{"id":240288,"date":"2026-04-25T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-25T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/25\/london-marathon-2026-route-map-and-best-places-to-watch-the-race\/"},"modified":"2026-04-25T09:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-25T09:00:00","slug":"london-marathon-2026-route-map-and-best-places-to-watch-the-race","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/25\/london-marathon-2026-route-map-and-best-places-to-watch-the-race\/","title":{"rendered":"London Marathon 2026 route, map and best places to watch the race"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<h2 class=\"LeadText_lead-text__wd_PA __className_4f8be1\" data-testid=\"leadtext\">One of London&#8217;s most iconic events gets underway this weekend<\/h2>\n<p><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX ImageEmbed_image-lead__Ti3qQ\" data-testid=\"leadimage\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"35198437\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"The London Marathon 2026 is this Sunday\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">The London Marathon 2026 is this Sunday<cite aria-label=\"Image: WireImage\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: WireImage)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Excitement is building ahead of the <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/london-marathon\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_self\">London Marathon 2026<\/a>. Over 56,000 participants are expected to take on the mammoth tour of London landmarks this Sunday, April 26.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The 26.2 mile road race gets underway in the morning. It begins at Blackheath and ends at The Mall, <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/buckingham-palace\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">Buckingham Palace<\/a>, passing through some of the capital\u2019s most iconic backdrops, including Tower Bridge.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The 46th edition, as is always the case, will draw huge crowds, with thousands of spectators lining the streets.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!<\/strong><a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MirrorSport#\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"> <\/strong><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"><u>All the best sports news and much more on our dedicated Facebook page<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Here, <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Mirror Sport <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n<p><span data-testid=\"readmore\" class=\"ReadMore_readmore-prefix__xS44r __className_6edd97\">READ MORE<!-- -->: <span class=\"ReadMore_readmore-link__eF9pN\"><a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" data-tmdatatrack=\"read-more\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"37051102\" data-tmdatatrack-source=\"editorial\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/news\/uk-news\/london-tube-strikes-marathon-travel-37051102\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">London tube strikes: Marathon travel tips ahead of Sunday&#8217;s big race<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"HeadingThree_heading-three__PBHLs  __className_90e308\">London Marathon 2026 start time<\/h3>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The finish line on The Mall closes at around 7.30pm and is then moved to St James\u2019s Park until midnight.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"HeadingThree_heading-three__PBHLs  __className_90e308\">London Marathon 2026 route<\/h3>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Cutty Sark is the first notable checkpoint on the route, located between miles six and seven.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-37058388\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"37058388\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:2.14\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"London Marathon 2026 map\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37058388.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/2_Screenshot-2026-04-23-at-103213.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37058388.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/2_Screenshot-2026-04-23-at-103213.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37058388.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/2_Screenshot-2026-04-23-at-103213.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37058388.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/2_Screenshot-2026-04-23-at-103213.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"London Marathon 2026 map\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">London Marathon 2026 map<cite aria-label=\"Image: London Marathon \" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: London Marathon )<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"HeadingThree_heading-three__PBHLs  __className_90e308\">Best spots to watch<\/h3>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">As has long been the case, the <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/bbc\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">BBC<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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 <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/teamdogs\" rel=\"follow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">Dogs<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Marathon organisers advise that some areas, including those by the Cutty Sark, Tower Hill and St James\u2019 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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Five accessible viewing areas also dot the course for those with disabilities: Cutty Sark, Canary Wharf, Rainbow Row, Tower Hill and Victoria Embankment.<\/p>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContentsEmbed_affiliate-contents-container__oTiet\" data-testid=\"affiliate-contents-embed\">\n<div data-testid=\"affiliate-content\" class=\"AffiliateContent_affiliate-content-container__10EX_ affiliate-content\">\n<p>Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package<\/p>\n<div class=\"AffiliateDisclaimer_affiliate-disclaimer__dG5ST\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateDisclaimer_affiliate-text__8nmDa\">This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/affiliates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-container__JMDzM AffiliateContent_content-details__U6C2M AffiliateContent_has-content-img___LY95\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-content__QCkL9\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_content-image__FxPNL\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Content Image\" fetchpriority=\"auto\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article33404045.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s510b\/0_Sky-Factbox.jpg\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-container__JMDzM\">\n<div id=\"product-description\" class=\"AffiliateContent_section-content__QCkL9\">\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside <!-- -->Formula 1, darts and golf.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/sport\/other-sports\/athletics\/london-marathon-route-map-viewpoints-37057884\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>One of London&#8217;s most iconic events gets underway this weekend The London Marathon 2026 is this Sunday(Image: WireImage) 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. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":240289,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6802],"tags":[52384,72270],"class_list":{"0":"post-240288","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-athetics","8":"tag-london-marathon","9":"tag-london-marathon-route"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/240288","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=240288"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/240288\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/240289"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=240288"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=240288"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=240288"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}