The TCS London Marathon on April 26, 2026 is one of the most iconic races on earth. Here is what to expect from the course, the crowds, and race weekend.
The TCS London Marathon on April 26, 2026 is one of the six World Marathon Majors and one of the most oversubscribed races in the world. Only about 15% of ballot applicants get a spot, making entry a prize in itself.
London is a point-to-point course starting in Greenwich and finishing on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace. The course is mostly flat with a few gentle undulations in the first half.
Miles 1-5 (Greenwich to Woolwich): Three separate start areas converge around mile 3. The early miles run through southeast London with good crowd support. The terrain is flat and the roads are wide.
Miles 5-12 (Woolwich to Tower Bridge): Running through Charlton and Greenwich. The crowd support builds steadily. The Cutty Sark at mile 6 is the first major landmark — the energy here is incredible.
Miles 12-14 (Tower Bridge): Crossing Tower Bridge around mile 12 is the defining moment of the London Marathon. The crowds are enormous, the view is stunning, and the noise is deafening. This is where every first-timer falls in love with the race.
Miles 14-21 (Docklands): The course loops through Canary Wharf and the Docklands. This section is flatter but the crowd thins out slightly. The out-and-back nature of the Docklands loop means you can see runners ahead of and behind you — use this to stay motivated.
Miles 21-26.2 (Embankment to The Mall): Running along the Thames Embankment with the London Eye, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament as your backdrop. The final stretch down The Mall to the finish line in front of Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic finishes in world running.
The ballot opens in April each year for the following year's race. Your chances of getting in through the ballot are very low — roughly 1 in 50, with over a million applicants in recent years. Other options include charity entries (most charities require a minimum fundraising commitment of 2,000-2,500 pounds), Championship entry (a fast qualifying time — 2:38 for men, 3:10 for women), and Good for Age entry (age-graded qualifying times).
Late April in London typically means temperatures between 45-60 degrees with a decent chance of rain. Pack a throwaway rain poncho for the start. Overdressing is a common mistake — the race starts in the morning and you will warm up quickly.
Expo: The London Marathon Expo is at ExCeL London in the Docklands, usually Wednesday through Saturday before the race. Registration and bib pickup are here.
Getting to the start: Race-day trains run from central London to the start areas in Greenwich, Blackheath, and Woolwich. Plan to arrive early — the start area opens about 2 hours before the gun.
After the finish: The finish area on The Mall has bag collection, food, and drink. The walk to meet spectators can be long — agree on a specific meeting point in St. James's Park.
London is a race you run for the experience more than the time. The crowds, the landmarks, and the atmosphere are unmatched. But if you do want a fast time, the flat second half is very runnable — just be patient through the first 12 miles.
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