The 44th London Marathon is expected to break the race’s own fundraising record of £66.4m as an estimated 50,000 take to the streets this morning.
Tamirat Tola and Tigist Assefa are the favourites in the elite races, while the top Brits are looking to stage a last-ditch claim to be on the team for the Paris Olympics.
And hundreds of thousands of people will line the landmark-filled course to cheer the runners on - whether their finishing time begins with a two or a five.
The wheelchair races get the day underway at 9:05, before the top women hear the gun at 9:25am. The men will start at 10am, followed by the masses.
For previous participants, the course remains unchanged. For those looking to complete the 26.2 mile challenge for the first time, here is your guide to the course - and the best spots for family and friends to watch.
King Charles is hiring staff to work on banquets… but you need good taste
As usual the marathon will have three separate start lines in Greenwich, before the runners come together on one route in Woolwich just under three miles in. The opening miles are downhill and first-timers often make the mistake of going out too hard only for it to cost them later.
Once they have settled into their pace, the runners then pass the Cutty Sark around the six mile before heading towards Canada Water.
They will then cross the River Thames at Tower Bridge before reaching the halfway mark soon after. London's Docklands is the next landmark, with the runners then completing a lap of the Isle of Dogs when the pain often begins to set in.
This area is usually the least thronged in terms of supporters, too, but can be an ideal viewing spot for those who find big crowds uncomfortable.
This year's London Marathon course. (London Marathon)First-time runners should also beware that their GPS watch is likely to go askew when weaving through the Canary Wharf towers - but do not panic, it happens to everyone.
The 20-mile mark - usually hailed as when the race really begins for the elites - is reached near the Poplar DLR station before the runners head towards Limehouse.
The course then heads back to the Tower of London, which runners will pass just before the 23-mile mark. They will then run past London Bridge before St Paul's Cathedral looms large in the background to their right.
As they follow the river, runners will see the London Eye to their left before cutting away from the water in Westminster. On the right side of the Embankment they will have a constant stream of people, often four or five deep, cheering incessantly, giving them a final push towards the finish line.
They will then turn onto The Mall at Buckingham Palace, where the marathon will finally end. Following the race, runners can meet up with family and friends in the areas around Buckingham Palace with an alphabetical signage system in place. Decide on a letter before the race.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
