The London Marathon is more than a race—it’s a spectacle of endurance, celebration, and London’s dynamic spirit.
On Sunday, April 27, 2025, the capital will once again transform into a 26.2-mile festival, where over 56,000 runners will take to the streets, cheered on by hundreds of thousands of spectators.
Whether you’re cheering in person or tuning in from across the globe, here’s everything you need to know to get the most out of Marathon Day.
You can follow our live coverage of the London Marathon on race day here, starting at 8:30 a.m. BST Sunday morning (30 minutes before the race start time).
And live stream our Watch Along Show on Youtube or below, beginning at 8:30 a.m. BST Sunday morning (30 minutes before the race start time).
How To Watch The London Marathon On TV and Online
UK Coverage
If you’re in the UK, the BBC will once again be the home of marathon day. Coverage starts bright and early:
- 8:30 AM BST – Live broadcast begins on BBC One, continuing on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer
- Commentary: Expect expert insights from Gabby Logan, Paula Radcliffe, Steve Cram, and Tanni Grey-Thompson
- Live Radio: BBC Radio London and BBC Sounds will follow the action from multiple spots on the course throughout the day
International Broadcasts
Marathon fans worldwide can also tune in:
- United States: Watch live on ESPN2, ESPN3, or stream via FloTrack (subscription required)
- Canada and Australia: FloTrack
- Spain: Teledeporte
- Brazil: ESPN Brazil, Star+
- China: Great Sports
- MENA, Japan, NZ: Olympic Channel
- Europe & Asia: Eurosport, discovery+
2025 London Marathon Start Times (BST)
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:50 AM | Elite Wheelchair Races |
| 9:05 AM | Elite Women’s Race |
| 9:35 AM | Elite Men’s Race & Mass Start |
| 9:35–11:30 AM | General Public Start Waves |
Where To Watch In Person: Best Spectator Spots
If you’re joining the crowd, know that over 40 entertainment activations—including cheer zones, DJs, and live bands—will turn the course into a massive party.
Busiest But Iconic
These locations are lively, atmospheric—and extremely popular:
- Cutty Sark (Mile 6.5) – Spectacular views, but expect long queues at Cutty Sark DLR station
- Tower Bridge (Mile 13) – The halfway point with live BBC camera streams
- Canary Wharf (Miles 18–19) – High-rises, high energy
- Westminster & Victoria Embankment (Miles 25–26) – Near the finish line and Big Ben; arrive early
Need accessibility? The marathon offers five barrier-free, steward-managed viewing areas at:
- Cutty Sark: ///honey.rift.chops
- Canary Wharf: ///issues.towns.packet
- Rainbow Row: ///achieving.heats.ripe
- Tower Hill: ///papers.bonds.fault
- Victoria Embankment: ///stress.food.stops
(Source: London Marathon Spectator Guide)
Quieter Alternatives (Still Great Vibes)
Want fewer crowds and room to cheer?
- Rotherhithe Peninsula (Miles 9–11) – Community cheer zone, live bands
- The Highway (Miles 14 & 22) – See runners twice, outbound and inbound
- Westferry & Poplar (Miles 15 & 20) – Local favorites with choirs and 45-year traditions
- Isle of Dogs (Mile 16) – DJ sets near McDougall Gardens
Plan your route with TfL’s journey planner or the TCS London Marathon app, which includes crowd guidance and a real-time runner tracker.
Getting Around On Race Day
- Public Transport > Driving – Road closures begin at 7:00 AM
- No train strikes are currently planned
- DLR & Tube run special early services from 5:30 AM
- Runners can travel free on London Underground, DLR, and buses until 6:30 PM by showing their race number
Avoid hotspots: At peak times, stations like Bermondsey, Tower Hill, Canary Wharf, and Westminster can see queues up to 90 minutes. Walk to nearby stations when possible.
How To Track Runners
Download the TCS London Marathon app to follow your runner’s progress:
- Search by name or bib number
- Get alerts every 5K and at the halfway mark
- Track estimated finish times and stay synced with real-time updates
The app is essential if you’re trying to see a friend or family member more than once along the course.
Final Tips For Marathon Day
- Mobile reception can be unreliable near the finish; set a meet-up point in advance (look for the lettered signs at Horse Guards Parade)
- Pack essentials: snacks, power banks, sunscreen, and layers
- Be respectful of the course and dispose of trash properly
- Most of all, cheer loud and cheer often—you’re part of what makes this day unforgettable
