London Marathon 2026: Everything you need to know as 59,000 runners prepare for epic event

It’s that time of the year. One of the standout days on the London calendar – the London Marathon – is almost upon us.

With more than 59,000 runners expected at the start line in Greenwich on Sunday — after a record-breaking 1.13 million ballot entrants — the marathon’s 2026 edition is set to be the most popular in the world.

So, preparation has never been more important. Knowing exactly where you need to be (and when), where to pick up your race number, and where to find fuel stations and toilet stops can make all the difference on the day.

As a fellow runner this year, Standard reporter Megan Howe has put together the ultimate guide to the TCS London Marathon 2026 so you can focus on what really matters: getting around the course and having the best day possible.

And for the tens of thousands of people cheering runners on, we’ve provided a handy guide on how to navigate the busiest viewing areas.

Before the big day, you’ll need to collect your event pack from the London Marathon Running Show – which has been taking place at the ExCel Centre this week, and remains open until 5.30pm today (Saturday, April 25).

Inside, you’ll find everything you need for race day, including your bib number (complete with timing chip) and some safety pins to attach to your running gear on the day.

The nearest station is Custom House, which is served by the Elizabeth line and the DLR.

One key thing to remember: there is no collection on Sunday. Make sure you’ve picked up your pack in advance, as you don’t want your marathon to end before it’s even begun.

To collect your pack, you’ll need your QR code (sent in your official TCS London Marathon email last month, along with your wave and start time) and a valid form of ID.

And if you’re travelling in from outside London, it’s best to pack light; lugging a suitcase through busy crowds is not ideal race-day prep.

There’s plenty to keep runners entertained at the ExCel Centre, and most people tend to spend around one to three hours there. With over 250 exhibitors, including major brands like New Balance, Shokz, and Vaseline, you won’t be short of things to browse.

It’s also a great opportunity to pick up official TCS London Marathon 2026 merchandise. Whether you need anything or just want to make the most of a once-in-a-lifetime experience, that’s entirely up to you. Personally, I’ll be taking all the race-day motivation I can get.

Beyond the shopping, there are expert talks from elite athletes, vendors offering race-day fuel, and the Charity Village, where runners supporting a specific cause can collect goodies and learn more about cheer points along the course.

Don’t miss out on a chance to visit the Runners Wall (or the Wall of Names), which includes the names of every single participant in this year’s event. Runners enjoy searching for their own name and taking pictures, but it does involve quite a bit of slow scanning.

Race day is a major operation for everyone involved. Whether you’re running, volunteering, or spectating, the golden rule is simple: plan ahead. Know exactly where you’re going and what time you need to be there, before the excitement and the nerves kick in.

Runners will already know their wave and expected start time, as well as their estimated arrival time at the start area. Stick to this guidance if you can — it’s there for a reason, and keeps everything moving smoothly.

All runners can travel for free on the London Underground, Overground, DLR and buses on race day, just show TfL staff your running bib to get through the barriers.

There are three start areas across Greenwich and Blackheath, assigned by colour. Blue Start is in Blackheath, while Green Start (Greenwich Park) and Red Start (Greenwich Park, Charlton Way) are both based nearby.

For those taking part, here’s how the morning unfolds (staggered start times apply):

The bag drop is an important part of race day for runners, making sure any personal belongings you don’t want to carry are waiting for you on The Mall when you finish.

But beware, it gets extremely busy. Expect queues, and— as with everything on race day— arrive in good time.

On race morning, head to the baggage lorry that matches your bib number in your designated assembly area (Blue, Red, or Green). Team Green participants follow a slightly different process, dropping bags at St James’s Park on Saturday instead.

You must use the official clear plastic kit bag provided when you collect your bib, as no other bags will be accepted on the transport lorries.

Before you hand it over, make sure to check your pockets; you really don’t want to be running 26.2 miles with house keys jangling in your belt.

After you cross the finish line, follow the signs back to your numbered lorry to collect your bag.

There’s also a charity collection point at the start where runners can donate any unwanted layers. It’s well worth using, especially as it can feel quite chilly before the race gets underway.

The London Marathon is known for being one of the best-supported in the world – runners can expect to be cheered on at virtually every point on the 26.2-mile course.

So, if you’re heading out to watch the spectacle, the choice of viewing points is enormous.

If you want to watch at one of the most popular spots – expect to have to navigate large crowds and long queues for public transport.

London Marathon organisers have put together a guide for those seeking to get to one of most spectacular – and busiest – spots:

Cutty Sark DLR station will be extremely busy with queues up to 90 minutes at peak times. Consider walking from Deptford, Greenwich, Island Gardens or Maze Hill.

Canada Water station will be extremely busy. Use London Overground to Rotherhithe or Surrey Quays instead.

Bermondsey station will be extremely busy .Consider using London Bridge station to access Jamaica Road and the surrounding area.

Arrive early for viewing spots. London Bridge is a better alternative to Tower Hill or Tower Gateway.

Miles 18 and 19 – Canary Wharf and Heron Quays

Canary Wharf Underground station, and the surrounding area, will be extremely busy. For Canary Wharf, use the Elizabeth line or Canary Wharf DLR. For Miles 15, 17 and 18, use Crossharbour or South Quay.

Limehouse station will be extremely busy with queues up to 90 minutes. Expect queues of up to 90 minutes at peak times. Consider walking to and from Shadwell station via Cable Street, Westferry station or Poplar station.

Tower Hill will be extremely busy, consider using Cannon Street or Mansion House. For Lower/Upper Thames Street, use Bank, St Paul’s or Southwark.

Westminster station and St James’s Park will be extremely busy. Westminster station will be exit only from 7pm to 7pm. It will be possible to arrive via this station but not to leave from it. Consider using Charing Cross, Piccadilly Circus, Victoria and Waterloo.

The Meet and Greet Area is located at Horse Guards Parade, where large A–Z letter boards help runners and supporters find each other amid the post-race crowds.

It’s worth noting that phone signal around the course can be unreliable, especially in Canary Wharf, so it’s a good idea to agree on a meeting point beforehand.

The London Marathon is one of the best-supported races in the world, with water available at almost every mile. In other words, you might be able to free up a bit of space in your running belt or vest and grab what you need along the way.

Buxton Natural Mineral Water is available every three miles up to Mile 12, then every two miles through to Mile 24.

Lucozade Sport drinks are available at Miles 7, 15, 21 and 23, with Lucozade Sport gels at Miles 13 and 19.

There’s still time to book a last-minute hotel if your plans have changed, your reservation has fallen through, or if you just haven’t got round to it.

One recommended option is TRIBE London Canary Wharf, which currently has availability from Friday, April 24 to Monday, April 27. That said, rooms are in high demand, so it’s worth booking sooner rather than later to avoid missing out.

The hotel offers both continental and full English breakfast options, a 24-hour snack bar, and a Californian-style restaurant, Feels Like June, which is ideal if you’re carb-loading beforehand or if you’re looking for a well-earned post-marathon meal and celebratory cocktail.

Location-wise, it’s hard to beat. The hotel overlooks part of the marathon route itself, making it a great choice if you’re travelling with supporters who would rather stay in one spot than battle the Tube on race day.

It’s also just a short DLR journey to Greenwich, keeping race morning logistics relatively straightforward.

Inside, the hotel has a relaxed, bright and airy feel, with staff on hand to help with any last-minute questions, which is exactly what you want on the build-up to marathon day.

Guests can also get day passes for Third Space gym, located above the hotel, which is perfect for anyone looking to sneak in a strength-session or get a few kilometres in on the running machine to warm up.

The rooms themselves are cosy, with spongey mattresses and blackout blinds, perfect for a solid night’s sleep.

And finally, a small but added bonus, the hotel is offering free protein balls for runners on the day.

You might be thinking, “My goal is to just get round, I haven’t even thought about what happens after”, but it might be time to start.

Finishing the London Marathon is an incredible achievement, but in the following days, it is natural to feel a little lost, with no early alarms to get up for or long runs to work towards.

Perhaps you might want to sign up for another race (it’s all about chasing that runner’s high) or even consider booking a much-needed sports massage.

Cryotherapy is a popular way to speed up recovery after a marathon. The extreme cold helps reduce muscle inflammation and swelling, easing Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) and helps to get you back on your feet that little bit quicker.

Sessions are usually quite short, typically between three to five minutes, using dry air, which is ideal if, like me, you’re not keen on plunging into an ice bath.

London-based luxury health club, Third Space, offers Cryotherapy sessions, as well as Red Light Therapy and Vibro-acoustic therapy, designed to promote relaxation through sound and vibrations.

Anyone who’s trained for a marathon will know it’s as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one, so getting yourself in the right headspace and feeling ready to go on race day can make all the difference.

A vibro-acoustic session might also be just the thing to help you properly unwind and take the edge off after months of training.

Sitting in a heated chair with a blindfold on, listening to the sound of waves while focusing on vibrations through the body, it’s an effective way of releasing tensions.

If you missed out on a ballot place for the 2026 TCS London Marathon, you’re not alone. The event is more popular now than it has ever been.

A staggering 1,133,813 people threw their hats into the ring for the 2026 ballot, a 36 per cent increase on the previous record of 840,318 applicants for the 2025 race.

Entry to the TCS London Marathon 2027 ballot has already opened.

It’s well worth considering a charity place too. Start thinking about causes you’d be proud to run for, and keep your eyes peeled for when their entries open.