One of London’s most iconic events gets underway this weekend
Excitement is building ahead of the London Marathon 2026. Over 56,000 participants are expected to take on the mammoth tour of London landmarks this Sunday, April 26.
The 26.2 mile road race gets underway in the morning. It begins at Blackheath and ends at The Mall, Buckingham Palace, passing through some of the capital’s most iconic backdrops, including Tower Bridge.
The 46th edition, as is always the case, will draw huge crowds, with thousands of spectators lining the streets.
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Here, Mirror Sport brings you crucial information about the route and the best cheer zones so you can catch a glimpse of your friends and families who are taking part in the incredible event.
READ MORE: London tube strikes: Marathon travel tips ahead of Sunday’s big race
London Marathon 2026 start time
Staggered start times for elite races are scheduled from around 8.50am. The masses set off in waves from around 9.30am before all start lines close at 11.30am.
The finish line on The Mall closes at around 7.30pm and is then moved to St James’s Park until midnight.
London Marathon 2026 route
The London Marathon passes through a whopping six boroughs. Participants from the three starting points meet for the first time just before mile three, in Woolwich.
Cutty Sark is the first notable checkpoint on the route, located between miles six and seven.
Runners will reach the iconic Tower Bridge at mile 12, before heading east along The Highway to Westferry, circling through Mudchute, Docklands and Canary Wharf, which is at mile 18.
The final five miles of the course go through The Highway, Tower Hill and Victoria Embankment before reaching Parliament Square at mile 25. London crowds in these final miles provide the vital boost runners need to make it to the world-famous finish line on The Mall, with celebrations waiting beyond it.
Best spots to watch
As has long been the case, the BBC holds broadcast rights for the London Marathon. The elite race coverage will begin at 8.30am on BBC One and will move to BBC Two at 2pm.
But for those who want to soak up the London Marathon atmosphere in person, there are dozens of cheer zones for spectators to watch along most parts of the route. It is probably best to avoid the start between Greenwich and Blackheath, given it will be heaving with other spectators.
According to organisers, Rotherhithe Peninsula offers an enjoyable two-mile stretch of the route with several bands and a Community Cheer Zone this year. For another quiet spot to cheer, stay east and line up in Deptford or the Isle of Dogs.
Marathon organisers advise that some areas, including those by the Cutty Sark, Tower Hill and St James’ Park, are likely to be very busy on the day. Spectators wanting to be at the heart of the action, however, can line up at the halfway point near Tower Bridge. The finish line at The Mall is bound to be as busy as it is exhilarating.
Five accessible viewing areas also dot the course for those with disabilities: Cutty Sark, Canary Wharf, Rainbow Row, Tower Hill and Victoria Embankment.
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