As one of the planet’s truly legendary running events, the London Marathon on Sunday 21 April 2024 is so much more than just a race.
The race is the perfect opportunity to raise money for charity, having brought in more than a staggering £1 billion for good causes since it began in 1981. If you’re planning on visiting London for the big day, allow South Western Railway to take you on your journey. We’ll tell you everything there is to know about the London Marathon, including the best viewing spots and which pubs and restaurants you should visit while you’re in town.
What is the London Marathon route?
Winding through some of London’s most famous landmarks including Tower Bridge and the London Eye, the London Marathon transforms the streets of the capital into one giant party. Spanning 26.2 miles, it’s certainly a challenge for the racers – so support from bystanders is always appreciated!
The route stays the same each year, and there are plenty of places you can stop and watch along it. Take a look at the route map.
Where does the London Marathon start?
The London Marathon begins at one of three colour-coded start lines (blue, green or red) near Blackheath in Greenwich. The Red Start is located at southern Greenwich Park on Charlton Way, the Green Start can be found at St John's Park, and the Blue Start is on Shooter's Hill Road.
Where does the London Marathon finish?
The London Marathon finish line is located at The Mall, Westminster, London SW1A 2WH.
How to get to the London Marathon
Due to the sheer size of the event, you can expect the roads in and around London to be congested or closed altogether. Therefore, it’s much easier to get to the London Marathon using public transport. To deal with the extra demand, the London Underground and London Overground always add extra services to make getting to the event by train or tube as easy as possible.
How to get to the London Marathon starting point
The start of the race is where you can find the biggest buzz. With plenty of anticipation and excitement in the air, it’s a great place to be a spectator.
To get to Greenwich town centre, take the tube via the eastbound Jubilee line at London Waterloo. Once you arrive at Canary Wharf, change for the Bank-Lewisham DLR service and ride for six stops. The town centre is then just a six-minute walk away.
How to get to the London Marathon finish line
Planning on congratulating your friend or loved one at the London Marathon finish line? You can easily hop on a tube from London Waterloo to The Mall. The nearest stations from Waterloo are Charing Cross, Embankment and Piccadilly Circus, all of which are no more than a 15-minute stroll away from the finish line. You can also walk there in just 23 minutes.
If you’re coming along to watch and want to know how to get to the popular viewing spots, you can find more travel info below.
Best places to watch the London Marathon
Greenwich town centre, mile 1
Greenwich town centre is a great place to view the race, as it’s where you’ll find the start point. You can expect spirits and energy to be high, with lots of TV cameras around and a fun atmosphere as runners prepare for one of the biggest races of their lives.
Cutty Sark, mile 6
One of London Marathon’s most notable landmarks, Cutty Sark is a majestic old boat which resides on a dry dock in Greenwich. Originally a clipper ship transporting alcohol, the vessel finds itself on permanent display in the capital today. The Cutty Sark is always a popular area for spectators, so come here for an electric atmosphere.
How to get there: From London Waterloo, catch the tube via the eastbound Jubilee line and get off at Canary Wharf. Switch to the DLR towards Lewisham and get off at Cutty Sark.
The Shard, mile 12
Standing at 1,016 feet high, The Shard is an iconic backdrop for watching the race – and since it’s the tallest building in the UK, it’s hard to miss. At mile 12, racers will be nearing the halfway mark and need all the encouragement they can get!
How to get there: Getting to The Shard from London Waterloo couldn’t be easier; simply hop on the Jubilee tube (eastbound) and get off at London Bridge. If you want to stretch your legs, it takes half an hour to walk there from London Waterloo.
Tower Bridge, mile 12
Located almost halfway through the race, Tower Bridge Road is the perfect spot for watching the runners cross London’s river-spanning landmark.
How to get there: The nearest tube station to Tower Bridge is London Bridge station, which you can get to in just two stops via the Jubilee line from London Waterloo. From here, stroll along Tooley Street until you find a good viewing spot.
Canary Wharf, mile 19
As the end draws nearer, the runners will be feeling the burn. Canary Wharf is a great spot for cheering on the participants. Why not see how many celebrities you can spot along the way?
How to get there: Take the Jubilee line tube eastbound from London Waterloo and get off at Canary Wharf to find yourself in the heart of the action.
The Mall, mile 24
Finishing a marathon is an emotional experience for many competitors, and with the finish line in sight, The Mall is one of the best places to watch people’s sheer elation at completing this monumental feat as they run past Buckingham Palace.
Best places to eat on the London Marathon route
Given its sheer size, the London Marathon takes hours to complete and spectating can be hungry work. If you’re supporting a loved one throughout every leg of the race, we’ve found the perfect breakfast, lunch and dinner spots along the way.
Once you’ve waved the racers off, it’s time to head to The Ivy Café in Blackheath for a hearty Full English. A celeb hotspot, don’t be put off by the glamour of The Ivy Café – its breakfast prices are fairly reasonable.
Price range: ££
How to get there: From Greenwich town centre, The Ivy Café is a 20 to 30-minute stroll through Greenwich Park.
Lunch at Bread Street Kitchen on the River, Limehouse
Around halfway through the race in Limehouse, you can find Gordon Ramsay’s all-day restaurant, Bread Street Kitchen on the River. Gordon has run the London Marathon an impressive ten times, so it’s a very fitting place for your marathon pit-stop. Expect world-famous dishes with a Gordon Ramsay twist, such as Beef Wellington and Fish & Chips.
Price range: ££-£££
How to get there: From London Waterloo, board the number 26 bus towards Hackney Wick and get off at Bank station. Switch to the DLR towards Lewisham and get off at Limehouse; the Narrow is a seven-minute walk from your stop.
Building 225, Criterion, 229 Piccadilly, London W1J 9HR
The race is done and you’re in search of somewhere to celebrate – and it doesn’t get much better than a Hard Rock Café. With their menu serving up all the classic and delicious dishes you can imagine, from onion ring-stacked burgers to herby garlic bread, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Price range: ££
How to get there: If you’re heading straight from the finish line, Hard Rock Café is an easy 11-minute stroll from The Mall.
Best pubs on the London Marathon route
Fancy a pint or two as you support the racegoers, or want to toast to your big achievement? Here are some popular pubs along the marathon route, including several close to the finish line:
The Pilot, Greenwich
The Barrow Boy & Banker, London Bridge
The Merchant, Canary Wharf
Hung, Drawn & Quartered, Tower Hill
The Banker, London Bridge
The Red Lion, Westminster
The Jugged Hare, Victoria
Whether you’re participating or spectating, begin your planning today by exploring our flexible range of ticket types to find the right one for your journey. Make the most of cheap train tickets throughout your trip by going off-peak, and those with a Railcard could save even more.
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