TCS London Marathon

What is the route of the TCS London Marathon

The TCS London Marathon opens with three separate starting points in south-east London, around Blackheath and Greenwich, which merge into a single course before the first 5 kilometres are complete. It's a certified flat course, with only around 120-140 metres of total elevation gain and a slight overall net downhill.

After leaving Charlton and Greenwich behind, the race passes the historic clipper ship Cutty Sark, one of the liveliest points on the whole route, before heading into Rotherhithe and Jamaica Road in Bermondsey. Shortly after comes one of the most anticipated moments: crossing Tower Bridge, widely regarded as the loudest, most crowded stretch of the course.

From there, the route continues east along The Highway to Westferry, circling through the Docklands and Canary Wharf, with a lively celebration zone around kilometre 34. The course then loops back along The Highway toward central London.

The closing stretch runs through Tower Hill, Victoria Embankment and Parliament Square, before turning onto Birdcage Walk toward Buckingham Palace. The finish line sits on The Mall, right in front of the royal palace — widely considered one of the most spectacular finishes in world marathon running.

Key kilometer points of the TCS London Marathon

• Km 0-8 — Salida en Greenwich y Blackheath

  Las tres salidas confluyen en un único trazado antes de pasar junto al velero histórico Cutty Sark.

• Km 8-19 — Rotherhithe y Tower Bridge

  Paso por Jamaica Road, en Bermondsey, antes de cruzar el emblemático Tower Bridge, el tramo más ruidoso de la prueba.

• Km 19-34 — Docklands y Canary Wharf

  El circuito avanza por The Highway rodeando la zona de los Docklands, con una animada zona de celebración hacia el km 34.

• Km 34-42,195 — Tower Hill y meta en The Mall

  Tramo final por Victoria Embankment, Parliament Square y Birdcage Walk hasta la meta frente al Buckingham Palace.

Where to stay for the TCS London Marathon

The finish line is on The Mall, next to Buckingham Palace, so staying in Westminster or Victoria keeps you within walking distance of the finish area.

The start is in Greenwich, in southeast London, a bit further from the centre; most runners prefer to stay near the finish and take public transport to the start on race morning.

Getting there from the airport for the TCS London Marathon

Heathrow Airport is connected to the centre by the Elizabeth Line, reaching London Paddington in about 32 minutes for around £14.

Gatwick Airport has the Gatwick Express, connecting to Victoria Station in about 30 minutes for around £22, though the Southern line is cheaper (£13-15) with a slightly longer journey.

Frequently Asked Questions about TCS London Marathon

Is there a minimum age to take part?

Yes — runners must be 18 or older on race day to enter the marathon. Younger participants can take part in the TCS Mini London Marathon, a shorter version of the event.

How does the ballot work?

Anyone can enter the ballot, with no requirement to have run a marathon before — the process is completely random, like a lottery draw. Results are usually announced a few weeks after entries close.

Where and when do I collect my bib?

Your runner pack is collected at the Running Show, held in London over the four days before the race. It isn't posted out or handed over on race day itself.

Can someone else collect my bib for me?

Yes, you can nominate someone else to collect it on your behalf, as long as they bring a copy or photo of your ID along with your written consent and their own identification.

Can I transfer my place to someone else?

No, TCS London Marathon entries cannot be transferred to another runner.

What happens if I can't take part on race day?

If you're unable to run, you may be eligible to defer your place to a future edition, provided you apply before the deadline set by the organisers.

Is there a wheelchair category?

Yes, you can take part in a standard wheelchair. There's also an assisted wheelchair category, limited to a maximum of ten participants supported by teams of up to four helpers.

Are the medal and finisher t-shirt included?

Both are opt-in: at registration you can choose not to receive them, and instead the organisers plant a tree in your name and send you a digital certificate with its photo.

About TCS London Marathon

The TCS London Marathon is one of the world's most prestigious and popular marathons and forms part of the six World Marathon Majors. Its 42.195-kilometre course takes runners past some of London's most iconic landmarks, offering one of the most memorable experiences on the international running calendar.

The TCS London Marathon route crosses the British capital from Greenwich towards central London, passing iconic landmarks including Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, the London Eye and The Mall. The support of hundreds of thousands of spectators is one of the race's defining features, turning the entire course into a spectacular celebration of running.

Taking part in the TCS London Marathon is about much more than completing 42.195 km: it means running one of the world's most iconic marathons, experiencing an incredible atmosphere and becoming part of a race with a remarkable international tradition. An essential event for any runner dreaming of competing in one of the world's major marathons.