It’s The London Landmarks Half Marathon This Weekend – Here’s Where To Watch

Roads across central London are set to close this weekend, making way for the London Landmarks Half Marathon. Celebrities, charity runners and world record hopefuls are set to take to the tarmac, passing plenty of iconic London sights on route – arguably making it London’s most scenic running race. It’s too late to lace up and join in, but here’s how to watch the action – and sign up for next year.

Where To Watch The London Landmarks Half Marathon

Because it’s all about the atmosphere, The London Landmarks Half Marathon is one of London’s best running races for spectators. Famous faces are joined (or perhaps outshined) by quirky costumes, spanning everything from dinosaurs to cheerleaders to playful runners dressed as the iconic landmarks themselves. Music along the route creates a festival-like atmosphere; think DJs, steel pan bans and carnival performances.

So what are the best vantage points? As you might expect, the start and finish lines are where most of the action takes place. This year, the start line is on Parliament Street, right by Downing Street, while the finish line is just up the road at Trafalgar Square. But of course, there’s a big loop to connect the two destinations, winding its way through and around the City of London, before making its way back to Westminster at Trafalgar Square.

Not only is Trafalgar Square the finish line, but it’s also home to the iconic annual Mascot Dash, where charity mascots in the silliest costumes line up and sprint to the finish line before the first half marathon runners make it around the full route. Taking place at 10am, this is a fun charity initiative that gets the crowd excited about the runners set to pass the finish line later.

Along the route, great viewing spots include The Embankment on the north side of the River Thames; the first chunk of the half marathon is all along this riverside path, from Westminster Bridge all the way to London Bridge. Tower Hill is where the runners turn back on themselves and head towards the city, making this another great place to watch.

Then there’s Bank – usually a ghost town at the weekend but guaranteed to be buzzy this Sunday; the runners wind through these ancient streets, so there’s plenty of opportunity to spot your loved ones pounding the pavements. Another great vantage point is St Paul’s Cathedral, with the runners looping passing by twice during the race. The final stretch is along the Strand, from Millennium Bridge right the way to Charing Cross, when runners turn for the final sprint to Trafalgar Square. There’s plenty of room here to watch and soak up the atmosphere.

What Is It?

The London Landmarks Half Marathon is one of London’s many running races (from the legendary London Marathon to the plethora of half marathons sprinkled across spring and autumn) – but it is unique in that it is the only one to pass through both the City of London and the City of Westminster. These London areas are brimming with historic sights, hence the name of the half marathon. Landmarks include St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, Bank, the Monument, Somerset House, the Royal Courts of Justice and Guildhall, as well as more modern city sights like the Walkie Talkie, the Cheese Grater and the Gherkin skyscrapers.

Around 20,000 people take part, spanning professionals to newbies raising vital funds for charity. In 2025, that includes Dame Kelly Holmes, Stephen Mangan, Jenni Falconer, Louise Minchin and Aimee Fuller.

What Is The Route?

In 2025, the London Landmarks Half Marathon will start on Parliament Street and end in Trafalgar Square. Now in its eighth edition, this is a change from previous years – a reversal, in fact. However, rest assured that it is the same route with the same 16 landmarks promised in the title, including Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London.

When Is The London Landmarks Half Marathon?

The London Landmarks Half Marathon is on Sunday 6 April 2025. In 2026, it’ll take place on Sunday 12 April.

The timings for the day are as follows:

• Race start: 9.15am (wheelchairs), 9.20am (runners)
• First runners finish: Around 10:30am
• Mascot Dash at Trafalgar Square: 10am
• Live entertainment: Throughout the course from 8.30am

How To Enter For Next Year

Pre-registration is open now for the London Landmarks Half Marathon 2026. You’ll then be notified by email when it’s time to enter the ballot. Sign up at llhm.co.uk