If you’re running the London Marathon, – first of all, huge congratulations! You’re in for one of the most iconic, emotional, and unforgettable experiences of your life. I ran it in 2023, and while I can’t pretend I loved every single second (26.2 miles is no joke), running the London Marathon was one of the most incredible things I’ve ever done – and I’d do it again in a heartbeat (well, I did when I took on the virtual version overnight the following year!).
I’ve been there, got the T-shirt (and the medal is hanging proudly at home). So from how to get to the start line, to what to expect on the course and where to celebrate afterwards, here’s everything I wish I’d known – from one marathoner to another.
Getting a place
London is famously one of the trickiest marathons to get into. I got my spot through my running club’s ballot, but you might have bagged a charity place, Good For Age, or even qualified for the championship start (you speedy thing!). However you got your bib – congrats! You’re about to be part of something unforgettable.
Getting to the start line – Be prepared for anything
The logistics of getting to the start can feel overwhelming, especially when nerves are high. In 2023, there was a train strike the weekend of the race day, so getting across London was more stressful than usual. My advice? Plan your route in advance, check for any potential travel disruptions, and have a backup plan just in case.
Transport for London (TfL) makes travel free on race day for anyone with a London Marathon bib, so you can breeze through ticket barriers. There are three start locations – Red, Blue, and Green – so make sure you know which one you’re heading to, as they’re in slightly different places near Blackheath and Greenwich.
The start area
If you’re like me, you’ll be so worried about being late that you’ll arrive super early. That’s fine – it gives you time to queue for the loo (multiple times), soak up the atmosphere, and watch the big screen coverage. If it’s damp, bring a bin bag to sit on because you’ll want to rest your legs while you can.
The baggage lorries leave before the start, so make sure you check your bag in on time. Take an old jumper or hoodie that you don’t mind ditching – any discarded clothing is collected and donated to charity.
You’ll be called into your start pen based on your estimated finish time. If you’re not feeling as speedy as when you signed up, you can move back to a slower pen, but you can’t move forward. They are strict in the pens – numbers are checked, so no trying to sneak into the wrong one!
The moment you start running
There’s nothing quite like crossing the start line of the London Marathon. After months of training (and probably a few wobbles along the way), it’s finally happening. I had a proper lump in my throat when I set off. It felt surreal – especially after my original plan to run was delayed thanks to Covid. Getting to that start line was a marathon in itself.
The first few miles are busy. Really busy. Don’t waste energy zigzagging around people – just settle in, find your rhythm, and soak it all up. It’s tempting to go out too fast, but trust your training. The crowds will pull you along if you’re not careful!
The crowds are something else
London crowds bring it. I’m talking people in dressing gowns cheering from their front door, full-blown sound systems blaring from balconies and kids wanting hi-foves and holding out jelly babies .
If your name’s on your top, you’ll feel like a celeb – I lost count of how many times people shouted “GO ON RACHEL!” and every single one gave me a little boost.
There are very few quiet spots (aside from tunnels), so if you hit a rough patch, let the crowd lift you. Their energy is contagious, and even when your legs are tired, the atmosphere will help carry you through.
Seeing your friends and family isn’t guaranteed
The crowds are huge, and phone signal? Patchy at best. If you want to see your friends or family, make a solid plan before the big day. Choose a quieter mile (somewhere like 16 is usually a good shout), and avoid hotspots like Tower Bridge if you want a clear view and a chance at an actual hug.
The London Marathon app can be useful for tracking runners, but it’s not 100% reliable. Strava Beacon or WhatsApp live location sharing can be more accurate if your phone’s got decent signal.
The finish line feels further than it should
We’ve all seen the London Marathon on TV – that final stretch from Big Ben, past Buckingham Palace, and onto The Mall. But when you’re running it, that last mile feels like an eternity.
As you turn onto Birdcage Walk, you’ll see the ‘800m to go’ sign. This will be the longest 800m of your life, but soak it in – you’re about to finish the London Marathon! And remember – there are cameras everywhere, so wipe that gel off your face and give the photographers your best smile.
Meeting up after the race
Once you cross the line, you’ll get your medal, (and maybe cry a bit – totally normal), pick up your bag, and probably want to change into something comfier. If you packed flip-flops or sliders? You’re a genius.
Meeting up with people is chaos near the finish line, so head a little further out before trying to regroup. Somewhere you can sit, eat, and just be for a while is ideal.
Here’s a selection of welcoming spots within a mile of the finish line:
- The Red Lion 48 Parliament St, City of Westminster SW1A 2NH
- Westminster Arms 9-10 Storey’s Gate, City of Westminster SW1P 3AT
- Buckingham Arms 62 Petty France (Buckingham Gate), City of Westminster SW1H 9EU
- The Two Chairmen 39 Dartmouth St, SW1H 9BP
- The Clarence 53 Whitehall, SW1A 2HP
- The Feathers 18-20 Broadway SW1H 0BH
- The Old Star 66 Broadway (Queen Anne’s Gate), City of Westminster SW1H 0DB
London Marathon: Final thoughts
The London Marathon is pure magic. From the nerves at the start line to the roar of the finish, it’s emotional, epic, and one of the best things you’ll ever do. You’re about to be part of something special. You’ve got this. Go and smash it!
