Guide to the London Marathon 2024: Schedule, course, records, and viewing options
The 2024 London Marathon will kick off its first run at 9:05 AM, with elite women starting at 9:25 AM, followed by elite men and the mass race at 10:00 AM.
This marathon, a part of the Spring Games calendar, is returning at the end of this week after breaking entry records in the 2023 edition.
After the unfortunate accident in Kenya last year that led to the demise of Kelvin Kiptum, the reigning men’s champion and world record holder, this will be the first London Marathon of 2024.
Wondering when the 2024 London Marathon will take place? It’s this Sunday, April 21st.
Special and wheelchair races will start at different times. The combined wheelchair men’s and women’s race starts at 9:05 AM BST, while the elite women’s race starts at 9:25 AM, followed by elite men hitting the road at 10:00 AM. The mass race also begins at 10:00 AM and continues until 11:30 AM.
So, where does the London Marathon route begin and end?
The London Marathon route follows its usual course, starting from Greenwich and Blackheath, where participants are divided into three lines converging at the three-mile mark. The route then heads eastward towards Woolwich, then westward through Rotherhithe and Bermondsey back towards Greenwich Town Centre. From there, it goes north over Tower Bridge, signaling about halfway. After that, athletes complete a loop around Canary Wharf and Isle of Dogs before the course heads west along the north bank of the Thames past Tower of London towards Trafalgar Square and finishes at The Mall, just in front of Buckingham Palace.
Curious about the best spots to watch?
The busiest spots along the course are usually Greenwich, Tower Bridge, and Westminster. Miles 9-12 (Rotherhithe and Bermondsey) and miles 14-21 (Canary Wharf and Isle of Dogs) typically see fewer spectators. For a chance to see the runners twice, head to the Highway in Wapping, which is used first eastbound and then westbound, though it’s a popular viewing spot.
How many people participate in the London Marathon?
Last year, 49,272 runners started the race, with 43,965 finishing it (meaning 5,307 people didn’t complete the course).
What about the prize money for the London Marathon?
This year, for the first time, equal prize money will be offered for wheelchair and able-bodied races. Each winner of the elite races will take home £43,500.
The director of the London Marathon event, Hugh Brasher, said, “We have made significant progress in recent years towards making the London Marathon the most diverse and equitable marathon in On a global scale, and this marks yet another significant milestone on our journey towards realizing that objective.”
Where can you watch the London Marathon on TV?
The London Marathon will be broadcast on BBC, BBC iPlayer, and Red Button. The coverage will start at 8:30 AM on BBC One and then run on BBC Two from 2 PM to 3 PM. Highlights will be shown at 6 PM on BBC Two.
BBC iPlayer will stream footage from 11:30 AM to 6 PM. Additionally, there will be two live streams on Tower Bridge (from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM) and the Finish Line (from 1 PM to 6 PM) on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport app.
BBC commentators Andrew Cotter, Steve Cram, Paula Radcliffe, and Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson will be on the mic, while Steve Brown, JJ Chalmers, and Jeanette Kwakye will report.
The production will involve around 200 people, 40 cameras, and half a dozen motorcycles. Several helicopters will also be used to help broadcast specific races.
Who are the celebrities to watch out for this year?
Comedian Romesh Ranganathan, musician Tom Grennan, and actor Phil Dunster will participate in the London Marathon this Sunday. They’ll be joined by Birmingham City interim manager Garry Rowett, EastEnders stars Emma Barton and Jamie Borthwick, and Sky Sports presenter Natalie Pinkham.
Back in the mix are familiar faces like James Cracknell, Mark Wright, Adele Roberts, Louis Minchin, and Chris Robshaw, all geared up for another round of the marathon.. Read More:
What’s the average time for the London Marathon?
Last year, competitors completed the London Marathon with an average time of 4 hours and 6 minutes, which is an improvement from the 2022 average of 4 hours and 18 minutes to 12 minutes.