London Marathon

Location: London
Country: United Kingdom
Website: https://www.londonmarathonevents.co.uk/london-marathon
2025 Marathon Date: 27/04/2025
2026 Marathon Date: 26/04/2026
Winning Time 2025: 02:02:27
% Sub-3s: 5–10%
# Sub-3s: 2000+
Total Runners: 40k+

The London Marathon is one of the largest and most iconic city marathons in the world. Held each spring in the UK capital, it attracts tens of thousands of participants and millions of spectators, creating a festival-like atmosphere across central London. The race holds World Athletics Platinum Label status and regularly features the fastest elites alongside club runners and charity participants from around the globe.

The course begins in Greenwich and follows a flat, point-to-point route that passes many of London’s most recognisable landmarks. Runners cross Tower Bridge around halfway, loop through Canary Wharf, and head west along the Thames toward the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace, where the finish line awaits on The Mall. With minimal elevation change and excellent surface conditions throughout, the London Marathon offers a course capable of delivering fast times for well-prepared runners.

Late April in London usually brings cool, overcast conditions with temperatures between 8–15°C. The race starts early enough to avoid midday heat, and humidity is typically low. The weather is generally reliable and supports sustained effort.

Crowd support is a defining feature of the London Marathon. From residential streets to major bridges and tourist hubs, the route is lined with vocal supporters offering encouragement and energy. Aid stations are frequent, well-staffed and clearly marked, contributing to one of the most professionally managed events on the global circuit.

For sub-3 marathoners, London provides a unique mix of opportunity and complexity. The sheer size of the field means seeding and positioning are essential, particularly in the opening kilometres. However, once settled, the course allows for smooth pacing and benefits from the presence of large, well-organised pacing groups. For those who thrive in high-energy environments and appreciate the prestige of a major, the London Marathon remains a bucket-list race and a proven venue for fast amateur performances.