Today, an estimated 40,000 individuals are participating in the 2023 London Marathon. This annual event in the capital city attracts a massive crowd from around the world, ranging from elite athletes to first-time runners.
What time does the mass London Marathon start?
From 10:00 to 11:30 a sequence of start waves will take place, with short gaps in between to allow the course ahead to clear – providing everyone with more space and an enjoyable experience.
What’s the London Marathon route?
The 26.2-mile route takes runners through central London past some of the city’s best-loved sights. Starting at Greenwich and Blackheath, where runners are assigned one of three start lines. The three lines merge at the three-mile marker, and the route takes them from Woolwich back towards Greenwich town centre, passing by the famous Cutty Sark. The runners continue through Rotherhithe and Bermondsey, and cross Tower Bridge, marking the halfway point of the race.
After crossing Tower Bridge, the runners head back east towards Limehouse, taking a big circuit around Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs. The route then doubles back through Shadwell to Tower Gateway, before following the Thames River all the way down to Westminster Bridge. At Westminster Bridge, the runners turn onto Great George Street, continue onto Birdcage Walk, and finally sweep around in front of Buckingham Palace for the iconic finish line on The Mall.
Where’s the best place to watch the London Marathon 2023?
If you’re planning to watch the London Marathon, your choice of location will depend on what you’re looking for. Some areas of the route, such as Greenwich around the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, and St James’s and Westminster near the finish line, can get extremely busy as spectators cheer on the runners. If you enjoy being part of a lively crowd and don’t mind standing for several hours, then these areas are perfect for you.
However, if you prefer a more relaxed viewing experience, then it’s best to head to areas with fewer crowds such as around miles 14-21 east of Limehouse and around Canary Wharf.
These areas tend to be quieter and offer a more peaceful atmosphere for those who want to watch the race without being surrounded by large crowds.
How to watch the London Marathon on TV
The BBC has been the host broadcaster of the London Marathon since its first edition in 1981. You can watch the event across all BBC platforms, including live coverage.
BBC One: 08:30-14:15
BBC Two: 14:15-15:00
BBC Online and iPlayer: 13:00-18:00
BBC Two: 18:00-19:00 (highlights)
How to follow family and friends running the TCS London Marathon
If you want to track friends and family, the Official TCS London Marathon App is your perfect companion to this year’s TCS London Marathon. Information on downloading the app can be found here.
When is the London Marathon 2024?
Next year’s London Marathon will take place on Sunday 21 April 2024.
