The London Marathon 2025

Complete Visitor Guide, Tips, and Must-Know Details

Welcome to 'The London Marathon 2025' guide, were we will bring you all the tips and must-know details before participating or either viewing it on the side-lines.

The London Marathon is one of the six major marathons in the world with an impressive participant audience, as well as a fund-raising event for charity. This long-distance running event was originated in 1981 and was inspired by the New York City Marathon.

When is the Marathon for 2025?

For this year, the event will take place on Sunday 27th April 2025.

This guide is primarily targeted for spectators. If you are a participant, you must follow all the regulations given to you by the TCS London Marathon.

Note: Any details mentioned here under can change under any circumstance, so if you need further clarification, kindly seek the TCS London Marathon website. We provide links on this page for ease and comfort.

Runners Pace Through London Marathon Streets

Key Dates and Times for the London Marathon 2025

Running Show: Wednesday 23rd to Saturday 26th April at ExCeL London
The London Marathon: Sunday 27th April 2025
Wheelchair Race Start: 8:50 am
Elite Women's Race Start: 9:05 am
Elite Men's Race Start: 9:35 am
Mass Participants: 9:35 am to 11:30 am

It is highly advised that you make sure at what time you are starting if you are participating, to avoid last-minute rushes.

London Marathon 2025 Route Map and Highlights

The entire marathon route is 26.2 miles (42.2 km) passing through London's famous sights and through historic charm and modern cityscapes.

Starting Point: Multiple starting points and areas between Greenwich, Maze Hill and Blackheath stations
Finishing Point: The Mall, London (Near Buckingham Palace)

Along the route, there are several key mile markers and drinking stations

The official race map can be found here on page 13.

Here is a downloadable guide of the entire event.

Best Spots To Watch The London Marathon for free

You can spectate the entire marathon for free. There are several spots where you can capture the best of the marathon.

Cutty Sark along mile 6
Tower Bridge along mile 12
Canary Wharf along mile 18
The Tower of London along mile 22
The London Eye along mile 25
Big Ben along mile 25
Buckingham Palace along mile 26

Find all the helpful spots along the entire marathon route.

London Marathon runners crossing iconic Tower Bridge landmark

Road Closures and Travel Disruptions During London Marathon 2025

During the marathon there will be extensive road closures to ensure safety for both the participants and spectators. If you plan on visiting or if you are attending, ensure you plan ahead to avoid disruptions.

The underground will still operate, however there will be certain changes in some stations where some will be exit-only or completely closed.

Other modes of transport will be limited, depending if it passes through the route of the marathon. It is always advised to check for any signs of closures or diverting transport for the day.

Using this live tracking map will help you plan your travels with ease.

Medical Stations For Spectators And Runners

During the London Marathon, spectators have plenty of options for medical assistance:

Medics and St John Ambulances are stationed regularly.
The official route map should clearly show first aid points - usually every mile.
Medical tents located at the beginning (Greenwich/Blackheath) half way (near Tower Bridge) and the finish (on The Mall).
Contact a volunteer, marshal, or police officer - they're trained to call for help.
You can also ask for assistance at any information point (clearly marked).
Call 999 for serious emergencies - emergency services are on high alert during the event.

20+ Must-Know Facts About the London Marathon

Men Wheelchair racers at the London marathon.

Elite athletes compete in the London Marathon wheelchair men’s race

Twenty quick facts that make the London Marathon one of the world's greatest running events that capture the essence, scale, and magic of what makes it so special.

🏃 The New York Marathon inspired the first marathon in 1981.
🌍 Along with Boston and Tokyo, it is part of Abbott's World Marathon Majors.
👥 A crowd of around 2 million spectators gathers along the route every year.
🏅 For 2025 a world record-breaking 840,318 people entered the ballot. It has beaten the previous world record of 578,374 for the 2024 London Marathon.
💷 With over £1 billion raised, it is the world's biggest annual fundraising event.
🕒 The average time for an amateur runners is around 4 hours 30 minutes.
🏃‍♂️ Elite men finish the race in just over 2 hours, elite women around 2 hours 15 minutes.
🏃 Around 40,000 runners finish every year.
🏅 Paula Radcliffe in 2003 achieved a world record for the fastest female marathon runner at 2:15:25 during the London marathon which was held for 16 years.
📈 Several London Marathon record: Kelvin Kiptum in 2023 finished in 2:01:25 (Men's Category); Paula Radcliffe in 2003 finished at 2:15:25 (Woman's Category); Marcel Hug in 2023 at 1:23:44 (Wheelchair Men); Catherine Debrunner in 2022 at 1:38:24 (Wheelchair Women)
🎉 The eldest runner to take part was Fauja Singh, age 93 which completed the London Marathon in 2004.
🏰 From Greenwich to The Mall, the scenic route passes iconic landmarks.
📺 The broadcast is available in 150+ countries and is viewed by millions of people worldwide.
👟 Public ballots, charity places, and international partners are all possible entry methods.
👗 From fridges to rhinos, they are known for their quirky costumes!
🎖️ Organizes wheelchair races and races for the visually impaired.
🧠 Thousands run to support mental health and cancer research.
🏃‍♀️ In 1983, a women's elite race was added with equal prestige.
🎭 Multi-time Guinness World Record holder in fancy dress marathons.
📦 Virtual races can be run anywhere in the world.
📅 The event is usually held on the last Sunday of April.

What Spectators Should Pack for the London Marathon

As a spectator, be ready for anything! Below is a list of items we suggest you bring along if you are eager to spend a long time at the marathon.

👟 Comfortable shoes: Lots of standing and walking will be involved.
🪑 Foldable chairs: Great for long waits and good viewing spots.
🍎 Snacks: Get your energy up with easy-to-carry snacks.
💧 Water: Make sure you stay hydrated.
🔋 Portable charger: Make sure your phone stays charged all day.
🧥 Layered clothing: Dress in layers in case the weather changes.
🌧️ Rain gear: A small umbrella or waterproof jacket is a must.
🕶️ Sunscreen & sunglasses: Keep yourself protected from glare and the sun.
📣 Signs or noisemakers: Show your support!
📍 Meeting point: Establish a meeting point after the race.
🗺️ Event map or app: Follow runners and find your way around.
💳 Cash & contactless: Prepare for shops and vendors.
🧻 Tissues or wipes: Perfect for quick clean-ups.
🔭 Binoculars: Identify runners at a distance.
🗑️ Trash bag: Make sure the area is tidy and clean.

Enthusiastic crowds cheer marathon runners along the London route

Where to stay in london marathon

The right place to stay is crucial if you plan to attend the London Marathon 2025. Book a room in Greenwich or Blackheath if you want a stress-free race morning. If you're planning to celebrate at the finish line, choose Westminster or Victoria. The Canary Wharf or Docklands offer a quieter, more budget-friendly experience with easy transport. Stay in Westminster or Victoria if you're looking for a quieter stay.

Since the London Marathon is very busy, we highly advise that you book as early as possible, usually around 6 to 8 weeks in advance. Prices rise as you get closer to the event.

✅ Booking early = lower rates + better locations.

Hotel Name	Area	Rating	Characteristics	Reservations
InterContinental London - The O2	Greenwich	8.9/10	Stunning Views of the Thames and direct access to the O2 Arena	Book Now
Radisson RED London Greenwich The O2	Greenwich	7.5/10	Modern and vibrant atmosphere. Great location to the start of the race.	Book Now
Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences	Westminster	9.2/10	Luxurious and exceptional services. Close to finish line.	Book Now
The Kings Arms Pub & Boutique Rooms	Westminster	9.1/10	Charming Boutique Hotel, offering a cozy stay close to the marathon line.	Book Now
Novotel London Canary Wharf	Canary Wharf	8.4/10	Panoramic city views, rooftop bar and easy access to race.	Book Now
Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel	Canary Wharf	8.3/10	Riverside Hotel with spacious rooms and away from the crowds	Book Now
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge	South Bank	8.4/10	Views of Big Ben and London Eye with finish line of marathon nearby	Book Now
Hilton London Bankside	South Bank	8.9/10	Great hotel to a close proximity to cultural landmarks	Book Now

Questions and Answers

When is the London Marathon for 2025?

The marathon will take place on Sunday 27th April 2025.

Is it possible for spectators to bring pets?

It is not recommended since there will be large crowds and road closures as a result of the event.

What time does the race start?

8:50 AM – The elite wheelchair race.
9:05 AM – The elite women's race.
9:35 AM – Start of the elite men's race and the mass race.

Which route does the marathon follow?

Starting in Greenwich and passing landmarks such as the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, and Big Ben, the 26.2-mile course finishes on The Mall near Buckingham Palace.

If I feel unwell during the race, what should I do?

Contact the nearest medical volunteer or visit a medical tent for assistance.

Is there a way for me to track a runner?

Real-time tracking is available through the official London Marathon App.

How can I watch the London Marathon?

The race will be broadcast live on BBC One, with coverage also available on BBC iPlayer and online platforms.

Can I track runners with an official app?

You can track runners in real-time and access event information with the TCS London Marathon app.

Is there anything spectators need to bring to the London marathon?

Make sure you have comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, snacks, water, a portable charger, and items to cheer on the runners (such as noisemakers or signs).

How does the weather look during the London marathon?

Spring weather is usually mild in London in late April, with temperatures ranging from 6°C to 14°C (43°F to 57°F), though some rain is possible.

Photo Sources

Racers running on Tower Bridge - Photo by JP Sheard on Unsplash
Men Racing In Wheelchair - Katie Chan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Spectators at the London Marathon - Katie Chan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
London Marathon 2023 - Katie Chan, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

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