RunFastAbout the race
The London Marathon is an annual road race through the British capital, run over the standard 42.195 km (26.2 miles). It is one of the World Marathon Majors and is known for its huge charity fundraising element.
History
Olympic steeplechase medallists Chris Brasher and John Disley set the race up so that it would show off the capital, and the first edition took place on 29 March 1981. It normally runs in April, though it was moved to October for 2020, 2021 and 2022 because of the pandemic. The title sponsor has been TCS since 2022.
The course
The route is largely flat and follows the River Thames. Runners begin around Blackheath, on three separate start lines (red, green and blue) that merge in Woolwich after about 4.5 km. They pass the Cutty Sark in Greenwich, loop through Rotherhithe and Bermondsey, and reach halfway as they cross Tower Bridge. The race then heads east through Wapping and Limehouse to the Isle of Dogs and Canary Wharf, before returning west past the Tower of London. The finish comes after the Embankment, with the London Eye in view, a turn into Birdcage Walk and the last stretch along The Mall beside St James's Palace.
The 2027 edition
For 2027 the organiser is staging the race over two days, Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April 2027, and is aiming for 100,000 runners in total.
Entry basics
There are several routes in: the public ballot, charity places, Good for Age and Championship entries, British Athletics club entry, and international entry through tour operators. The organiser's site says Good for Age and Championship applications for 2027 are open and tells those who miss the ballot to try a charity place or an international tour operator. The ballot is very popular, with more than 1.3 million applications reported for 2027.
Where to watch
The route is lined with spectators for most of its length. Well-known viewing areas include Greenwich near the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, the Tower of London and the Embankment, with big crowds near the finish on The Mall. The organiser publishes a spectator guide with advice on getting around on the day.
Weather
April is spring in London. Conditions on race morning can vary from cool and bright to showery, and the spring weather is changeable from one year to the next, so it is best to check the local forecast close to the day.