London Marathon

The London Marathon is one of the world's most iconic and prestigious marathons. As one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the London Marathon is definitely a bucket list race for many runners across the globe. Taking place every April, runners wind their way through the heart of London, past many of the city's most famous landmarks including Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and Buckingham Palace. Whether you're an elite runner chasing a personal best time or a charity runner fulfilling a lifelong dream, conquering the 26.2-mile London Marathon course is an unforgettable experience. 

The London Marathon began…

History of the London Marathon

The first London Marathon took place on 29th March 1981, with around 7,500 eager participants ready to take to the streets of the capital. Conceived by athletes Chris Brasher and John Disley, their inspiration came from the New York City Marathon. Stunned by the scale and enthusiasm of New York's event, they were determined to bring a similar spectacle to London. The initial event vastly exceeded expectations, with huge crowds spurring on runners over a course winding past iconic landmarks. Despite a relatively low-key launch, the inaugural London Marathon was an immediate success. From those early beginnings, the event has experienced astonishing growth, cementing itself as a firm fixture of the global marathon calendar. Just one year later the number of finishers had almost tripled, helped by the participation of legendary Norwegian athlete Grete Weitz. The current London Marathon course was introduced in 1984, featuring landmarks like Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and The Embankment. The modern route remains largely unchanged from those formative years. Another milestone came in 1983 when wheelchair events were integrated into the marathon for the first time. This groundbreaking move helped increase accessibility and inclusivity, establishing London as a pioneer of adaptive athletics. Further categories such as IPC Athletics would follow, along with an Elite Wheelchair Racing event in 2016. From fun runs to elite competition, the London Marathon has something for all ages and abilities.

The Marathon Route and Circuit

Spanning a vibrant route through London's heart, the iconic London Marathon course features world-famous sights and an unmistakable atmosphere. Measuring 26.2 miles (42.2 km), runners meander from Blackheath in Greenwich towards the finish line on The Mall by Buckingham Palace. With minimal elevation change, the relatively flat course provides participants with a chance for personal best times. Expect a varied terrain underfoot, with a combination of paved roads and smooth tarmac paths.

Starting on wide Shooters Hill Road, runners are quickly transported into urban London via Charlton and Woolwich. Crossing the River Thames at Tower Bridge (roughly 13.1 miles in) provides an adrenaline rush with thousands watching from the riverbanks. The next few miles flow through Canary Wharf and Docklands, often with strong headwinds off the water. After an out-and-back section in Limehouse, you'll recognise landmarks like Trafalgar Square before hitting Birdcage Walk for a final surge to the finish.

The last 350 metres provide the ultimate test with The Mall packed with raucous spectators. Soak up the carnival atmosphere down the red-carded home stretch in front of Buckingham Palace, the site of the famous marathon finish since 1981. Weather there can be unpredictable - you may face sunshine, rain or anything in between! Whether targeting a personal record or simply enjoying the experience, London's marathon course delivers an unforgettable running tour.

Tips for Running Your First London Marathon

For many runners, competing in the iconic London Marathon is a lifelong dream. If it's your first time conquering this bucket list event, preparation and race day nerves may overwhelm novice participants. Luckily, some wise words of wisdom from London Marathon experts can help first-timers feel ready to come race morning. By following these top tips, new marathoners can cross the finish line feeling strong.

• Training Time → You can’t wing running 26.2 miles! Allow plenty of preparation time by starting a structured marathon plan at least 3 to 4 months out. Build up the long run distances gradually while practising fueling/hydration strategies during training. Don’t ramp up weekly mileage too quickly to avoid injury.
• Course Familiarisation → If possible, walk, drive or ride the second half of the route to visualise landmarks and feel the gradual inclines. Or study elevation maps online highlighting the ups/downs. Mentally prepare for when “The Wall” may hit. For most, it’s after crossing Tower Bridge around miles 16-21.
• Gear Up Properly → Break in reliable trainers with ample toe room for swollen marathon feet. Test gear like socks, shorts, and wicking tops in long runs so you know chafing spots. Pack backups in case of weather changes. Apply Vaseline or anti-chafe balms to potential problem areas pre-race.
• Fuel Consistently → Practice refuelling with the carb gels/hydration you’ll use on race day so you know portions. Consume 30-90 grams of carbs per hour aiming for about 250 total. Drink to stay hydrated – don’t just rely on thirst. Start carb loading 1-2 days prior.
• Soak in the Spectacle → Appreciate the phenomenal London Marathon spectacle and world-class support along the entire route. High-five kids, thank volunteers/police for keeping runners safe. Wave to cameras knowing your friends/family are watching! Share the journey with fellow runners for an incredible shared experience.
• Pace Yourself → Start conservatively and run even splits for as long as possible. Go out too fast early and you’ll hit the dreaded “wall”. Save energy for the final push down The Mall – one of running’s most unforgettable finishes!

Preparation for Running the London Marathon

Conquering 26.2 miles through London’s atmospheric streets brings immense rewards for participants. Beyond an impressive medal, taking part in the iconic London Marathon delivers wonderful benefits for body and mind. However, preparation is key to safely taking on this bucket list challenge. By understanding the year-round hard work needed, runners will get the most from their exceptional London Marathon journey.

Physical Conditioning

Starting marathon prep well in advance builds essential cardiovascular endurance and lean muscle needed to prevent hitting the figurative or literal wall. Gradually increase mileage through long weekend runs starting around 4-5 months out. Work on the speed with interval sessions midweek. Build both an aerobic base and strength in ligaments/tendons supporting marathon pounding. Cross train too! Alternating running with swimming, cycling or yoga improves conditioning while allowing running recovery time.

Mental Focus

Visualisation, meditation techniques and positive self-talk strengthen mental stamina - essential during tough sections. Mentally prepare to push through late race fatigue when glycogen stores diminish by rehearsing mantras like “I’ve put in the training” or “This will end”. For added inspiration, reflect on your reasons for taking part, whether raising money for charity or paying tribute to a loved one. Emotion can be powerful fuel!

Fuel and Hydration

Practice refuelling during long runs with the gels, chews and sports drinks you’ll use on race day. Test combinations in training to learn ideal individual portion sizes and how often your body needs refuelling. Getting nutrition right makes an enormous difference in avoiding hitting the dreaded wall. Stay hydrated too by drinking little and often.

Recovery Planning

To bounce back faster, use post-marathon recovery aids like compression wear, foam rollers, protein drinks, Epsom salt baths and sports massages. Book these for the days after the marathon once the natural high diminishes! Plan lighter training in the 2-4 weeks afterwards to allow your body to fully recover before resuming intense exercise.

Conquering the London Marathon takes diligent preparation and sacrifice. But embracing the journey leads to immense fulfilment from achieving something truly monumental. All the early morning long runs ultimately pay off for unforgettable London Marathon memories lasting a lifetime!

How to Enter the London Marathon Ballot

As one of the world’s most popular marathons, simply entering the London Marathon ballot requires a slice of luck for most non-elite runners. With over 400,000 applicants annually jostling for around 39,000 spots, merely getting a start place is a feat worthy of celebration! For unlucky runners, rejection one year simply provides an incentive to reapply. Fortunately, several entry paths exist offering determined athletes alternative routes to the start line. The London Marathon explained the background behind the ballot system in a recent statement: “The TCS London Marathon receives around 400,000 applications from people looking to take part in the world's greatest marathon. As much as we would love to welcome all of you to the start line, with space at a premium, the majority (almost 95%) will sadly miss out on a ballot place in 2023.”

While a sub-3 or 4-hour marathon time for your gender/age group will greatly strengthen your chances in the General Entry draw, this elite running pace remains unrealistic for most fun runners. Even good amateur club standard times under 1 hour 45 minutes or 1 hour 55 minutes offer no guarantee. Instead of pinning hopes solely on the increasingly competitive Main Draw, thousands successfully gain entry through other channels like:

• Charity Entry Places → Minimum fundraising targets give access to around 15,000 precious places.
• Good For Age Entries → Preferential entry rewards fast times in other marathons based on age category standards
• Tour / Travel Operator Packages → Guaranteed entry by booking an official London Marathon package
• Virtual London Marathon → Run 26.2 miles remotely anytime gaining exclusive 2023 ballot access
• Legacy Entries → Recognition for continuous participation over multiple years
• Club/Association Places → Limited awards for affiliated running group members

Charity Entry Places

Raising money for great causes offers another popular London Marathon participation option. Around 15,000 charity places allow runners to fundraise instead of relying on the general ballot. With so many impactful organisations and deserving projects to support, seeking charity marathon places proves a win/win alternative for unsuccessful ballot applicants. Charities award guaranteed event entries in exchange for sizeable fundraising pledges based on a chosen goal amount. Required targets typically range from £2000 to £5000 depending on the charity and runner entry package selected. Fundraising support includes helpful advice plus often a running vest to display your charity links during the event. Participants must commit to serious training for this immense physical challenge. But you’ll run buoyed by the incredible support of donors invested in your journey. Their meaningful donations and words of encouragement provide wonderful motivation on tough training days or late in the marathon when energy flags. 

Charity places also allow wonderful opportunities to raise awareness for important, often overlooked causes. Fundraisers act as beacons highlighting issues they care deeply about among family, friends and the wider community. Combining athletic endeavour with making a real difference proves incredibly inspiring. While committing months to intense training AND sizeable fundraising may seem hugely daunting, focus on the immense satisfaction of crossing that finish line knowing the funds raised impact others. Successful charity runners often describe their London Marathon experience as unforgettably special thanks to sharing every step with generous supporters.

Popular London Marathon charities:

• MacMillan Cancer Support
• British Red Cross
• Great Ormond Street Hospital
• The Multiple Sclerosis Society
• Mental Health UK

Whether raising crucial funds to combat disease, support children’s health services or aid mental wellbeing programs, charity place earners make a measurable difference. For rejected general applicants or runners without elite times, fundraising entry offers a wonderfully alternative and meaningful path to an unforgettable London Marathon finish.

Spectating on Marathon Day

An electrifying atmosphere engulfs London Marathon day! With charitable fundraisers and elite runners competing alongside 40,000 others, months of training culminate in a spectacular festival of the human spirit. Marathon day brings the city alive with supporters passionately spurring on participants around the entire 26.2-mile route.

The event officially starts on Blackheath Common at 10 am with six separate start waves going off 10 minutes apart. Finding a front-row space near the starting gantry guarantees glimpsing of emotional scenes as all sizes, speeds and abilities begin their incredible journey. As the final wheelchair athletes set off, cheers resonate with admiration for their fortitude in tackling the longest event of their racing calendar. Soon after, momentum carries crowds eastbound to creative hotspots Deptford and Greenwich to see runners powering along. The Cutty Sark in Greenwich around the 6-mile mark draws enthusiastic well-wishers thanks to spacious footpaths lining the route. Crossing over to Isle of Dogs, Canary Wharf and Poplar offers lively dockside entertainment around halfway before runners confront the Tower Bridge challenge! Huge crowds cram the Tower Bridge sidewalks, infusing runners with adrenaline as they pass London’s iconic landmark. Hitting “The Wall” soon follows for many here between miles 16 and 21, making vocal support critical to helping flagging runners dig deep! After a long Embankment section, the final miles unwind via Birdcage Walk beside spectacular St James’ Park before the ultimate sprint down The Mall. As runners turn to soak up unforgettable scenes outside Buckingham Palace, even finishing towards the back grants the royal cheer squad treatment!

With so many incredible marathon moments, choosing the perfect viewing spot takes some thought. Consider these prime spots:

• Mile 6 - Cutty Sark, Greenwich – accessible transport, finishing shute views
• Mile 12 – Canary Wharf – electric city atmosphere, skyscrapers sightlines
• Mile 15 - Tower Bridge – world-famous landmark, up close support
• Mile 25 – The Mall – Royal pageantry, marathon finish line celebration

Wherever you track them on the course, show London Marathon runners how valued their efforts are! Over a million deliriously happy spectators annually create Europe’s biggest street party thanks to this extraordinary athlete celebration.