EuropeUnited Kingdom

London Marathon

The world's most iconic marathon — Tower Bridge, The Mall, and half a million ballot applicants.

World Marathon Major Good for PB Good for Debut Destination Race
130m Elevation Gain
50,000 Field Size
89% Finisher Rate
1981 Founded
130 Nationalities

Course Map

Elevation Profile Indicative — verified figures shown above

About this Race

The TCS London Marathon is among the most iconic road races in the world, drawing over 50,000 runners through the heart of the British capital each spring. The point-to-point course begins on Blackheath in south-east London and follows the Thames westward, passing landmarks including Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and Buckingham Palace before finishing on The Mall. Known for its outstanding crowd support and electric atmosphere, London is widely regarded as the best-organised marathon in the world. The race raises more money for charity than any other single-day sporting event globally. Entry is via an annual ballot which typically receives over 500,000 applications for 50,000 places, making it one of the most oversubscribed races on earth.

city major world-major ballot destination scenic

Course Details

Course type Point-To-Point
Elevation gain 130m
Elevation loss 139m
Highest point 60m
Lowest point 2m
Net drop -1m
Certified AIMS / World Athletics
Start Greenwich Park / Blackheath
Finish The Mall, Westminster
Cutoff time 8h 0m

Course Records

Men
2:01:25
Kelvin Kiptum
Kenya — 2023
Women
2:16:16
Brigid Kosgei
Kenya — 2019

Race History

Founded in 1981 by athlete Chris Brasher and journalist John Disley, inspired by the New York City Marathon. The first edition attracted 7,747 finishers.

Registration

Registration Closed

Last verified: 05 April 2026

Standard entry GBP 80

Race Info

Date 26 April 2026
Location London, United Kingdom
Start time 10:00
Field size 50,000
Finishers (2025) 56,640
Nationalities 130
Organiser London Marathon Events
Official website →

Typical Race Day Weather

12°C
Temp
68%
Humidity
14km/h
Wind
30%
Rain

Last updated: 05 April 2026