You’d think that a marathon is just a marathon. It’s just people running long distances while people cheer them on – often raising money for good causes along the way – right? But the TCS London Marathon is one of those London events that has evolved into something much more. Eagerly awaited by beginner and long-time marathoners alike, the marathon brings out the best in Londoners as everyone gathers together to support the runners and a variety of great causes. With everything going on, it can be difficult to navigate the affair! So, we’re here to help with our London Marathon guide.
1. The basics facts of The TCS London Marathon 2024
The TCS London Marathon will take place this weekend, on Sunday, April 21. The 26.2-mile route will take participants from the start in Blackheath, past the Cutty Sark, over Tower Bridge, and through Canary Wharf, before finishing on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace. The marathon is likely to kick off at 8:50 AM, with the last runner (in past years) expected to have crossed the start line by 11:30 AM. Those who manage to finish the marathon will cross the finish line on The Mall, and receive a finisher’s medal and a variety of freebies and recovery snacks and drinks.
2. Get a taste of the route
Not much of a runner, or need to mentally prepare for the marathon? You can get a taste of the course over at the TCS London Marathon website. There you can find a route video and a map that take you through the paces of the marathon.
Check it out here.
3. The TCS Mini London Marathon
Every year, the TCS Mini London Marathon takes place the day before the big event. This year, on Saturday, April 20, the young people taking on the TCS Mini London Marathon will be the first to cross the finish line on The Mall. These youngsters may prove to be some of the up-and-coming sports figures that we’ll be cheering on in years to come. After all, such legends as Sir Mo Farah can be counted among previous Mini Marathon runners. Farah himself won the event for three years running!
4. Travelling to the Start line
Just like in previous years, runners can take advantage of free travel on the day of the marathon. Participants can ride for free across the London Overground, Underground, DLR, and buses. It’s as simple as showing your bib number and taking a free ride! The free journeys will run until 6:30pm on marathon day. There will also be an earlier service on the DLR from Tower Gateway to Lewisham, starting at 5:30am so runners can get to the start line on time.
If you’re travelling into London from the northeast, be aware that industrial action may affect national rail services. Aslef union members will be working with an overtime ban across the weekend, from April 19 – 20. This means decreased service and could result in cancellations. So keep your eye on your journey planner!
5. Deferring your place in the marathon
Found out you can’t run in the London Marathon this year after all? Don’t worry – life happens, and you don’t necessarily need to miss out completely. Instead, you can defer your entry in the marathon until next year. The deadline for requesting deferral is 23:59 on Saturday, April 20 (the day before the marathon).
Find out what you need to do here.
6. Run the marathon your way
Can’t make it to London for the event? Or didn’t register in time? You can still take part with your own virtual TCS London Marathon. The TCS London Marathon MyWay option allows more freedom and flexibility for wannabe marathoners to complete the 26.2-mile endeavour in their own way. And finishers will still receive a TCS London Marathon finisher medal and a New Balance T-shirt!
There is also flexible entry and options available for those who can’t run on the day due to religious reasons, or who require further flexibility due to a disability. Anyone and everyone can join in!
7. Promotions for participants
We know this is the real reason you’re reading this London marathon guide. You want to know what freebies you can get! A number of businesses around London will be offering discounts and freebies to marathon runners in support of their gargantuan undertaking. Many will post on the day, so keep an eye on socials for your favourite restaurants, cafés, and pubs, to find even more offers available to you. Here are a few promotions that have caught our eyes:
🥩 Runners can enjoy a free Argentinian Rib Eye Steak at the Hippodrome Casino’s Heliot Steak House on April 21 or 22.
🍔 Head to the Hippodrome Casino’s Rooftop on April 21 or 22 and you can enjoy a complimentary Claire Heliot Burger.
🧊 If you need some recovery, LUMI Therapy is partnering up with Gymshark to offer free ice baths at Gymshark’s Regent Street flagship store on April 21.
🍣 SushiDog is offering up free SushiDog rolls, bowls or salads to runners who visit the store with their medals on April 21.
🥂 The Ivy is offering runners a complimentary glass of champagne to runners who present their medals at any of their restaurants on the day of the marathon.
🍝 Over at Pastaio runners can recover from the marathon with a free bowl of pasta on the house. Just present your medal on race day and you’ll be treated to some carb-y goodness.
🥙 Treat yourself to a post-marathon treat at the kebab megastore, Kebhouze, where London Marathon finishers can enjoy a free kebab on the day. They’ll also be on the sidelines giving out kebabs to runners mid-marathon. Who needs protein bars and energy drinks when you could run kebab in hand?
8. Where to watch the runners in comfort
Plenty of people will be turning out to run the marathon, but countless more will be rocking up to support the athletes. And if you’re one of the many supporters planning on cheering them through the arduous task, why not watch in comfort? Mile 19 snakes its way through Canary Wharf, with the best vantage points available at South Colonnade, Cabot Square and Westferry.
Fancy a drink while you watch? Spectators can watch the action, drink in hand, from the area’s venues. Many of them have outdoor seating or terraces for you to relax and take in the action. Give the runners a cheers as they pass by!
9. Getting home
As we mentioned earlier in this Lonon Marathon guide, runners can take advantage of free travel until up to 6:30 PM on the London Underground, Overground, buses, and DLR. After all, you’re definitely not jogging home, right? Right?
10. What about next year?
When you get home, you’re sure to simply collapse into bed or onto the sofa and sleep for three days. But, looking ahead to next year, the ballot opens very soon. If you want to join the jogging throng, the ballot for the 2025 TCS London Marathon opens on Saturday, April 20, 2024, and closes on Friday, April 26, 2024.
Will you do it all over again?
So there you have it, a comprehensive London marathon guide. Will you be taking to the course, or cheering on from the sidelines?