all runners.
Aid Stations: Water stations are available approximately every two miles, with Lucozade Sport drinks at miles 9, 15, and 22.5, and energy gels at miles 14 and 20.
Toilets: Facilities are located at the start, every mile from 1 to 24, and at the finish. Accessible toilets are available at the start, finish, and every even-numbered mile from 4 to 24.
Spectator Tips
For those cheering on runners, some of the best viewing spots include:
Cutty Sark (Mile 6): A lively area with ample space for spectators.
Tower Bridge (Mile 12): One of the most iconic landmarks on the route.
Canary Wharf (Miles 14-21): Offers multiple opportunities to see runners due to the looped section.
The Mall (Finish Line): Experience the excitement as runners complete their journey.