The London Marathon is one of the most iconic races in the world, combining a lightning-fast course with breathtaking scenery through the heart of one of the world's greatest cities. Since its inaugural running in 1981, it has grown into a global phenomenon that attracts elite athletes and charity runners alike.
The Course
Starting in Greenwich Park, the course winds through the streets of South East London before crossing the Thames at Tower Bridge - one of the race's most photogenic and atmospheric moments. The second half takes runners through Canary Wharf's gleaming towers before heading west along the Embankment.
Key Landmarks
The route passes some of London's most famous sights:
- Cutty Sark (mile 6) - the historic tea clipper in Greenwich
- Tower Bridge (mile 12) - the emotional halfway point
- Canary Wharf (miles 14-19) - modern financial district
- Tower of London (mile 22) - 900 years of history
- Big Ben & Parliament (mile 24) - approaching the finish
- Buckingham Palace (mile 26) - the royal finish line
Course Profile
The London course is remarkably flat, making it one of the fastest marathons in the world. The only notable features are gentle undulations in the early miles through Greenwich and a slight climb approaching the finish on The Mall.
Why London?
London holds a special place in marathon running. The combination of a world-class city, incredible crowd support (over 750,000 spectators line the course), and a flat, fast route makes it a bucket-list race for runners worldwide.
The race has a unique atmosphere - from the fancy dress runners raising millions for charity to the elite athletes setting world records, everyone shares the same streets and the same celebration of human achievement.
Getting In
The London Marathon ballot typically opens in mid-April (immediately after that year's race) and closes in early May. Results are announced in October. With only about 50,000 places available and hundreds of thousands of applicants, acceptance rates hover around 10%.
Alternative entry options include:
- Charity places - Run for an official charity partner with a fundraising commitment
- Championship entry - For elite runners meeting qualifying standards
- Good for Age - Age-graded qualifying times that guarantee entry
Race Day Tips
- Start conservatively - the crowds and flat terrain can lead to going out too fast
- Tower Bridge marks the emotional and physical halfway point - soak it in
- The Canary Wharf loop can feel isolating after the packed early miles - stay focused
- Save energy for the final push along the Embankment - the crowds build again
- The Mall finish is uphill but short - give it everything you have left