2026 TCS London Marathon: Your Ultimate Guide

Planning your London Marathon trip

The London Marathon is one of the most iconic sporting events in the world. A record-breaking 1.13 million people entered the public ballot for a chance to take part in 2026, but only around 50,000 will secure a coveted place on the 26.2-mile course.

This year, the TCS London Marathon 2026 date for your diary is Sunday, 26 April. Runners will set off from Greenwich Park and cross the finish line at The Mall, right outside Buckingham Palace. Whether you’re an athlete chasing a personal best, a first-time runner ticking off a lifelong ambition, or a proud supporter cheering on a friend or family member, marathon day in London is an unforgettable occasion.

During the marathon weekend, London comes alive with fantastic community spirit, emotion, and charged energy. But with tens of thousands of people descending on the capital that weekend, you’ll need to plan your weekend carefully.

Here we cover everything you need to know about visiting London on marathon weekend, including key route details and travel tips on where to stay and how to get around the city.

Securing your place: The ballot and entry options

Running the marathon is tough, but securing a place on the starting line can be even tougher! With over 1.13 million hopeful runners entering the London Marathon 2026 ballot and only around 50,000 places available, fewer than 5% of people who enter will get a place.

The ballot usually opens for applications for about a week in late April or early May of the year before the race, with results announced a few months later.

But don’t be discouraged, there are other routes to the start line.

Charity places

One of the most reliable ways to get a place on the start line is to apply for a London Marathon 2026 charity place. Charities are allocated guaranteed entries, which they offer to runners who agree to raise a minimum sponsorship amount (usually between £2,000 and £3,000).

International travel packages

If you live overseas, approved tour operators offer international London Marathon 2026 travel packages that include travel, accommodation, and guaranteed entry to the race.

Championship entry

A very limited number of Championship places are available for elite runners who meet strict qualifying times and are members of a recognised UK athletics body.

Virtual London Marathon 2026: MyWay

And if you still don’t manage to get a spot, or can’t travel to London, the virtual London Marathon MyWay event allows you to earn an official finisher’s medal by running 26.2 miles anywhere in the world on race day.

Where to stay for the London Marathon

Even if you’re only attending as a spectator, Marathon Day can be long and tiring. Booking the right hotel can make your stay more relaxing, giving you a comfortable base to recharge and wind down before and after the race.

Whether you’re looking for a hotel that’s steps from the start line, close to the finish, or somewhere along the route, you’ll find recommendations below to suit any budget and preference.

Near the start line

The Clarendon Hotel (Blackheath)
A firm favourite with marathon runners, this hotel sits right on Blackheath but books up quickly for the marathon weekend. It offers contemporary rooms and suites, early breakfasts, and a great pre-race atmosphere.

DoubleTree by Hilton London (Greenwich)
Contemporary rooms right in the centre of London, within walking distance of the marathon’s start lines. The hotel offers afternoon tea and provides every guest with a warm cookie on arrival! It’s a great option for a stress-free stay.

Novotel London (Greenwich)
A 4-star hotel conveniently located right next to Greenwich train station, offering comfortable, modern rooms just a short walk from the start lines.

Ibis London (Greenwich)
A modern and budget-friendly hotel located in the heart of Greenwich. If you’re too tired to venture out from the hotel post-race, the on-site Banana Tree restaurant offers delicious Pan-Asian cuisine.

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Near the finish line

A Taj Hotel (St James Court)
An opulent 4-star hotel located just a short walk from the finish line. Recover from the race in luxury at the hotel’s spa and wellness centre.

The Goring (Westminster)
Treat yourself to post-race pampering at the iconic Goring hotel and enjoy Michelin-starred dining in opulent interiors.

Park Plaza (Westminster Bridge)
This huge Radisson hotel offers spectacular views of Big Ben and the London Eye. It also boasts a Spa and a 15-metre swimming pool for some well-deserved R&R.

Around Tower Bridge

The Tower Hotel
A selection of stylish and comfortable rooms, including suites and family rooms, right by Tower Bridge – the marathon’s halfway point.

The Dixon
A creative boutique hotel located in the old Grade II listed Tower Bridge Magistrates Court.

Premier Inn London Tower Bridge
Cheap and cheerful rooms offering everything you need for a comfortable stay and a refreshing sleep, including blackout curtains and free wi-fi.

Book your hotel independently, through the London Marathon Events hotel booking page, or with an official marathon partner like Marathon Tours & Travel for competitive rates, low deposits, and flexible payment plans.

Pre-race prep: Where to pasta-load and collect your bib

As the big day approaches, it’s time to check you’ve got everything you need to ensure race day runs smoothly. From collecting your bib and buying last-minute running gear to fuelling up on pre-race carbs, we’ve got you covered.

Where and when to collect your bib

All runners must collect their race number and bib in person at the TCS London Marathon Running Show held at ExCeL London from Wednesday, 22 April to Saturday, 25 April 2026. Don’t forget to allow time to explore the expo itself. You’ll find a huge number of retailers selling running kit, race nutrition, and official TCS London Marathon 2026 merchandise.

Where to pasta-load in London

Carb-loading is a marathon ritual used by runners to help top up their energy stores and boost their performance on the big day. Luckily, there’s no shortage of excellent Italian restaurants in London for a pre-race feast. Here are some of our favourites:

Padella (Borough Market)
Bancone (Covent Garden)
Lina Stores (Soho and Kings Cross)
Pasta Remoli (multiple locations)

Make sure you book a table in advance, as restaurants get very busy during the marathon weekend.

Running shops for last-minute gear

Not packed enough socks? Broken your drinks bottle? Here are the top places near the Marathon course for getting your hands on last-minute race essentials.

Asics (Oxford Street)
Run and Become (Victoria)
Runners Need (multiple London locations)
Runlimited (St Paul's and Baker Street stores)

London on marathon day: What to expect

The London Marathon is a highly anticipated annual event, and the atmosphere in the city that weekend is extraordinary. Attracting around 750,000 spectators, it brings large parts of the capital to a standstill.

To plan your visit and avoid last-minute stress, make sure you know how roads and transportation will be affected and what to expect that weekend.

Road closures and travel disruption

If you need to travel around the city on race day, be aware that extensive road closures will be in place along the entire marathon route from early morning until late afternoon.

Areas affected include:

Greenwich and Blackheath
Tower Bridge
Canary Wharf
The Tower of London
Trafalgar Square
The Mall

Public transport is still the best way to travel, but some bus services may be diverted. You can use the TfL journey planner to help plan your route.

The best places to watch the race

Marathon day is a city-wide celebration! If you’re there to soak up the atmosphere and cheer on the runners, these are some of the best locations to watch the race from.

Tower Bridge (Mile 12): The most iconic spot on the route – the crowds here are huge, and the energy is immense.
The Highway (Miles 14-22): If you’re supporting a friend or family member, you may be able to cheer them on twice here as they head to and from Canary Wharf.
The Embankment (Mile 23): Crowds gather here to give the runners a boost as they reach the final stretch of the race.
The Mall (the finish line!): You’ll have to arrive early to get a spot here, but if you do, it’s the emotional heart of the race.

From Heathrow to the finish line: Your travel plan

Arriving at Heathrow for the marathon? The fastest and most relaxing way to start your weekend is with the Heathrow Express.

Step 1: From Heathrow to Paddington

The Heathrow Express will transport you from the airport directly to Paddington Station in just 15 minutes, avoiding any traffic or delays, and allowing you to rest your legs ahead of race day.

Step 2: From Paddington to the Marathon Expo

Getting from Paddington to the Marathon Expo in East London to pick up your bib is very straightforward. Simply take the Elizabeth Line directly to Custom House for ExCeL London. The journey takes about 25 minutes.

Step 3: Reaching your hotel

From Paddington, the Tube and Elizabeth Line connect you to key marathon districts:

Greenwich/Blackheath: Elizabeth Line to Canary Wharf, then DLR to Greenwich.
Westminster: Circle or District Line to Westminster or St James’s Park.
Tower Bridge: Elizabeth Line or Circle/District Line to Tower Hill.

In most cases, you should be able to travel from Heathrow to your hotel on public transport in under an hour.

Book your tickets on the Heathrow Express today to get your marathon weekend off to the perfect start.