In just a few days, thousands of athletes will converge on the streets of London for the eagerly anticipated London Marathon. The gruelling 26-mile challenge will commence in the area between Greenwich and Blackheath, leading runners through some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including the Cutty Sark and Buckingham Palace, and past the bustling scenes of Canary Wharf.

The marathon, set to traverse multiple boroughs, kicks off with a klaxon at Greenwich Park. Participants will journey past the Cutty Sark, cross the River Thames at the 13-mile mark, and continue following the river’s curve. The course will take them through significant challenges, such as the infamous ‘Wall’ at mile 20, and back towards Tower Bridge.

As runners approach the final stages, they’ll pass the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, get a glimpse of the London Eye, and finally push through the City of Westminster, finishing triumphantly along The Mall where crowds will be cheering.

Start Times and Waves: The marathon will begin in waves from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, arranged according to participants’ predicted finish times. Runners are required to assemble beforehand and ensure their bib numbers are visible. Though joining an earlier wave is not permitted, participants can opt to start in a later wave if necessary.

Deferring Participation: Runners unable to participate this year have the option to defer their entry. To defer, athletes must notify organizers through their participant dashboard, which was provided in February. The deferral guarantees a spot in next year’s marathon, with the deadline for withdrawal set at 11:59 PM on April 20, the day before the marathon.

Amenities on the Route: Regarding facilities, restrooms are available every two miles along the route, ensuring runners can address personal needs without undue stress. Water is provided every two miles in 250ml bottles, with energy drinks available at strategic points along the course.

As the marathon approaches, participants are reminded to review their preparations, plan their travel and arrival, and familiarize themselves with the course details and amenities. This year’s London Marathon promises to be another spectacular event, showcasing the spirit and endurance of its participants against the backdrop of London’s historic vistas.