Where to watch the London Marathon

Planning to offer moral support at 2019's London Marathon? Find the best spectator spots along the route

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Tuesday 26 February 2019

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Let's be honest, running 26.2 miles dressed as a Po from 'The Teletubbies' is hardly the simplest of tasks, is it? So if you're not taking part in the London Marathon on Sunday April 28 2019, be sure to show your support for those who are. Check out our route guide below to find the best spectating spots and track down nearby pubs and bars for when all that whooping and clapping leaves you feeling nearly as thirsty as the runners on the finish line.

It's worth remembering, too, that everyone taking part laces up pretty early. This year's London Marathon start times are as follows:

09:05 – Elite Wheelchair Races
09:10 – World Para Athletics Marathon Championships Ambulant Athletes
09:25 – The Elite Women's Race
10:10 – The Elite Men's Race, British Athletics & England Athletics Marathon Championships and Mass Race

And if watching the runners pushing through the pain barrier leaves you inspired, check out our guide on how to enter the London Marathon 2020.

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The Start: Greenwich

Dillon Bryden for Virgin Money London Marathon

The start (or starts to be precise, since elite men, elite women and the mass race all begin in slightly different places) in between Greenwich and Blackheath will be heaving. Your support, whether general or specific, will probably be more appreciated later on, but if you really don't want to miss kick off, get down early to stake your spot, then maybe grab a swift half at one of Greenwich's historic pubs afterwards. Transport: Greenwich/Cutty Sark DLR or Blackheath rail. (Pic: Dillon Bryden for Virgin Money London Marathon)

Mile 12-13 (20 km)

Thomas Lovelock for Virgin Money London Marathon

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 parent 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 urban 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

Joe Toth for Virgin Money London Marathon

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

Whether you're limbering up to take part or just out for the fun of it, discover some amazing marathon facts as Blue Badge Tourist Guide Marc Belben tells tales of marathons past