How Long Does It Take To Walk London Marathon

So, You're Thinking of Walking the London Marathon?

Picture this: You're standing at the starting line of the London Marathon, the buzz of 40,000 runners around you, and you're thinking, "I wonder how long it'll take me to walk this thing?" Well, grab a cuppa, let's chat about that.

First Things First: Why Walk?

Now, before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's address the elephant in the room. Why on earth would you want to walk a marathon? Well, friend, there are plenty of reasons. Maybe you're recovering from an injury, or perhaps you just fancy a leisurely stroll through the capital with 39,999 of your closest friends. Whatever your reason, you're here, and that's what matters.

So, How Long Does It Take?

Alright, let's get to the meat of the matter. The official cut-off time for the London Marathon is 7 hours. That's right, you've got until 14:00 to make it to the finish line. But remember, that's the cut-off, not the recommended. If you're walking, you'll want to give yourself a bit more time.

Here's a fun fact: The world record for the fastest marathon walk is 2 hours 47 minutes. Now, that's not something you'll achieve on your first try (or maybe ever), but it gives you an idea of what's possible. For most of us mere mortals, though, a more realistic goal might be around 6 to 7 hours.

Pacing Yourself

Here's where I put on my serious hat for a moment. Walking a marathon is no joke. It's a long way, and it's easy to start off too fast and burn out before you've even reached Tower Bridge. So, pace yourself. Start slow, and try to maintain a steady pace throughout. It's better to finish strong than to fade away halfway through.

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And don't forget to take breaks! Stop at the aid stations, refuel, and stretch those legs. It's not a race (well, okay, it is, but you know what I mean).

Training, Training, Training

Now, I'm not going to tell you how to train (well, maybe a little). But seriously, if you're walking the marathon, you need to put in the miles. Start with shorter walks, gradually building up to longer distances. And don't forget to mix up your routes to keep things interesting.

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Also, practice walking at your target pace. It's one thing to walk 20 miles in a day, but it's another thing entirely to walk 20 miles at a pace that'll get you to the finish line in time.

And Finally... Enjoy It!

You're walking the London Marathon! That's amazing! Soak it all in. Wave at the crowds (they'll be cheering for you, you know). Take in the sights. And most importantly, have fun. You've earned it.

So, there you have it. Walking the London Marathon is no easy feat, but with the right preparation and a positive attitude, you'll be crossing that finish line in no time. Well, maybe not no time, but you get the idea.