As London braces for the 2025 marathon that will see 56,000 runners hit the city’s streets on Sunday 27 April, here’s a guide to navigating the capital on the day and getting a prize view.
The race kicks off over a series of phased start times and places, with elite races scheduled from around 8:50 am, while, more ordinary runners get going from 9:35 am. Coloured bibs coordinate with start lines to tell runners which of the various start lines to head for at the top of Greenwich Park in Blackheath. It closes at around 11:30 am.
The event’s finish line meanwhile is on The Mall and closes at approximately 7:30 pm when it is shifted over to St James’s Park to welcome runners still coming in until midnight.
The route
From Blackheath, the route goes to Woolwich, salutes the ancient Cutty Sark ship and takes in Bermondsey and brings participants over Tower Bridge and the Thames. A loop around the Isle of Dogs, leads to a straightforward run along the Thames back to the central City of London and Westminster for a photo finish.
While there are no announced public transport strikes on 27 April, roads around the capital are closed to accommodate the race, meaning the best way for would-be spectators to get there is probably by underground or on foot. And those taking part and with a race bib to show for it are honoured by operator Transport for London with free transit until 6:30 pm.
Best viewpoints
Spectators are permitted along most of the route, but some spots are more advantageous than others. Tower Bridge is perhaps an iconic location but, like The Mall, will probably be very busy. For some of London’s other iconic landmarks, the end of the race is next door to Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben is the obvious answer.
Less crowded perhaps will be the Highway in Wapping and amid the modern skyscrapers of Canada Water runners will go by twice. Deptford and the Isle of Dogs will also be relatively, while at the Rotherhithe Peninsula several bands and a “Community Cheer Zone” will be in place over 3.2 km.
For viewers with special access needs, the Cutty Sark, Canary Wharf, Rainbow Row, Tower Hill and Victoria Embankment present modified viewing places.
Priorities on the day
There is no shortage of pubs, cafes and bars in London to keep everyone hydrated and energised. Nab a spot early if heading to The Gipsy Moth in Greenwich, which looks onto the Cutty Sark, recommended by The Independent.
For a more off the beaten track option, Runners World gives a shout out to he King’s Arms, “squirrelled away on Roupell Street, close to Waterloo Station, this charming pub offers a wide selection of ales and excellent Thai cuisine.”
Another under the radar choice could be Chequers Tavern, which has a good ale and food close to Green Park tube. And for those who want to be out on the river, Tattersall Castle is a floating pub moored on the Thames, where the London Eye might be reflected across the way.
