Want to cheer on the runners in the 2026 London Marathon? Find the best spectator spots along the 26.2-mile route
Running 26.2 miles across our great city dressed as a rhino or Colin the Caterpillar 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 in a few months, it’s your duty to cheer them on.
The exact route for the 2026 event (happening on Sunday April 26), hasn’t been revealed yet but it’s likely to be very similar to, if not exactly the same as, the 2025 route. So, you can use our guide below to plan where you’ll station yourself and to track down nearby pubs and bars for 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.
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:
Here’s what last year’s route looked like.
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, brilliant London businesses give away treats and freebies to those hardy enough to cross the finish line and earn a medal. Loads of local bars and pubs host much-deserved after parties, too. Come back here closer to the main event to see what kinds of deals are on offer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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 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.
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