The London Marathon 2025 date has been officially announced as Sunday, April 27, marking the event’s 45th edition with a record-breaking field of over 56,000 runners. This prestigious race will follow its iconic route from Blackheath to Buckingham Palace, featuring Olympic gold medalists and world-record holders alongside thousands of charity runners and first-time marathoners.
Key Takeaways
- The London Marathon will take place on Sunday, 27 April 2025, with staggered start times beginning at 8:50 AM for wheelchair races
- With over 56,000 participants, the 2025 event will be the largest-ever London Marathon, surpassing New York’s previous record
- Strategic hotel options range from start-line proximity at The Clarendon Hotel to finish-line luxury at Sofitel London St James
- Prime viewing spots include Tower Bridge (mile 13) and Canary Wharf (miles 18-19), with less crowded alternatives at The Highway
- Runners can enjoy free celebration meals at various restaurants including Heliot Steak House and The Real Greek by showing their medals
Event Details and Schedule for the London Marathon 2025
The London Marathon 2025 returns to its traditional April scheduling after several years of October races during the pandemic. This 45th edition promises to be historic with the largest field ever assembled for a marathon event, surpassing the 2024 New York Marathon’s 55,646 finishers.
Race day will begin with staggered start times to accommodate the massive field of runners:
- 8:50 AM: Elite wheelchair races (men’s and women’s)
- 9:05 AM: Elite women’s race
- 9:35 AM: Elite men’s race and mass participant start
The elite field includes Olympic champions and defending marathon winners like Peres Jepchirchir, who holds the women’s world record of 2:16:16 for a women’s-only marathon. The route remains the classic journey from Blackheath through central London, passing iconic landmarks before finishing near Buckingham Palace.
Where to Stay: Strategic Hotel Options for Visitors
Finding the perfect accommodation is crucial when visiting London for the marathon, whether you’re supporting a runner or participating yourself. I’ve broken down the best options based on their location relative to the course.
For those wanting to be close to the starting line, consider these options:
- The Clarendon Hotel in Blackheath – Just a 5-minute walk to Blackheath Station and the start area
- De Vere Devonport House in Greenwich – A 25-minute walk to the Greenwich Park start line with spa access for pre-race relaxation
Mid-route accommodations provide balanced accessibility for both spectators and runners:
- Leonardo Royal Hotel London City – Located near Tower Bridge with spa and recovery facilities
- Motel One London-Tower Hill – Excellent transport links to multiple viewing points
For finish line luxury, you can’t beat these top-rated London hotels:
- Sofitel London St James – Steps from The Mall finish line
- Wilde Aparthotels by Staycity Covent Garden – Condo-style rooms with kitchenettes for self-catering
Budget-conscious visitors should check out Ravna Gora in Holland Park (a B&B with good Tube access) or the Byron Hotel with rooms ranging from £120–£180 per night.
Prime Viewing Locations Along the Marathon Route
Choosing the best spots to watch the London Marathon requires balancing good visibility with crowd levels. These iconic landmark viewing spots offer excellent vantage points:
- Cutty Sark (Mile 6.5) – Watch runners circle the historic ship with barrier-free access
- Tower Bridge (Mile 13) – The halfway mark features live BBC coverage, but arrive before 10:30 AM to secure a spot
- Canary Wharf (Miles 18-19) – A high-energy zone with DJs and accessible via DLR
For those with accessibility needs, there are five steward-managed zones at strategic points, including:
- Cutty Sark (what3words location: honey.rift.chops)
- Tower Hill (what3words location: papers.bonds.fault)
- Victoria Embankment (what3words location: stress.food.stops)
To avoid the largest crowds, consider these alternative viewing locations:
- The Highway (Miles 14 & 22) – See runners twice as they pass on outbound and inbound legs
- Isle of Dogs (Mile 16) – Enjoy local choirs and quieter sightlines
- Rotherhithe Peninsula (Miles 9-11) – Experience the community-led atmosphere
For the final stretch, Westminster (Mile 25) offers views of runners passing Big Ben before their finish, but arrive at least 90 minutes early to secure prime positions.
Post-Race Dining: Celebration Meals for Medal Holders
Marathon finishers can enjoy special dining rewards by displaying their medals at various restaurants across London. These deals make for perfect post-race celebrations.
Complete free meals are available at:
- Heliot Steak House – Free Argentinian rib eye or burger on April 27-28, located just a 10-minute walk from the finish line
- The Real Greek – Complimentary Greek Plate with vegan or meat options at their Covent Garden location
- SushiDog – Free sushi bowl at their Soho location for medal bearers
For quick celebratory treats, runners can visit:
- Three Cheers Pub Co – Free pint at nine pubs including The Abbeville in Clapham
- Boulevard Brasserie – Free hamburger and fries for anyone showing their marathon medal
Pay attention to the timing of these offers – some, like Meatliquor’s deal, are valid only on race day itself. Palm Court’s steak frites offer is available within an 18-minute walk from the finish line, making it a convenient post-race option.
Transportation Guide for Marathon Weekend
Navigating London during marathon weekend requires careful planning to avoid delays and closures. Runners can enjoy free Underground and DLR travel on race day simply by displaying their medals.
Important transport notes for spectators:
- Avoid Blackheath Station on race morning due to pre-race closures
- Allow extra travel time, especially if crossing the marathon route
- Consider alternative walking routes between viewing points to avoid crowded stations
For the best travel planning resources, arrive at prime viewing locations at least 90 minutes before your expected runner’s arrival time. The Transport for London app provides real-time updates on service changes related to the marathon.
Weather Preparation and Spectator Essentials
April in London typically brings mild but changeable weather with average temperatures between 8-14°C. Both runners and spectators should prepare for varying conditions throughout the day.
Essential items for marathon spectators include:
- Layered clothing and a waterproof jacket or poncho
- Portable seating for longer waits at viewing spots
- Snacks, water bottles, and hot drinks in thermal containers
- Portable phone chargers to track runners and take photos
- Detailed route maps with timing information
For maximum comfort, wear comfortable walking shoes as you’ll likely cover significant distances between viewing spots in the sprawling city of London. Sun protection is also recommended even on cloudy days as you’ll be outdoors for extended periods.
Charity Impact and Community Involvement
The London Marathon has raised an incredible £1 billion for charitable causes since its inception in 1981. The 2025 edition will continue this tradition with thousands of runners supporting worthy causes.
Visitors can enhance their marathon experience by:
- Supporting specific runner charities via mobile apps or text donations
- Cheering for charity runners identified by their distinctive vests
- Enjoying community choirs and local support groups along the route
- Volunteering opportunities for those who want to be part of the event
Many spectators create personalized signs supporting specific runners or charities, adding to the festive atmosphere. The official London Marathon app allows you to track donations and support your favorite runners throughout the race.
Final Tips for Marathon Day
To make the most of your London Marathon 2025 experience, consider these practical suggestions:
- Download the official London Marathon app to track specific runners in real-time
- Pre-arrange meeting points for reuniting with runners post-race (the alphabet meeting area is organized by surname)
- Capture memorable photos at iconic points like Tower Bridge and the Mall
- Book post-race celebration venues in advance as they fill quickly
- Consider staying an extra day to allow runners recovery time before traveling
The london marathon 2025 date falls on the last Sunday of April, returning to its traditional spring schedule. Whether you’re running, supporting, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, this world-class event showcases London at its community-spirited best.