The London Marathon is set to take over the capital this weekend, with thousands of runners descending on the city for one of its most iconic events. The 26.2-mile course will be lined with enthusiastic crowds cheering on friends and loved ones as they tackle the ultimate running challenge on Sunday, April 26. The annual marathon attracts not only thousands of participants but also an estimated 800,000 spectators who gather along the route to witness runners in a dazzling array of outfits, all raising funds for various causes.
As any Londoner knows, major events bring significant disruptions to daily life, and the marathon is no exception. Here is a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about the day, including how to watch, where to watch, road closures, and key timings.
How to Watch
If you cannot attend in person, the BBC will provide extensive coverage of the marathon. Live coverage begins at 8:30am on BBC One, moving to BBC Two at 2pm. A BBC iPlayer livestream featuring mass participants starts at 10:30am, and a highlights show airs from 6pm. Gabby Logan will lead the BBC coverage, joined by reporters stationed along the course, including JJ Chalmers, Blue Peter’s Abby Cook, Tim Warwood, and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.
Where to Stand
For those cheering on runners, several spots offer excellent views. The Highway in Wapping allows you to see runners pass twice. The Rotherhithe Peninsula provides a two-mile stretch with live bands adding excitement. Tower Bridge is a prime location for an up-close view as runners cross the iconic landmark. Recommended viewing areas include Cutty Sark, Canada Water, Bermondsey, Canary Wharf, Limehouse, and Westminster. The busiest spots are expected to be Cutty Sark, Canada Water/Rotherhithe, Tower Bridge/Tower Hill, Canary Wharf, and Victoria Embankment/Westminster. Five accessible viewing areas are available for spectators with disabilities: Cutty Sark, Canary Wharf, Rainbow Row, Tower Hill, and Victoria Embankment. Quieter alternatives include Poplar High Street, Westferry, and the Isle of Dogs.
Key Timings
Elite runners and wheelchair racers start at staggered intervals from 8:30am, with the mass participation event beginning at 9:30am. The official cut-off is eight hours after the last runner starts at 11:30am, with The Mall closing at 7:30pm. After that, the finish line moves to St James's Park until midnight. The race follows its traditional route, with runners starting from colour-coded starts (Red, Blue, Green) in Greenwich Park or Blackheath. Participants unable to maintain the pace must move onto the pavement for safety.
The Route
The 2026 London Marathon follows the iconic, largely flat course through central London. Starting at Greenwich Park and Blackheath, runners head east toward Woolwich, loop back through Greenwich, and pass the historic Cutty Sark. The mid-section goes through Rotherhithe and Bermondsey, leading to the famous crossing of Tower Bridge just before halfway. The course then heads east into Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs, where skyscrapers provide a dramatic backdrop. The final stretch passes the Tower of London and the London Eye, along Victoria Embankment, and finishes on The Mall, with runners passing Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament before turning in front of Buckingham Palace.
Road Closures
Several roads will be closed for the marathon, and spectators are advised to use the Tube. Marathon participants receive free travel home until 6:30pm on race day on the Underground, Overground, buses, and DLR by showing their race bib. Key closures include Charlton Way/Shooters Hill Road (4am-2:30pm), Tower Bridge (8am-8:30pm), Victoria Embankment/Parliament Square (7:30am-10pm), and Birdcage Walk (eastbound from Friday 6am to Monday 6am; westbound from Saturday 6am to Monday 6am). A full list of closures is available on the official marathon website.
Ballot for London Marathon 2027
The ballot for the 2027 London Marathon opened at 9am on Friday, April 24, and remains open until 4pm on May 1. Place confirmations will be emailed by early July. Organisers are exploring a two-day event that could see around 100,000 finishers, potentially splitting men's and women's elite races over the weekend. The standard application fee is £79.99, with a reduced fee of £49.99 for those who 'double their chances' in the second ballot round. International runners pay £225, including a carbon offset fee. Unsuccessful applicants receive a free hydration vest worth over £100, with the donation fee going to the London Marathon Foundation.
