Where To Watch The London Marathon

So, there I was, a few years back, standing on the sidelines of the London Marathon, clutching a cup of tea like it was a life jacket, and wondering how on earth these runners were still going. It was mile 22, the sun was beating down, and I was already planning my afternoon nap. That's when it hit me (not literally, thankfully), I was in the wrong place. I mean, don't get me wrong, the marathon is a spectacle, but if you're not cheering, or running, it's like being at a concert but standing outside the venue.

Now, I'm not saying you should miss the London Marathon. Quite the opposite, in fact. It's a fantastic event, full of energy, inspiration, and a lot of lycra. But if you want to make the most of it, you've got to know where to watch from. So, grab a cuppa (or a pint, no judgment here), and let's dive into the best spots to catch the action.

Along the Route

Let's start with the obvious. The London Marathon route is 26.2 miles long, and it's not all in one straight line. It's a bit like a game of Snakes and Ladders, with the added bonus of blisters and banana peels. So, where should you plant yourself?

Mile 12 to Mile 23 - This is where the runners start to feel the burn. They're past the halfway point, but they've still got a fair few miles to go. It's like that moment in a movie where the hero is battered and bruised, but they're not giving up. It's inspiring, and it's also where you'll find some of the best support. Think of it like the 'Hollywood' of the marathon route.

Pro tip: If you're planning to watch from a specific point, get there early. The roads close at 7:00 AM, and once they do, you're not getting through. Plus, you'll want to bag a good spot to watch from.

Cutty Sark

Now, if you're looking for a bit of history with your marathon watching, the Cutty Sark is your spot. This old clipper ship is a sight to behold, and it's right on the route. Plus, you're in Greenwich, which means you're not far from the Cutty Sark Pub. Coincidence? I think not.

How to watch the London Marathon: live stream the race | What to Watch

Pro tip: Get there early. The Cutty Sark is a popular spot, and it fills up fast. Also, it's a good idea to check the tide times. You don't want to be watching the marathon from a boat, do you?

The Mall

If you want to see the grand finale, head to The Mall. This is where the runners cross the finish line, and it's a sight to behold. The atmosphere is electric, and it's the perfect place to see the pros in action. Plus, you're not far from Buckingham Palace, so you can tick that off your list too.

Pro tip: The Mall gets busy, really busy. So, if you're not a fan of crowds, this might not be the spot for you. Also, it's a good idea to check the road closures. You don't want to be stuck on the wrong side of the barriers.

London Marathon 2026 route, map and best places to watch the race - The

At Home

Let's not forget, you don't have to leave your house to watch the London Marathon. The BBC covers it in all its glory, from the start to the finish. You can even watch it on catch-up if you're not an early bird. Plus, you've got the added bonus of a comfy sofa and a fully stocked fridge.

Pro tip: If you're watching at home, why not have a marathon of your own? I'm talking about a food marathon, of course. It's not as strenuous as the real thing, but it's just as satisfying.

So, Where Will You Be?

Whether you're cheering from the sidelines, or cheering from your sofa, the London Marathon is an event not to be missed. So, grab your pom-poms (or your remote control), and get ready for a day of inspiration, sweat, and a whole lot of lycra.

And who knows, you might even see me there, clutching a cup of tea and wondering how on earth these runners are still going. Until next time, happy marathon watching!