The capital’s biggest sporting event of the year is weeks away
London’s biggest sporting event of the year is only two weeks away, as more than 50,000 runners prepare to tackle the London Marathon 2026. Kicking off in Blackheath and Greenwich Park, elite athletes, charity fundraisers, and a costumed crowd will journey 26.2 miles through the capital.
The long-running race sees around 800,000 spectators descend on the city each year, lining the streets to see their friends and family whizz past. However, the buzzy atmosphere unfortunately comes with busy Tube stations and a number of road closures – see the full list below.
But, for the participants, the achievement is one to shout loud and proud about. As such, there are plenty of freebies – including free travel – up for grabs. Here’s what you need to know:
When is the London Marathon 2026?
The London Marathon 2026 is taking place on Sunday, April 26. The elite runners and wheelchair racers begin at staggered intervals from 8.30am with the mass participation event from 9.30am.
The official cut-off is eight hours after the last runner starts at 11.30am, with The Mall closing at 7.30pm. After that, the finish line moves to St James’s Park until midnight.
Looking ahead to 2027 there have been reports London Marathon organisers are exploring the possibility of staging the event across two days to allow more people to take part – 50,000 on a Saturday and then 50,000 on the Sunday to allow 100,000 in total.
A London Marathon spokesperson said: “The TCS London Marathon is the world’s most popular marathon, and we are continually exploring innovative ways to enable more people to take part, while delivering positive benefits for London.
“Together with our partners and stakeholders, we are looking at the intention for the 2027 TCS London Marathon to take place across two days. No approval has been given at this stage. Our immediate focus is on delivering an incredible 2026 TCS London Marathon on Sunday, April 26 and ensuring every participant has an amazing experience.”
Route map
Here’s the route for the London Marathon 2026, starting in Blackheath and Greenwich Park with the finish line along The Mall by Buckingham Palace.
How to get there by Tube and rail
To reach the start of the London Marathon, runners need to know which area they’ve been allocated. The marathon starts at Greenwich Park with three designated start lines:
- Blue Start: Best accessed via Blackheath station
- Green Start: Best accessed via Maze Hill station
- Red Start: Best accessed via Greenwich station.
National Rail trains from London Bridge and Cannon Street will take racers close to each start area. Those starting at Greenwich station are advised to utilise the DLR.
While there are no Tube stations right at the start line, participants can use the Jubilee to connect to DLR services.
Travel is free for runners until 8pm on the London Underground, Overground, Elizabeth Line, DLR and local buses. Southeastern is also offering free pre-race journeys from London stations.
Spectators are not permitted in the start area and are encouraged to watch the action from the side-lines. Recommended viewing areas includes Cutty Sark, Canada Water, Bermondsey, Canary Wharf, Limehouse and Westminster.
Which roads will be closed?
The key roads that be closed for the London Marathon are:
- Charlton Way/Shooters Hill Road: 4am – 2.30pm
- St Johns Park: 7am – 2.30pm
- Charlton Park Road: 7am – 2.30pm
- Old Dover Road: 7am – 2.30pm
- Little Heath: 7am – 2.30pm
- Charlton Park Lane: 7am – 2.30pm
- Artillery Place: 7am – 2.30pm
- John Wilson Street: 7am – 2.30pm
- Woolwich Church Street/Woolwich Road: 7am – 3pm
- Trafalgar Road/Creek Road: 7am – 4pm
- Evelyn Street: 8am – 4pm
- Surrey Quays Road: 8am – 4pm
- Salter Road: 8am – 4pm
- Brunel Road: 8am – 4pm
- Jamaica Road: 8am – 4pm
- Tower Bridge: 8am – 8.30pm
- The Highway (south side)Narrow Street: 8am – 8.30pm
- Westferry Road/ East Ferry Road: 8am – 8.30pm
- Marsh Wall/Bank Street: 8am – 8.30pm
- North Colonnade/Poplar High Street: 8am – 8.30pm
- Commercial Road/The Highway (north side): 8am – 8.30pm
- Byward Street: 7.30am – 9pm
- Upper/Lower Thames Street: 7.30am – 9pm
- Victoria Embankment/Parliament Square: 7.30am – 10pm
- Birdcage Walk (eastbound): 6am on Friday, April 24 – 6am on Monday, April 27
- Birdcage Walk (westbound) 6am on Saturday, April 25 – 6am Monday, April 27
What freebies can runners get?
Runners can snap up a number of freebies on London Marathon on top of free public transport.
This includes:
- Atis – Free salad bowl
- Chipotle – Free main meal
- Duck & Rice – Free beer
- EL & N – Free smoothie
- Grown Alchemist – In-store calf massages
- Jenki – Free matcha
- Kiss The Hippo – Free coffee
- Kitty Hawk – Free roast dinner
- Kolamba – Free Lion Lager or glass of bubbles
- La Maritxu – Free slice of cheesecake
- LUSH – Free massage balm and shower jelly
- Miznon – Free hummus and beer
- Mr Fogg’s Taverns – Free pint
- Pastaio – Complimentary plate of pasta
- TALA – Exclusive freebies
Got a story for MyLondon? Get in touch via [email protected]
Stay up to date about London’s hottest events, latest restaurant openings, and best deals with our Going Out Out newsletter. Sign up HERE!
