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One of the planet’s truly legendary running events, the London Marathon on Sunday 26 April 2026 is much more than just a race. It brings together runners and spectators for a huge celebration of endurance, community and achievement across the streets of London.
The race is the perfect opportunity to raise money for charity, having brought in more than a staggering £1.4 billion for charity 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 you need to know about the London Marathon, including the route, the best places to watch and great spots to eat and relax while you are in the capital.
What is the London Marathon route?
Winding through some of London’s most famous landmarks including Tower of London and the London Eye, the London Marathon transforms the streets of the capital into one giant party. Spanning 26.2 miles, the course is a real challenge for runners, and support from spectators along the route always makes a difference.
The route remains largely the same each year and follows a set course through central London. It makes planning easier for spectators, as you can choose viewing spots in advance and plan your travel around key sections. There are plenty of great places to watch along the route, especially near major landmarks and wider road areas where crowds gather.
What time does the London Marathon start?
The London Marathon starts in the morning, with different wave starts depending on the participant category. Elite wheelchair athletes usually begin first, followed by elite women and elite men, before the mass participation waves set off shortly after.
Exact start times are confirmed closer to race day and can vary slightly each year. Spectators should check the official event website in advance to plan where and when to watch.
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.
The London Marathon route sits across several London fare zones, so you can get there using a London Travelcard, an Oyster card or contactless. If you are travelling with South Western Railway, you can book your train ticket in advance to secure your seat and avoid last minute stress. Services are usually busier than normal on race day, so travelling early and allowing extra time is recommended. Also, keep an eye on SWR Rewards for discounts on attractions, restaurants and more
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.
Where is the best place to watch the London Marathon?
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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. The Shard, mile 12
Standing at 1,016 feet high, The Shard is an iconic backdrop for watching the race and as the tallest building in the UK, it is 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.
4. Tower Bridge, mile 12
Tower Bridge Road sits almost halfway through the race and is one of the most popular viewing spots on the course. It is a great place to watch runners cross London’s iconic river landmark and feel the atmosphere build as they approach the middle stages of the marathon.
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.
5. 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.
6. 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 runners off, head to The Ivy Café in Blackheath for a hearty Full English or a classic brunch dish. The Ivy offers a relaxed yet stylish setting and a varied British-inspired menu, making it a good early stop for spectators.
Price range: Around £15 and under per person for breakfast.
How to get there: From Greenwich town centre, The Ivy Café is around a 30-minute stroll through Greenwich Park.
2. 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: £20- £40 per person for lunch.
How to get there: From London Waterloo, travel into central London and connect onto the DLR towards Lewisham. Get off at Limehouse station and from there, the restaurant is roughly a seven-minute walk away.
Criterion Building, 225-229 Piccadilly, London W1J 9HR
After crossing the finish line, head to Hard Rock Cafe in Piccadilly Circus to celebrate completing the marathon. 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: £17- £26 per person for a main course.
How to get there: If you’re heading straight from the finish line, Hard Rock Café is an easy 8-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
Where to stay for the London Marathon?
Looking for somewhere to stay before or after race day? There are plenty of convenient hotels and accommodation options along the route and near key transport links.
The Clarendon Hotel, Blackheath
Novotel London Canary Wharf
Premier Inn London Tower Bridge
The Clermont London, Victoria
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
The Z Hotel, Trafalgar Square
The Royal Horseguards Hotel, Westminster
When is the London Marathon ballot announced for 2027?
Ready to take on the London Marathon yourself? Here’s how and when you can enter the ballot for 2027.
The public ballot for the 2027 TCS London Marathon will open in April 2026, shortly after the 2026 race takes place. This is the main way most runners apply for a place in the event and gives you the chance to secure a spot for the following year.
If your application is successful, you will be notified after the ballot has been drawn and given instructions on how to confirm your place.
Plan your trip to the London Marathon with South Western Railway
Whether you are taking part or supporting from the sidelines, start planning your journey early 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. While those travelling in a group could benefit from GroupSave or a Family and Friends Railcard.
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