United Kingdom · Road marathon · 42.195 km
London Marathon
London, Greater London & City of London, England, United Kingdom
The London Marathon takes runners from the capital’s south-east to The Mall, passing Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge and the Thames on a largely flat road course. Securing a place can require its own training in patience: options include the ballot, charities, Good for Age and approved international operators. The special 2027 edition spans 24 and 25 April, so follow the instructions for your assigned day and start wave. With different start and finish locations, the journey home needs a little thought too.
AthRecs race guide · Updated
Upcoming dates
Planning your race weekend? These are the announced dates through 2027. Follow the organiser’s link for the latest date and race-day details. All dates and start times are local.
At a glance
- City / location
- London
- County / area
- Greater London & City of London
- Nation
- England
- Distance
- 42.195 kilometres / 26.2 miles
- Surface
- Road
- Course profile
- Predominantly flat, with an early descent and smaller inclines including the approach to Tower Bridge.
- Approximate field
- 55,000–60,000Finishers · 2025–2026
Rounded range from 56,640 and 59,830 finishers. The announced 2027 field is larger, across two race days.
How to enter London Marathon
These are the organiser’s entry routes. Check the linked page for the edition, opening dates, eligibility, fees and current availability.
Ballot
Apply during the organiser's ballot window; a ballot application does not guarantee entry.
Official entry informationCharity place
Apply to an official charity and agree its fundraising conditions.
Official entry informationGood for Age
Qualifying performances, eligibility and application deadlines are set by the organiser.
Official entry informationInternational tour operator
Overseas participants can compare the organiser's approved operators and packages.
Official entry informationRoute and course
Point-to-point from Greenwich and nearby start areas to The Mall, via Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and Victoria Embankment.
Past races and results
Official results archiveOpen the organiser’s results to find a runner, club or published category standing. At festivals with several distances, select the marathon results.
2026 London Marathon
Full 2026 resultsAll four defending elite champions retained their titles. The organiser separates elite competition results from mass-event comparisons.
Elite men
Sabastian Sawe won in 1:59:30, the first sub-two-hour performance in a competitive marathon.
View result detailsElite women
Tigst Assefa won in 2:15:41, improving the women-only world record.
View result detailsMen's wheelchair
Marcel Hug won his eighth London title.
View result detailsWomen's wheelchair
Catherine Debrunner retained the title after racing Tatyana McFadden to the finish.
View result detailsRace news, photos and video
Common questions
When is London Marathon?
Confirmed upcoming dates: 24 Apr 2027 – 25 Apr 2027. Dates are local to the race.
How do I enter London Marathon?
Ballot: Apply during the organiser's ballot window; a ballot application does not guarantee entry. Charity place: Apply to an official charity and agree its fundraising conditions. Good for Age: Qualifying performances, eligibility and application deadlines are set by the organiser. International tour operator: Overseas participants can compare the organiser's approved operators and packages.
Where is London Marathon and how far is it?
London Marathon takes place in London, Greater London & City of London, England, United Kingdom. This guide covers the 42.195 km full marathon (26.2 miles). Surface: Road
What is the London Marathon course like?
Point-to-point from Greenwich and nearby start areas to The Mall, via Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and Victoria Embankment. Predominantly flat, with an early descent and smaller inclines including the approach to Tower Bridge.
How big is the field at London Marathon?
The approximate field is 55,000–60,000, based on Finishers for 2025–2026. Rounded range from 56,640 and 59,830 finishers. The announced 2027 field is larger, across two race days. Entrants, starters and finishers are different measures.
Where can I find past London Marathon results?
The past races and results section links to the organiser’s results. Select the distance and edition for participant searches and published category standings.
Sources and race information
AthRecs is independent of the race organiser. This guide brings together the linked race information, results and reports. Source review: . Historical details are labelled by edition; current entry availability and final instructions remain with the organiser.
More marathons in United Kingdom
Compare the route and scale of another race. Options in the same region appear first when available.
- Abingdon Marathon
Abingdon, Oxfordshire
Generally flat; use the revised course map and elevation profile.
Next date: 18 Oct 2026
Approximate field: Around 1,200 (Entrants, 2025)
- Belfast City Marathon
Belfast, Antrim & Down
City course; consult the edition's participant instructions for the final route.
Next date: 2 May 2027
Approximate field: Around 6,500 (Reported runners, 2025)
- Boston Marathon UK
Boston, Lincolnshire
Flat rural course on roads that remain open to traffic.
Next date: 11 Apr 2027
Approximate field: 700–1,000 (Finishers, 2024–2026)
- Brighton Marathon
Brighton and Hove, East Sussex
Rolling; four main climbs are identified at miles 1, 7, 9 and 11.
Next date: 4 Apr 2027
Approximate field: 14,000+ (Finishers, 2026)