London Marathon 2024: your winning guide to dates, timings and how to enter

The race is on and the 2024 London Marathon is nearly upon us! Join cheering crowds and fancy-dress fundraisers at the world-famous London Marathon on Sunday April 21 2024. Covering 26.2 miles and shutting down roads left, right and centre, it takes over the capital for one weekend every year. Ahead of this year’s race, here’s everything you need to know about running and watching the London Marathon 2024, whether you’re a road-pounding pro or a newbie dressed as a stormtrooper. 

What is the London Marathon?

Attracting professionals, celebrities and some truly ludicrous outfits, the London Marathon is a 26.2-mile race around the streets of London. One of the key events in the city’s each year, it attracts just as many supporters as participants, and the atmosphere on the day is absolutely buzzing, whatever the weather.

If you’re out and about in the afternoon of marathon day here are the best places to catch all the action and expect to see weary runners propping up the bar at pubs across the capital. Those who’d like to run can enter by ballot or take up a fundraising place to go the distance via their favourite charity.

This year competitors are also able to take advantage of a free, revitalising ice bath, courtesy of Lumi Therapy. No need to book: simply turn up to the Gymshark flagship shop at 165 Regent’s Street with your finisher’s medal. 

Where is the London Marathon?

The marathon route starts south of the Thames at Blackheath and passes through Greenwich before crossing the river over Tower Bridge. It then continues through central London before finishing in glory in front of Buckingham Palace. A full map of the route can be found here. 

When is the 2024 London Marathon?

The 2024 marathon takes place on Sunday April 21 2024. The event will be streamed on big screens on Blackheath, where the 40,000 runners begin the race. Or, if you fancy watching from the comfort of your own home it’ll be live on BBC1 and BBC2, with coverage beginning before the first race starts at 8.30am.

How do I enter next year’s London Marathon?

Hold your horses, Speedy Gonzales, and take off those trainers. The ballot for next year’s event isn’t open yet, but typically it takes place in October. Here’s our handy guide on how to enter the race.

What time does the London Marathon start this year?

Groups of racers set off at staggered times, starting with the wheelchair race at 8.50am. The elite women’s race sets off at 9am, followed by the elite men’s race at 9.30am. Runners participating in the general race set off in waves starting from 10am, with the last groups crossing the start line at around 11.30am.

Those wishing to track loved ones taking part in the race can do so by downloading the London Marathon app here.