Course overview

The London Marathon route has remained, in the most part, unchanged since it began. Runners start in leafy Blackheath, running through Charlton, past the Cutty Sark in Greenwich at mile seven, hitting Rotherhithe at mile 10, crossing the river into Shadwell and heading to Canary Wharf. You hit Poplar at mile 20 and for the final stretch run along the Lower Thames Path to end at St James’s Park. It’s good to remember that roughly every two miles there are also water stations to stay hydrated – plus Lucozade Sports drinks stations at mile 9, mile 15 and mile 22.5. You can also pick up energy gels at dedicated Lucozade stations on mile 14 and 20. 

Rainbow Row

Rainbow Row is located just past the 21-mile mark – and transforms what is usually Butcher Row into a carnival themed ‘joyous place’ to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. The 250m stretch in Limehouse also aims to give runners that final boost just before the finish line. It will be returning for 2024.

Where does the London Marathon start and finish?

The London Marathon kicks off in Blackheath, at the southern end of Greenwich Park. There are three different start points depending on your bib colour. The Red start takes you through The Village in Charlton. Green and Blue starts merge together on Old Dover Road and through Woolwich Common, meeting the Red route on John Wilson Street. And as if you’ve not got enough to celebrate already, you’ll be greeted with a beautiful atmosphere in St James’ Park at the finish line, with views of Buckingham Palace in one of the best known areas of London. 

 Detailed course guide

The good news is while you’re pounding the pavement for those 26.2 miles, you’ll see a brilliant selection of London sights – from the Cutty Sark to running along the Thames path.

1-3 miles

Mile one to three takes you from the start line in Blackheath, through Charlton. If you’re running from the Red start line, it’s at mile three where runners merge with the Green and Blue routes.

 4-6 miles

Miles four to six sees runners jogging through Woolwich, past Woolwich Dockyard and down Woolwich road into Westcombe Park. Mile six is where participants just enter Greenwich.

 7-10 miles

The course then winds through Greenwich, hitting the Cutty Sark at mile seven. Racers then head into Deptford on mile eight, heading to Surrey Quay at the nine mile point. Mile ten sees the route head back closer to the Thames through Rotherhithe. If you’re looking to watch the marathon for fun or perhaps have a loved one taking part, the area near Cutty Sark is one of the best spots to spectate from. 

 11-13 miles

At mile 11 to 12, marathoners head through Bermondsey before crossing the river at Tower Bridge into Wapping. Again, another great spot to watch from and a great area of London to be in too. Nearly half way to the finish line!

14-16 miles

The route passes through Shadwell before racers hit Westferry at mile 14. The route is parallel with the Thames, down to Crossharbour and into Mudchute at mile 16. Runners here will pass by you twice if you’re watching out – once on the way into Mudchute and then again at around mile 22 as participants return from Canary Wharf. 

17-20 miles

Miles 17-20 see joggers pass another London sight – the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. They pass from Mudchute up through South Quay and Heron Quay, past Poplar and back to Limehouse.

 21-23  miles

It’s getting to the homeward stretch! Miles 21 to 23 see runners pass through Limehouse and Wapping, heading back towards the city where the race finishes.

24-26 miles

And the finish line is in sight. Runners pass along Lower Thames Street and onto the Victoria Embankment – glimpsing the London Eye. Then it’s through Westminster and into St James’s Park to the finish line.

Start your London Marathon fundraiser today

So, if you’ve decided to tie up your running shoes and get going, start a GoFundMe today for that good cause and watch the donations roll in. Good luck and remember to keep your supporters updated!