Where To Watch The London Marathon

Whether you’re taking part, supporting the troops or just want to soak up some of the infectious atmosphere, it’s almost time for the 2025 London Marathon, and we’ve gathered all the details. Here’s the where, when, why and how of the capital’s biggest run of the year.

Runners stream through the medal gates on The Mall during The TCS London Marathon on Sunday 23rd April 2023. © Adam Warner for London Marathon Events/TCS London Marathon

What Is The London Marathon?

The London Marathon is an annual long-distance running event held in London. One of the six World Marathon Majors and the second largest annual road race in the UK, the London Marathon attracts tens of thousands of runners from all over the world. The race itself consists of a 26.2-mile course that takes them through the streets of London, passing many of the city’s famous landmarks.

The first London Marathon was held in 1981, set up by athletes Chris Brasher and John Disley, and is split into multiple components; the mass race, which is open to the public, is considered the main event. Many people have run the marathon to raise money for charity, and since its founding have raised over £1 billion for various charities.

When Is It?

The London Marathon will take place on Sunday 27 April 2025.

The race usually kicks off around 9.40 AM, with waves of runners setting off at staggered times until around 11.30 AM. Before then, though, the elite races begin, including the wheelchair races at 8.50 AM, the elite women at 9 AM, and the elite men just before the mass. Participants are allocated a start time with plenty of notice before the big day.

Participants cross Tower Bridge with the sub 4 hour pace runner during The TCS London Marathon on Sunday 23rd April 2023. © Thomas Lovelock for London Marathon Events/TCS London Marathon.

Where To Watch The London Marathon 2025

The London Marathon begins in Greenwich Park and takes a winding route through central London to end on the Mall at Buckingham Palace. Runners then pass through Charlton, Woolwich, Deptford, Surrey Quays, Rotherhithe, Bermondsey, Tower Hill, Shadwell, West Ferry, Canary Wharf, Poplar, Limehouse, the City, Monument, Cannon Street, Victoria, Westminster and St James’s Park before they reach the finish line on The Mall, just south of Buckingham Palace. Multiple staggered start points help to manage the huge volume of people.

Spectators are welcome to watch the London Marathon along the entire 26 mile stretch, but the start and end, Greenwich Park and St James’s Park, are the two busiest sections. Tower Bridge and the Tower of London are popular spots, because you can see the runners going in both directions. In the City of London, there are plenty of viewing spots and great vibes to boot.

The Start: Greenwich

The starting line in Greenwich will undoubtedly be packed with runners and supporters from the early hours – but there’s nothing like being able to give your loved one a much-needed pre-Marathon pep talk (and the atmosphere is worth going for alone). It’s also much more enjoyable to observe the 40,000 strong crowd before they become a sweaty mess and start regretting their life decisions.

Mile 12: Tower Bridge

Nabbing a spot on the iconic Tower Bridge as the hordes, still relatively fresh, make their way over the Thames is enough to make you brim with pride. Also a great spot for the multitaskers who can make the most of relatively empty nearby pubs before making their way to the finish line (and pretending you were there all along).

Mile 13/22: Wapping

Those in the know congregate a little further down from Tower Bridge where the race doubles back on itself, meaning you’ll get two sightings of the runners – in significantly different moments of freshness, shall we say. This is an in-demand spot for the number of riverside pubs nearby.

Mile 16: Canary Wharf

With just 10 miles to go, the runners will really need your support at this point. Spot the more serious participants start to speed up and make your guesses at who will come top, as everyone else starts to really feel the pain… Big whoops and smiles strongly encouraged.

Mile 21: Limehouse

A relatively undiscovered viewing spot along Commercial Road, Limehouse is alive with pumping music, colourful confetti and posters every year thanks to Run Dem Crew bring out the big guns to celebrate and encourage runners along their final stretch. One for the party people.

TV Coverage

If you can’t make it down to London, the BBC also provides comprehensive TV coverage as follows:

• BBC One: 08.30 AM to 2 PM
• BBC Two: 2 to 3pm
• BBC Online and iPlayer: 1–6 PM
• BBC Two: 6–7 PM (highlights)

Best Pubs

This is London, so wherever you are you won’t be too far from a good pub, which you can pop into for a pint between sightings. Here are the best pubs along the London Marathon route.

Marcel Hug (SUI) crosses Tower Bridge as he leads the Elite Men’s Wheelchair Race during The TCS London Marathon on Sunday 23rd April 2023. © Thomas Lovelock for London Marathon Events/TCS London Marathon.

How Long Is The London Marathon?

Like all good marathons, the London Marathon is 26 miles and 385 yards long (that’s 42.195 kilometres).

Time wise, it usually takes men four and a half hours and women closer to five hours, though elite runners aim for much quicker than this, typically two and a half hours or less.

What Landmarks Are Along The Route?

Runners will spot the following landmarks as they jog along:

• Queen’s House & National Maritime Museum
• Cutty Sark
• Tower Bridge & The Tower of London
• Canary Wharf
• The Tower of London (again)
• The London Eye
• Big Ben & the Houses of Parliament
• Buckingham Palace

Participants pass through Parliament Square during The TCS London Marathon on Sunday 23rd April 2023. © Joe Toth for London Marathon Events/TCS London Marathon.

Can I Still Enter?

Sadly the time to enter the 2025 London Marathon has long passed – but check out our guide to signing up to run the famous race to get ahead of the masses next year. As a general rule, ballot entries for the following year close on the next Friday after the marathon takes place. In short, we expect ballot entries for the 2026 London Marathon to close on Friday 2 May 2025.

How Many People Enter The London Marathon Each Year?

As you can imagine, the London Marathon is a popular race. 2023 was the biggest race yet, with over 48,000 runners taking part (and massively up from the 40,643 that took part in 2022). There’s limited spaces available, so it’s important to start planning early if you want to get involved.

Find out more about the TCS London Marathon on the official website: tcslondonmarathon.com