London marathon
Photograph: Shutterstock
Photograph: Shutterstock

Where to watch the London Marathon: the best places along the route map

Want to cheer on the runners in the 2025 London Marathon? Find the best spectator spots along the 26.2-mile route

Written by: Rhian Daly
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Running 26.2 miles (twenty six point two!) across our great city dressed as a sandworm from Dune is a feat that the majority of us Londoners will probably never be brave enough to attempt. But some courageous souls who aren’t averse to hours of gruelling training willingly put themselves in the crosshairs of shin splints and runner’s knee and, for that, they should be applauded. So, when 50,000 of them take part in the London Marathon on Sunday April 27 2025, get yourself down to the route to cheer them on.

Check out our route guide below to find the best spots to support those running from and track down nearby pubs and bars from when all that whooping and clapping leaves you feeling nearly as parched as the runners. Remember: your presence at this monumental sporting occasion means it is 100 per cent allowed to drink lager or rosé in the street at 10am.

Keep in mind that you won’t be having a lie-in until lunchtime if you plan to attend. Everyone taking part laces up pretty early, with elite runners usually starting their slog around 8:30am before the masses join them from 10am.

Here’s our winning guide to this year’s marathon.

What landmarks can I spot on the London Marathon route?

If you hadn’t noticed, the marathon route is loooooong. Starting in Greenwich Park in south-east London and finishing right by Buckingham Palace, there are loads of famous things to see along the way, especially when you’re a spectator. Here are some of the things to look out for:

  • Mile 6: Cutty Sark
  • Mile 12: Tower Bridge
  • Mile 18: Canary Wharf
  • Mile 22: The Tower of London
  • Mile 25: The London Eye 
  • Mile 25: Big Ben
  • Mile 26: Buckingham Palace

Which roads will be closed for the London Marathon?

4am-2.30pm: Charlton Way, Shooters Hill Road
7am-2.30pm: 
St John’s Park, Charlton Road, Old Dover Road, Little Heath, Charlton Park Lane, Artillery Place, John Wilson Street
7am-3pm: Woolwich Church Street, Woolwich Road
7am-4pm: Trafalgar Road, Creek Road
8am-4pm: Evelyn Street, Surrey Quays Road, Salter Road, Brunel Road, Jamaica Road
8am-8.30pm: Tower Bridge, The Highway (south side), Narrow Street, Westferry Road, East Ferry Road, Marsh Wall, North Colonnade, Poplar High Street, Commercial Road, The Highway (north side)
7.30am-9pm: Byward Street, Upper Thames Street
7am-10pm: Victoria Embankment, Parliament Square

Birdcage Walk will be closed eastbound from Friday April 25-Monday April 28, 6am-6am, and westbound from Saturday April 25-Monday April 28, 6am-6am.

London Marathon route map, perhaps? 

Graphic of the London Marathon 2025 route
Photograph: TCS London Marathon


Any route changes?

The 2025 London Marathon route differs only slightly from previous years. This year, runners will jog through the Wood Wharf area of Canary Wharf, which lies to the east of the glossy, skyscraper-filled financial district.

Where to celebrate

Running 26.2 miles is no mean feat, but those who do brave the challenge will be treated to some well-deserved perks and freebies after their gruelling run. From free massage bars and complimentary post-marathon margaritas, take a look at our comprehensive guide of all the brilliant London businesses giving away treats and freebies to those hardy enough to cross the finish line and earn a medal. Read about all the offers here

The Start: Blackheath

The start, which is between Greenwich and Blackheath, will be absolutely heaving. Your support, whether general or specific, will probably be more appreciated later on, but if you really don’t want to miss the kick-off, get down early to guarantee your spot, then maybe grab a swift half at one of Greenwich’s historic pubs afterwards. 

Transport: Greenwich/Cutty Sark DLR or Greenwich or Blackheath rail.

Mile 12-13 (20 km)

Rock up to Tower Bridge early enough and you'll bag the perfect spot for a photo opp as the runners storm across the iconic landmark. Transport: Tower Hill.

Mile 13 (and Mile 22)

Further down from Tower Bridge is where the race doubles back on itself. Take up a position on the central reservation and you'll see the runners twice – and the first of the runners going east may see the elite women heading back in the opposite direction. Transport: Shadwell DLR or rail.

Mile 16

Just over 10 miles to go and the race is starting to hot up. The more serious of the runners are starting to up their pace, leaving the rest to grit their teeth and continue at a steady slog. Transport: Canary Wharf tube or Heron Quays DLR.

Mile 17

Taking the kids to see a family member run? This is a good spot to choose – very handy for a visit to Mudchute Farm. Encourage the kids to lend support to the rest of the competitors, too; it's not so crowded here and their cheers could make a real difference. Transport: Mudchute DLR.

Mile 21

A dull stretch along Commercial Road has been the honorary cheering zone for the city's running collective Run Dem Crew since 2012 – and they sure know how to celebrate the big day. Cosy up next to the crew to get an eyeful of confetti and massive signs as they dance along to Radiance Audio's brilliant soundsystem blasting tunes out of Limehouse town hall. Transport: Limehouse DLR (Pic: Ash Narod) 

Mile 24

The course takes the runners through the underpass here – catch them as they emerge into daylight having wrestled with their demons in a rare moment of privacy. Transport: London Blackfriars rail. (Pic: Joe Toth for Virgin Money London Marathon)

The final stretch: Mile 25 to 26.2

The runners are more spread out and more visible now, and the goal is within their grasp. Cheer them on towards the finish, then head for the alphabetically signposted meet-up points in Horse Guards Road and Horse Guards Parade. Transport: Embankment tube or Charing Cross rail.

Check out our ten top marathon facts

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