London Marathon: your winning guide
All you need to know about the London Marathon 2018, whether you want to enter yourself next year or plan to cheer loudly the sidelines
With its cheering crowds and fancy dress fundraisers, the London Marathon is our very own world-famous running race. Covering 26.2 miles and shutting down roads left, right and centre, it takes over the city for one weekend every April. Here's all you need to know about running the London Marathon 2018, whether you're a road-pounding-pro or a newbie in a Disney costume.
What is the London Marathon?
Attracting professionals, celebrities and some truly impractical outfits, the London Marathon is a 26.2 mile race around the streets of London. One of the key London events in spring, it attracts just as many supporters as participants, and the atmosphere on the day is something truly remarkable. If you're out and about on the afternoon of marathon day, 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 via their favourite charity.
Where is the London Marathon?
The 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.
When is the 2018 London Marathon?
This 2018 marathon takes place on Sunday April 22 and The Queen will officially start this year's race. Live coverage of her pushing the button at 10am sharp from the grounds of Windsor Castle will be streamed onto the big screens at Blackheath where the 40,000 runners begin the race.
See the five best places to watch the London Marathon
