|  | ||||||
The start is in Blackheath and Greenwich, in South East London. The course then runs past the Woolwich Artillery Barracks (at 7 miles/11.2 kms) round to the famous Cutty Sark in Greenwich. Here the crowds are thick, as supporters take advantage of the pubs and restaurants of this popular spot.
The runners then go through Surrey Quays (8 miles/12.8 kms) and Bermondsey, then along Jamaica Road to the majestic Tower Bridge (at about 12 miles/19.2 kms). On the other side of Tower Bridge you head East on the Highway past Wapping. Unless you are very fast, runners who have completed the circuit of the Isle of Dogs will already be coming the other way along the same road. Then it is 3-4 windswept miles (4.8-6.4 kms) around the Isle of Dogs, where the crowds are thinner. Then past the pointed-topped Canary Wharf (mile 19/30.4 kms), one of Europe’s tallest buildings towering 800ft above the City, where the pain begins as you loop around the north side of West India docks and Limehouse (mile 21/33.6 kms).
Then back in the other direction along the Highway, passing Tower Bridge (mile 22.5/36 kms) to the north side, with the runners still streaming across the Bridge. You then follow along the Embankment, past Cleopatra’s needle, up to the House of Commons and the Clock Tower containing Big Ben, at 25 miles (40 kms). With a mile to go (1.6 kms), you turn right at Westminster Bridge, into Parliament Square, down Birdcage Walk alongside St James’s Park. The last 200 yards (320 metres) you turn right outside the front of Buckingham Palace, and up the Mall towards Trafalgar Square. The finish is in the Mall, alongside St James’s Palace, with Buckingham Palace behind you.
Have you thought about extending your stay? Contact us today so that we can organise your complete holiday for the trip of a lifetime.
Event Flyers
Testimonials
Entry Fees
Entries can only be purchased as part of an official TCS London Marathon entry package and are not available separately.
Qualifying Times
There are no qualifying times required for the TCS London Marathon when purchasing a package through Travelling Fit.
Start Time
There are 4 different start times, depending on your specific event, with the main race starting at 10:00am
- 09:05 – Elite Wheelchair Races
- 09:10 – World Para Athletics Marathon World Cup ambulant races
- 09:25 – The Elite Women’s Race
- 10:10 – The Elite Men’s Race, British Athletics & England Athletics Marathon Championships and Mass Race
Cut-Off Times
There are no cut-off times for the TCS London Marathon.
Race Timing
You will receive your timing tag when you register for the event. You must attach your IPICO timing tag to your shoe before the start of the race. You’ll get instructions on how to do this with your timing tag – please read them carefully.
The official results for the TCS London Marathon will be based on the time that’s elapsed between your timing tag being read at the start and finish lines.
Please note if you don’t wear your timing tag you won’t be able to get an official finishing time
Race Packets
You’ll receive your kit bag when you register for the TCS London Marathon at the TCS London Marathon Expo. You’ll also receive a sticker with your race number on it – please attach it to your kit bag.
Your kit bag is to keep your belongings in on race day, like food, drink and a change of clothes.
You’ll be able to drop your kit bag off at the baggage trucks at the start of the race. It will be announced on the loud speaker when it’s time to do this, and the trucks will be numbered so you’ll know which one to go to. Please note the trucks will only accept official kit bags with the sticker attached.
The trucks will be driven to the finish line so you can collect your belongings quickly and easily at the end of the race. You’ll need to show your runner number to collect your bag.
Pace Setters
There will be pacers at the TCS London Marathon, ranging from 3:00 hours to 7:30 hour pace.
Pacers will carry large flags displaying their times – just look out for them in your allocated start zone and on the course.
Aid Stations
There are 19 Drinks Stations on the route of the TCS London Marathon situated as follows:
Buxton Natural Mineral Water
Available at miles 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25. Water is supplied in 250ml race bottles with a flip-top.
Lucozade Sport
Available at miles 7, 11, 15, 19 and 23.
Lucozade Sport Carbo Gel stations
Available at miles 14, 18 and 22.
Personal Refreshments and Clothing
No personal refreshments can be left out along the course.
You should hand your bag in at the truck with the number range which corresponds to your running number.
Staff on the trucks will only accept official TCS London Marathon kitbags, so please ensure you have stuck your self-adhesive running number label to the kitbag where indicated.
You will then be able to retrieve your kitbag from the baggage trucks after you finish. Once you have deposited your kitbag on the truck, you will not be able to retrieve your belongings until you arrive at the finish.
Transport
The Travelling Fit Marathon package includes transportation from your hotel to the start of the race on Travelling Fit’s designated luxury coach.
Expo
Please Note:
The TCS London Marathon Expo opening times will be available in due course
Finishers T-shirts, Medals and Certificates
All finishers will receive a commemorative medal and a finishers bag.
Weather Conditions
The average October temperature is 10 – 16 degrees Celsius (50 – 50 degrees Fahrenheit).
The weather continues to be great in October in London, UK, when Autumn is in full swing.
Other Events
Not Applicable
London Marathon
My long term goal had been to run a sub 2:30 Marathon. It was my first time under 2:30 at London. I had run between 2:32 and 2:35 seven or eight times but I had never quite closed the deal. I ...
My long term goal had been to run a sub 2:30 Marathon. It was my first time under 2:30 at London. I had run between 2:32 and 2:35 seven or eight times but I had never quite closed the deal.
I did something a little different in the last year in that I chose to race a less. London was the big focus for me. The weather was
beautiful on the day. The whole thing was amazing and the Travelling Fit staff were super helpful for everyone in our group. The way they looked after us and made sure everything was in order in terms of making sure the stress was taken out of all logistics. Everything just worked out perfectly on the day.I don’t like to talk myself up at all so when everyone from the Travelling Fit group were chatting in the days leading up to the race I learned that almost everyone was chasing personal best times and I quietly said that anything under 3 hours would be good.
On the day of the London Marathon it didn’t matter if you were up the front or at the back of the field – you felt like an absolute legend on that start line.
I ran through the halfway mark in 1:13:56 which is right on track for a sub 2:30 Marathon. I knew that the Marathon really starts at around the 30km mark. I felt so good then that I wanted to push harder but another part of me (the smarter part clearly) reminded me to hold back. I only realised I was going to run under 2:30 for sure with about 2km to go. When I ran past Buckingham Palace, I knew I had it in the bag. It was such an emotional moment for me.
It was magic to be a part of the Travelling Fit group. I felt like it took the pressure off me to perform well. I felt very comfortable amongst everyone even though there were people of all different abilities, some shooting for sub 3 hours and others just trying to get to the finish.
It’s what I enjoyed the most – that there was such a great vibe amongst the group and there was no pressure on me to perform. We all just wanted to have a great time and soak up the atmosphere together.
We almost became family after the race. When they found out the time I ran, most of them thought I was kidding!My long term goal involves a new initiative from the Abbott’s World Marathon Majors. There is now a new age category world championship title for 40+ runners allowing the top 70-100 runners in each category from around the globe the opportunity to post the fastest times over the marathon from September 2018-September 2019. My goal is to qualify for and race the world championship event back in London 2020.
Written By Wayne Spies
Virgin Money London Marathon
Virgin Money London Marathon - Testimonials Beck Myors Once again a HUGE thank you for all that you did for all of the runners in London. It was such a pleasure sharing the experience with the ...
Virgin Money London Marathon – Testimonials
Beck Myors
Once again a HUGE thank you for all that you did for all of the runners in London. It was such a pleasure sharing the experience with the happy group and everything was just so well organised. I couldn’t have hoped for a better London Marathon experience, not just the run itself, but the events that you organised with the Travelling Fit runners as well. The organisation pre event was easy and clear to follow, with clear expectations for deposits etc. The Travelling Fit travel consultants were helpful and prompt with communication.The event package was just what I’d want for a marathon weekend and the information provided beforehand was fantastic. At the event, Tina Stafford was incredibly organised and helpful. Nothing was too difficult for her, and everything was easy for the runners as a result. There was minimal (no) fuss getting to the start line (unlike my usual marathons) and the pre and post race events were terrific.
The small details organised by Tina and Travelling Fit weren’t expected and very much appreciated, such as the delicious food at the pasta party, even down to having a bath in every participant’s room. Thanks again for a wonderful experience.
Alexandra Anasson
We didn’t attend any extra Travelling Fit events during the 5 days due to us being really busy seeing friends and family across London and in the country but were very happy to know that it was an option if we were there and felt very comfortable to attend and talk to Tina (Travelling Fit representative) whenever possible.Loved every minute of it (London Marathon) and now have a goal to run the rest of the marathon majors.
Kirsti Byrne
A very belated but heartfelt thank you for all the amazing organising you did for us for the London marathon. I had a wonderful time in. London and actually recorded a PB which made the trip even sweeter. Everything ran so incredibly smoothly, I cannot speak highly enough of yourself and Travelling Fit. I will definitely be booking with Travelling Fit again in the near future and in the meantime am recommending you to whoever is prepared to listen to my travelling tales. Thank you againEmma Lund
Thanks for your email – I appreciated the opportunity to provide some feedback on what was, a fantastically organised trip. The team at Travelling Fit and you, in particular, made this a most enjoyable experience. Nothing was ever too much trouble for you and we were all so grateful for all your assistance with our changes to accommodations, flights etc. Thanks again for everything.Sandra Heriot
This was really a terrific experience and we were so pleased with the great organisation and personal support and friendly but professional approach …thank you! I really appreciated all your support and organisation and also your positive enthusiasm about marathoning. Many thanks again for all your help and organisation to make this a really wonderful and memorable marathon experience. I just loved it and both your and Mari-Mar’s assistance and involvement was terrific.Paul Ford
Personally I think you did a great job of bonding the team by facebook and the pre race dinner and I can’t think of anything else that needs improving as the service I received with finding ongoing accommodation after was excellent.
