The London Marathon 2025 takes place on Sunday 27 April 2025, following the classic 26.2-mile route from Greenwich and Blackheath to The Mall by Buckingham Palace, with tens of thousands of runners and spectators expected across London. Runners will pass major landmarks such as Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, the Isle of Dogs, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace, making it both a world‑class race and a spectacular city‑wide celebration. This guide explains key dates, how to enter, route details, costs, transport, and practical tips so you can plan race day as a runner or spectator with confidence.
The 2025 London Marathon is the 45th edition of the race and is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, attracting elite athletes and first‑time marathoners from around the globe. As the world’s largest one‑day fundraising event, it also generates millions of pounds for charities, making every mile meaningful. Whether you are chasing a personal best, running for a cause, or simply watching from the sidelines, understanding the schedule, route, entry options, and logistics is essential.
Expect a busy yet well‑organised day, with staggered start times for wheelchair athletes, elite runners, and mass participants to keep the 26.2‑mile course flowing smoothly. London’s public transport network will be adapted to help runners and supporters reach start zones and viewing points, and many central streets will be closed to traffic as the city turns into one giant support tunnel.
Key race details
The London Marathon 2025 is scheduled for Sunday 27 April 2025, with the elite wheelchair race starting at around 8:50, the elite women at 9:05, and the elite men and mass start from 9:35 British Summer Time. The official distance is 26.2 miles (42.195 km), starting from Greenwich and Blackheath in southeast London and finishing on The Mall, just past Buckingham Palace.
Around 56,000 runners are expected to take part in 2025, making it one of the largest fields in event history and a huge logistical operation across the capital. The course is renowned for its fast potential and iconic scenery, contributing to world‑class winning times and regular record attempts by elite athletes.
Elite field and records
Recent editions of the London Marathon have produced exceptional performances, including women‑only world‑class times and near‑record men’s results, reinforcing London’s status as an elite racing destination. The 2025 race again features deep men’s and women’s fields, as well as competitive wheelchair races that often come down to sprint finishes on The Mall.
Many Olympic hopefuls and national champions use London as a key qualifier or benchmark race because of its flat profile, cool spring temperatures, and high‑quality pacing arrangements. Alongside these professionals, thousands of charity runners in costumes help create the unique carnival atmosphere that defines the event.
London Marathon 2025 route
The 2025 route begins in Greenwich Park and the wider Greenwich and Blackheath start area, where runners are divided into coloured waves before merging around the three‑mile point. The course first heads east towards Woolwich, then loops back along the south bank of the Thames, passing the historic Cutty Sark at about mile seven, a popular and crowded viewing spot.
From there, runners go through Deptford, Surrey Quays, and Rotherhithe before crossing the iconic Tower Bridge at roughly halfway, one of the most memorable moments of the race. The route then turns into the Isle of Dogs and Canary Wharf, where tall buildings and sharp turns can be mentally challenging, before returning along the river past the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben to finish on The Mall.
Best places to watch
Spectators often choose Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, or the Embankment for the best combination of atmosphere, space, and photo opportunities. The finish area around The Mall and Horse Guards Parade is heavily controlled with designated meet‑and‑greet zones, so planning where to reunite with runners after the race is crucial.
Public transport hubs such as Greenwich, Canada Water, London Bridge, and Westminster stations give easy access to different route sections, but services can be crowded, and some stations may operate special entry and exit arrangements. Spectators are encouraged to move between locations early in the race if they want to see runners multiple times, as road closures can add time to journeys.
How to enter in 2025
There are several main ways to get a place in the London Marathon 2025: the public ballot, charity places, good‑for‑age standards, and international tour operators. The public ballot for 2025 opened shortly before the 2024 race and remained open for about a week, with successful applicants notified months in advance so they can plan training and travel.
Ballot entry itself is free, but successful UK runners pay a standard entry fee of around £69.99 to £79.99, while international runners pay a higher amount. Charity places require a fundraising commitment, with many major UK charities offering guaranteed spots in exchange for meeting a minimum sponsorship target.
Training and preparation
Most runners follow a 16‑ to 20‑week training plan building up long runs, tempo work, and recovery weeks to handle the full 26.2 miles comfortably. Because London takes place in spring, much of the training falls in winter, so planning for dark evenings, cold weather, and potential ice is important.
The official TCS London Marathon app and many partner platforms offer training plans, tracking, and pacing tools, helping first‑time marathoners and experienced runners approach race day with structure. Many runners also schedule tune‑up races, such as half marathons, to rehearse pacing and nutrition.
Practical information and planning
The main race day is Sunday 27 April 2025, with the first wheelchair athletes starting around 8:50 and the mass runners from 9:35 BST; runners are assigned specific arrival windows for the start. The event effectively runs throughout the morning and early afternoon, with road closures in place across large sections of southeast and central London for much of the day.
For UK‑resident ballot runners, the entry fee is about £70–£80, and international runners and tour packages cost more due to travel and accommodation. Spectating is free, but visitors should budget for transport, food, and potentially overnight stays if travelling from outside London.
Travel to the start is easiest by National Rail and London Underground, with special guidance directing runners to Greenwich, Blackheath, or Maze Hill stations depending on their start colour. Driving is strongly discouraged due to extensive road closures and limited parking, and many central bus routes are diverted or shortened on the day.
On the course, runners can expect frequent water stations, energy drink points, medical support, and toilets, all clearly marked along the route. Supporters line almost every mile, so the noise and encouragement are intense, especially at Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, and along the Embankment into the finish.
Useful tips include arriving early at the start, using old layers you can discard (which are usually collected for charity), knowing your start wave and baggage arrangements, and agreeing a fixed post‑race meeting point. Spectators should bring weather‑appropriate clothing, snacks, and portable chargers, as mobile networks can be busy around key hotspots.
Seasonal and 2025‑specific notes
Because the London Marathon 2025 falls in late April, weather can vary from cool and cloudy to unexpectedly warm or rainy, so both runners and spectators should prepare flexible clothing. Hydration strategies must account for potential temperature swings, with runners advised not to overdress even if the early morning feels chilly.
The 2025 race also carries extra interest due to recent record‑breaking performances and Olympic‑cycle storylines, bringing added media coverage and global TV audiences. Large entry numbers and expanded charity participation mean that central London is likely to feel especially busy across the marathon weekend.
Frequently asked questions
When is the London Marathon 2025?
The London Marathon 2025 takes place on Sunday 27 April 2025. Start times range from around 8:50 for the elite wheelchair race to 9:35 onwards for elite men and mass runners.
What time does the London Marathon 2025 start?
The elite wheelchair race begins at about 8:50, followed by the elite women at around 9:05 and the elite men and mass start from approximately 9:35 BST. Runners are grouped into waves to reduce congestion on the route.
Where does the London Marathon 2025 start and finish?
The race starts in the Greenwich and Blackheath area in southeast London, using multiple start zones that merge early on the course. It finishes on The Mall near Buckingham Palace, with a dedicated meet‑and‑greet area on Horse Guards Parade.
How long is the London Marathon 2025 route?
The London Marathon route is 26.2 miles, or 42.195 kilometres, in line with official marathon distance standards. The course is largely flat with only gentle inclines, helping many runners achieve personal bests.
How much does it cost to enter the London Marathon 2025?
Entering the public ballot is free, but successful UK‑based applicants pay a standard entry fee of about £69.99 to £79.99. International entrants and tour packages are more expensive, reflecting travel and hospitality inclusions.
How do I enter the London Marathon 2025 ballot?
The ballot opens for a limited period, typically around the time of the previous year’s race, and applications are submitted online through the official London Marathon Events website. After applying, runners receive an email confirmation and later find out whether they have been successful.
Can I still get a place if I miss the ballot?
Yes, many charities offer guaranteed entries in return for meeting a fundraising minimum, and some runners qualify via good‑for‑age or championship standards. International tour operators also package race entries with travel and accommodation.
What is the best place to watch the London Marathon 2025?
Popular viewing spots include Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and the Embankment towards Westminster and The Mall. These areas combine strong atmosphere with good visibility, though they can become very crowded.
How do I travel to the London Marathon 2025 start line?
Runners are encouraged to use trains and the London Underground to reach Greenwich, Blackheath, or nearby stations, following guidance in their race packs. Driving is discouraged because of widespread road closures and limited parking.
Can beginners run the London Marathon 2025?
Yes, many first‑time marathoners take part each year, provided they train consistently and build up mileage sensibly over several months. Charity entries and coaching resources make London a popular choice for beginners aiming for a major first marathon.
Why is the London Marathon 2025 so popular?
The race combines a fast, iconic route with huge crowds, world‑class organisation, and a powerful charity focus, making it a bucket‑list event for runners worldwide. Its status as part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors also appeals to athletes chasing all six major marathon medals.
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