Experience
the race
Since the first edition in 1981, the London Marathon has grown into one of the world’s most iconic running events, celebrated for its unique spirit, huge crowds and remarkable charitable impact.
KEY FIGURES & STATISTICS
Number of countries represented
177
Number of participants
56,640 – a Guinness World Records title (at the time) for largest number of finishers in a marathon
Fun facts / statistics:
- 1,133,813 Ballot entries (2026) - a Guinness World Records title
- 152 participants celebrated a birthday on Marathon day in 2025
- 41 Guinness World Records broken in 2025 by participants
- World’s largest single-day fundraising event (£87.3m raised in 2025)
Weather conditions
Average temperature
Average daytime highs are around 14°C with nighttime lows around 5-6°C.
Average wind speed
Moderate winds are frequent, often accompanied by the famous "April showers."
Average rainfall
Roughly 43mm of precipitation occurs throughout the month, typically spread over 9 days.
Weather conditions
The month is characterized by rapid transitions between rain and sun, with 14 hours of daylight and a moderate UV index.
Course Description
The course is fast and flat, with a total elevation gain of about 125 metres (410 feet) and a larger elevation loss. The wide, smooth roads and unrivalled crowd support make it perfect for personal bests, and several world records have been set on the course.
Tourism & Destination Highlights
The course doubles as a tour of London’s most iconic sights. Starting in maritime Greenwich, it crosses Tower Bridge, passes through the financial district of Canary Wharf and finishes in Westminster, in front of Buckingham Palace – one of the most celebrated Finish Lines in the world.
Event History
After a visit to the New York City Marathon in 1979, co-founders Chris Brasher and John Disley were inspired to create an event that unites people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds and helps participants to “have fun and provide some happiness and sense of achievement in a troubled world”.
The first marathon, on 29 March 1981, had about 7,000 starters and over 6,200 finishers – an impressive debut. The winners, Dick Beardsley and Inge Simonsen, famously crossed the line hand‑in‑hand, symbolising the event’s spirit of camaraderie. The race has since grown to more than 50,000 participants and set numerous world records. It’s also the world’s largest one‑day fundraising event, with over £1.4 billion raised for charity since 1981.
Race Director’s Quote
Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, said:
“The TCS London Marathon stands as the most iconic and popular marathon on the planet. When my father, Chris Brasher, and his friend John Disley founded the race, their ambition was simple yet powerful: to provide some fun and a sense of achievement in a troubled world. Since that first edition in 1981, the London Marathon has delivered on that vision - and far exceeded it."
Transport & race tips
Reaching the TCS London Marathon by train is the most efficient and eco-friendly way to travel. London’s major rail terminals, including London Bridge, Charing Cross, and Cannon Street, offer frequent connections to the start areas in Blackheath and Greenwich.
On Event Day, participants can enjoy free travel on Southeastern train services from London stations to the start areas, as well as on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and London Underground by showing their official bib number. Arriving by rail ensures you bypass road closures and start your marathon morning with ease.
Parking is available at Excel London (where the TCS London Marathon Running Show takes place but it is highly recommended to use the Underground or the Elizabeth line to reach the Expo. On April 26th, 2026 (Race Day), extensive road closures will be in effect across the capital from early morning so participants and spectators are strongly urged to use public transport.
London is served by several major international hubs, including Heathrow, Gatwick, and London City Airport, making it easily accessible from across the globe. From Heathrow, the Elizabeth line Heathrow Express provides a fast links to central London. Gatwick is connected via the Gatwick Express to Victoria Station. These seamless train connections allow international runners to transition from the terminal to central London quickly and sustainably.
London’s world-class public transport network – including the Tube, DLR, and the Elizabeth line – is the most sustainable way to navigate the city during race weekend. To reduce your environmental footprint, take advantage of the extensive rail links and pedestrian-friendly routes connecting the various event sites.
Arrive with plenty of time to spare at Blackheath/Greenwich Park
The start area is divided into different assembly zones across Blackheath and Greenwich Park. Arriving in good time allows you to drop off your baggage at the designated lorries, find your start wave, and soak in the electric atmosphere before the klaxon sounds.
Stay warm at the Start Assembly Area
Mornings in London can be chilly. Wear "throwaway" layers to stay warm while waiting in your corral., Collection points will be located near every Start Line, so you can donate any extra layers that you don’t want to run with before you begin your 26.2-mile journey.
Pace yourself through the historic streets
The London course is famously flat and fast, but the early miles through Woolwich and Greenwich can be crowded. Resist the urge to weave; instead, find a steady rhythm and save your energy for the iconic crossing of Tower Bridge near the halfway mark.
Draw strength from the crowds
London is known for having one of the loudest and most supportive crowds in the world. From the "Rainbow Row" in Wapping to the roar of the Embankment, let the energy of the spectators and the sight of Big Ben carry you through the final miles.
Enjoy the majestic finish on The Mall
Turning the final corner past Buckingham Palace to finish on The Mall is one of the greatest experiences in sport. Take a moment to appreciate the achievement as you cross the line in the heart of the capital.
Ways to get involved
REGISTRATION
CHarity ENTRY
Tour operator
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