How Long Is The London Marathon

So, you're wondering, "How long is the London Marathon?" Well, buckle up, because we're about to embark on a journey that's longer than the actual race. Grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let's dive in.

First things first, the official distance

Alright, let's start with the boring bit. The London Marathon, in all its glory, is officially 26.2 miles long. That's right, 26.2. Because, you know, running 26 miles just wasn't challenging enough. They had to go that extra 0.2 miles, just to keep things interesting.

Now, if you're thinking, "That's not so bad, I've done a 10k before," let me stop you right there. The London Marathon is like that 10k, but it's been on a massive bender, eaten all the pies, and decided to invite its mates for a party. It's a whole different ball game.

But wait, there's more!

You might think that's the end of the story, but oh no, we're just getting started. You see, the London Marathon isn't just about running. No, no, no. It's about the experience. And that experience starts way before the starting gun goes off.

Let's talk about the queue for the loos, for instance. Now, that's a marathon in itself. I've heard tales of people queuing for so long, they've actually finished the race before they've even started. True story. Okay, maybe not, but you get the picture.

And then there's the time it takes to actually cross the starting line. The London Marathon is so popular, it's like trying to get into an exclusive nightclub. You could be waiting for hours just to get to the front. By the time you start running, your legs have forgotten what they're supposed to do.

London Marathon 2027 ballot: How can I enter next year’s race? | The

But how long does it take to run it?

Alright, let's talk about the actual running part. The time it takes to run the London Marathon varies greatly. It depends on how fast you are, how many times you stop for a selfie at Tower Bridge, and whether you've decided to dress up as a rhino (true story, by the way).

The world record for the fastest marathon is just over 2 hours. That's right, some people can run a marathon in less time than it takes me to watch a movie. But don't worry, you don't have to be an elite athlete to take part. The cut-off time for the London Marathon is 7 hours. So, if you're a leisurely jogger, you've got plenty of time to stop for a cuppa and a slice of cake along the way.

And if you're really struggling, there's always the 'Wall of Pain' at mile 20. It's not a literal wall, unfortunately, but it's a good excuse to stop for a little cry and a hug from a stranger.

Everything you need to know about the London Marathon 2025: roads

So, how long is the London Marathon?

Well, if you're asking about the official distance, it's 26.2 miles. But if you're asking about the whole experience, from the moment you wake up on race day to the moment you collapse over the finish line, well, that's a whole different story.

It's a journey that could take you anywhere from 2 hours to 7 hours, depending on how fast you are and how many times you stop for a selfie. It's a journey that's filled with laughter, tears, and more blisters than you can shake a stick at. But most importantly, it's a journey that's uniquely yours.

So, if you're thinking about running the London Marathon, my advice to you is this: Don't worry about how long it takes. Worry about the journey you're going to take. Because, let me tell you, it's a journey you'll never forget.

And if all else fails, just remember: It's not a race, it's a marathon. And if you can't run it, you can always walk it. Or, you know, crawl. I won't judge.