What is the London Marathon 2024 route? Road closures and best places to watch
THE London Marathon returns THIS MONTH as 50,000 runners prepare to take to the streets of the British capital.
Last year’s race, which attracted 48,000 brave runners, was the biggest ever, according to organisers.
AlamyThe London Marathon takes place this month[/caption]
But with even more people expected to set off on the 26.2 mile journey on April 21, crowd numbers are expected to be at an all-time high.
The iconic London route showcases some of the capital’s most popular areas including Big Ben, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace.
Here, SunSport look at some of the best spots to watch the race from.
What is the London Marathon route?
Race start
The race start is between Greenwich and Blackheath.
Although different checkpoints are used to get the runners started, this tends to be the busiest and most chaotic part of the route.
It probably isn’t the best place to watch your friends and family members given how crowded it is, so you may want to find a spot slightly further down instead.
The Cutty Sark always tends to be a top spot, with the Shard also popular.
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Tower Bridge (Mile 12-13)
This is certainly one of the best places to watch from. It also tends to be a hot spot for broadcasters, especially the BBC.
PATower Bridge is a popular spot for spectators[/caption]
The iconic landmark is also great for a photo opportunity.
Slightly further down from Tower Bridge the race doubles back on itself, so it is the perfect spot to hang around if you’re a spectator.
Mile 16
If a friend or family member is running, this is a great place to be.
With 10 miles left to run, they might need that extra bit of motivation.
Mile 17
If you’ve got young kids this is another good place to go.
This point is nearby Mudchute Farm, so it’s perfect to keep the children entertained.
Mile 21
This isn’t the most exciting place to watch from in terms of scenery, but the runners will certainly need that extra support with five miles to go.
The atmosphere will be electric as it is the honorary cheering zone for the city’s running collective Run Dem Crew.
Mile 25 to 26.2
The place everyone wants to be – the final stretch.
GettyFans took to the Mall to watch Mo Farah run the stretch for the final time last year[/caption]
Runners make their way down the Mall with Buckingham Palace – and the finish line – in view.
What landmarks can be spotted on the route?
Mile 6: Cutty Sark
Mile 12: Tower Bridge
Mile 18: Canary Wharf
Mile 22: The Tower of London
Mile 25: The London Eye
Mile 25: Big Ben
Mile 26: Buckingham Palace
Which roads will be closed?
Full details of road closures are yet to be confirmed, but the route is set to be similar to previous years.
Look out for the following…
Charlton Way
Shooters Hill Road
St John’s Park
Charlton Road
Old Dover Road
Little Heath
Charlton Park Lane
Artillery Place
John Wilson Street
Woolwich Church Street
Woolwich Road
Trafalgar Road
Creek Road
Evelyn Street
Surrey Quays Road
Salter Road
Brunel Road
Jamaica Road
Tower Bridge
The Highway (south side)
Narrow Street
Westferry Road
East Ferry Road
Marsh Wall
North Colonnade
Poplar High Street
Commercial Road
The Highway
Byward Street
Upper Thames Street
Victoria Embankment
Birdcage Walk
