London Marathon

Social Event

About London Marathon

Take up the challenge of this truly global event. The undisputed King of the UK race calendar, runners will not go a single mile without feeling the rush of music and cheering supporters spurring them on.

23rd April 2023

Great Cross Ave, Greenwich, London SE10 8QY, UK

The Route

The London Marathon course is one of the most iconic routes in running. Winding its way through the heart of the capital, with crowds lining the side of the route at every step, the course has barely changed since the race was first held in 1981.

The course begins starts in leafy Blackheath, heads east through Charlton and Woolwich for three miles, turns west and passes the Cutty Sark in Greenwich after six to seven miles.

It crosses the River Thames at Tower Bridge and then loops around London, right past the Shard. Continuing along past the 12th mile markers, runners will be taken past Canary Wharf and the London Eye.

Runners will finish in a blaze of glory along London’s most iconic landmarks, Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.

Event day logistics

*Information is from the 2021 event day guide and is subject to change.

There are three Start Areas at the Virgin Money London Marathon – Red, Blue, and Green – and the colour of your running number indicates your Start Area. Each Start Area has eight zones – numbered 1 to 8 – and you will be informed of your Start Zone when you register at Expo.

The zone you have been allocated to is based on your predicted finish time when you entered. Please note: You cannot change your Start Area or move to an earlier Start Zone. However, if you think your predicted finish time is now too fast, you will be allowed to join a later Start Zone.

To make sure the start of your race goes smoothly, you just need to do the following: