The London Marathon brings out the best in Londoners as everyone gathers together to support great causes as well as those participating in the marathon itself. But as such, it can be difficult to navigate the event, so we’ve put together a short list of key things you need to know.
1. The basics of the London Marathon 2022
The TCS London Marathon takes places on Sunday 2nd October this year. The 26.2 mile route starts in Blackheath and takes those participating past the Cutty Sark, over Tower Bridge, and through Canary Wharf, before finishing on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace. It kicks off at 8:50am and the last runner is expected to have crossed the start line by 11am. Those who manage to finish the marathon will cross the finish line on The Mall, and receive a finisher’s medal, New Balance finisher’s T-shirt, and some drinks and a snack to aid in recovery.
2. Support for the runners
Throughout the London Marathon’s history, hundreds of visually impaired and blind runners have taken on the momentous route and to support them this year, braille banners are being brought to the London Marathon. Sports retailers Wiggle and New Balance will be bringing the banners to the most notoriously difficult stretches of the route – Miles 20 and 23 – with messages of support to encourage the runners when they need it the most. The banners will allow this years 35 vision impaired and blind runners to quite literally feel the support of the spectators.
3. Travelling to, and during, the marathon
There will be lasting knock-on effects from the rail strikes today which will see considerable delays and interruptions in the morning of the marathon tomorrow, and potentially throughout the day. Coupled with road closures and service halts, runners are being advised to travel to London as early as today, depending on where they’re coming from.
4. Promotions for those participating in the marathon
A number of businesses around London will be offering discounts and freebies to marathon runners in support of their participation in the event. Many will post on the day, so keep an eye on socials for restaurants, cafés, and pubs, to find out what might be on offer in the area. Busaba Thai, for example, will be offering a free Pad Thai or Rice bowl if participants show their medal at Busaba Soho, St. Christopher’s Place and Hoxton. MEATliquor will be offering up a choice of any meat, vegetarian, or vegan burger from their menu for any runners – just show the medal at any of their nine locations to grab a meal. Bills (across all 11 London restaurants), and any of the five London Brasseries across the city will also be taking apart.
5. Getting home
London Marathon participants can take advantage of free travel up to 6:30pm on the London Underground, Overground, buses, DLR, and cable cars. Because they’ll definitely deserve to rest their feet by then!
Good luck to any Swindonians that may be taking part in this years marathon!
