What Is the Route of the London Marathon?

By Anna Duncan

The London Marathon is one of the most iconic and prestigious marathons in the world, attracting thousands of runners from all over the globe. The marathon route covers 26.2 miles, starting in Greenwich and finishing in front of Buckingham Palace, passing through some of London’s most famous landmarks along the way.

The Start

The start line for the London Marathon is located in Greenwich Park, a beautiful park in South East London. The runners set off from three different starting points based on their expected finish time. The race starts at 9 am for wheelchair athletes and 10 am for other runners.

The First Few Miles

As soon as the race begins, runners make their way towards the River Thames via Charlton and Woolwich. They cross the river via the iconic Tower Bridge, which offers breathtaking views of London’s skyline.

Halfway Point

Once across Tower Bridge, runners reach the halfway point at Canary Wharf. This is where they start to feel fatigue setting in, but they are also greeted by enthusiastic crowds cheering them on.

The Final Stretch

The final stretch of the race takes runners past some of London’s most famous landmarks such as St. Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace before crossing the finish line on The Mall.

What Makes It So Challenging?

While it may seem like a straightforward route, there are various factors that make running the London Marathon incredibly challenging. Firstly, there are several hills throughout the course that can be tough to navigate, especially towards the end when runners are already fatigued.

Additionally, running through central London means that there are plenty of twists and turns along the course. This can be mentally challenging as it can be difficult to maintain a steady pace with so many distractions around.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the London Marathon route may not be the most challenging in terms of elevation, it is a true test of endurance and mental toughness. The iconic landmarks along the way make it a unique and unforgettable experience for all runners who take on the challenge.