No matter how well you know London, everything changes for the London Marathon. Even the most unassuming streets along the world-famous course come alive with electrifying cheers, pumping music and vibrant colour on this preeminent day in the running calendar, with tens of thousands of runners and spectators descending upon the English capital.
The London Marathon route has remained largely unchanged since the inaugural race in 1981 and takes in some of London’s most iconic landmarks. It is also believed to have the best crowd support you could possibly find at a marathon (no matter what the New Yorkers say) – and we can certainly attest to that. But between the start line in Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the finish line on The Mall, set just beside Buckingham Palace, where does the London Marathon take you for 26.2 miles? And what can you expect from each section of the course? Here, we explain all.
Is the London Marathon route flat?
If you suffer an aversion to hills, rejoice – the London Marathon route is (mostly) flat. Technically a net downhill course featuring a total elevation gain of around 127m (419 feet) and elevation loss of 162m (531 feet), the route features only a few small lumps and bumps, with the wide tarmac roads still offering a pleasantly smooth surface on which to run.
While the London Marathon route isn’t as flat as those of other big-name marathons like Valencia, Berlin or Chicago (London Marathon weather forecast men’s and women’s marathon world records), it’s still a promising venue for a PB attempt – especially with such an immense and uplifting crowd egging you on at every turn. That said, with such a carnivalesque atmosphere to absorb along the way, why focus on pace when you can go out there to have fun? The London Marathon is one of the most coveted and best-loved sporting events on the planet, after all.
Where does the London Marathon start?
Due to its mammoth field size, the London Marathon features not one but three start lines (Blue, Green and Red), with each one taking a slightly different route over the first few miles to prevent blockages on the course. These are located between Greenwich and Blackheath (as shown on the map above) and the colour marked on your race bib will determine your start line. In the days before the race, you will also receive an email containing information about your start wave, assembly area, arrival time and the best way to travel on the day.
What can I expect at each mile?
Miles one to six
Shortly after setting off from your start line, you’ll head east out of Greenwich Park and into Charlton for the first two miles, before heading north and then west at around mile three. Although these first few miles can feel particularly crowded and you might be experiencing a heady mix of adrenaline, apprehension and excitement, don’t worry – you’ll soon calm down, get into your stride and find your pace and some space.
Again, just before the three-mile mark, you may feel a little overwhelmed when the runners from the Green and Blue start lines join the runners who set off from the Red start line, which can cause some congestion. The course will soon open up again, though, as you make your way west toward the Thames and Cutty Sark, moving mostly downhill.
Miles seven to 12
At mile seven, around a quarter of the way into the race, you’ll skirt around Britain’s much-adored clipper ship, the Cutty Sark – and trust us, you’ll need to take a moment to appreciate the fantastic energy at this part of the course. While you might not hear any sea shanties, your ears will still be saturated with the live sound of DJs, overenthusiastic supporters and those drinking in the atmosphere (and more) from one of the nearby Greenwich pubs.
Once you’re clear of the maritime-themed mayhem, you’ll head through Deptford toward Surrey Quays on a long, straight highway that lasts for around two miles. At this point, the course opens up a bit more, so it’s a good time to refocus and settle back into your pace.
Next up, for another two miles, is the lesser-supported section through Rotherhithe, which again gives you the chance to get your head down and settle into a rhythm. From Rotherhithe, you’ll then follow Jamaica Road through Bermondsey for another mile or so, on the approach to the halfway point. Don’t be surprised if the streets start to get louder and more crowded with supporters here – you’re about to hit Tower Bridge, which is something else.
Miles 13 to 19
Tick off mile 12, take a sharp turn right and there it is – Tower Bridge. One of the most iconic parts of the entire London marathon route, you’ll be hit by a wall of noise and no doubt feel all kinds of emotions, too. As you make your way up and over this renowned landmark, remember to smile for the cameras (there are plenty) and enjoy being the centre of attention. On most other days of the year, Tower Bridge is usually chock-a-block with tourists and quite a challenge to run across – so make the most of having a priority pass to run on the road here as well.
Once over the bridge and on the north side of the Thames, you’ll then turn east onto the Highway, where you’ll spot faster runners ploughing on to the finish line on the other side of the road. From here, you’ll head on to Canary Wharf – where you should beware of GPS blips due to the tall buildings – and the Isle of Dogs, where the route twists and turns quite a bit and might upset your splits. This part of the course can be quite challenging, as it is usually quite windy and there is still a long way to go – and the crowds are less plentiful. However, once you take a left onto Poplar High Street just before mile 20, the crowds begin to thicken out again and you’ll know that there’s ‘only’ around 10K between you and the finish line.
Miles 20 to 25
Marathon lore often decrees that the final 10K of a 26.2-mile race is the hardest part of the entire course – you hit the infamous ‘Wall’ and feel like you’re staggering wonkily to the end, with drained legs and a defeated mindset. However, the London Marathon refuses to let you experience a slump. Created in 2022 to inject all-important energy and joy to an otherwise challenging part of the course, Rainbow Row – situated just past the 21-mile point in Limehouse – celebrates inclusivity and the LGBTQI+ community while entertaining you with music, dancing and irresistible flamboyance. It’s a marathon party that you’ll be glad to attend.
Move on and something will feel familiar – that’s right, you’re back on the Highway, which you experienced around the halfway mark just after stepping off Tower Bridge. This time, however, you are one of those runners moving on the other side of the road to the finish line. Not long to go now!
Once you’ve passed Tower Hill, you’ll then follow a straight stretch to the Blackfriars Underpass at mile 24, which is a dark and eerie section where, again, your running watch may lose GPS. Fear not, though – after a few quiet moments in this shade, you’ll then emerge back up into the deafening, goosebump-inducing sights and sounds of the crowds lining Embankment. While your legs might be screaming at you to stop, we can guarantee that the supporters will be screaming at you even louder to keep going – and these are the moments that will be imprinted in your memory forever.
As you continue along Embankment, you’ll enjoy picture-perfect views of the Thames, the London Eye and Big Ben – which all reiterate that you are on the approach to the finish line.
The finish
After what feels like forever, you’ll turn right off Embankment and along Birdcage Walk, with St James’s Park alongside you and Buckingham Palace up ahead. Even though you’ll be desperate to finish, you’ll also be desperate to lap up every ounce of this extraordinary moment.
Once you take another right onto the famous red road that is The Mall, you’ll see the finish line just a couple of hundred metres in front of you. Congratulations! You’ve just conquered the London Marathon.
