You Got In. Now What?
The complete survival guide for London Marathon ballot winners. 24-week calendar, base-building plan, carb-loading checklist, course breakdown, and race-day decision tree.
The Direct Answer
If you just got into the London Marathon through the ballot, the most important thing is to start running this week, not in January. You have roughly 6 months until race day at the end of April, and the runners who DNF London are almost never the ones who started base building in October. They are the ones who waited for proper marathon training in January with no aerobic base under them.
The recommended split is as follows: months 1 and 2 (October to November) are base building, taking you from wherever you are now to a consistent 35 to 45 kilometres per week. Month 3 (December) is consolidation through Christmas, holding volume without injury. Months 4 to 6 (January to April) are the actual 16 to 20-week marathon plan, which works properly only if you arrive at week 1 with a genuine aerobic base. That base is built now, in the weeks after you open the ballot email.
First Things to Do This Week
The week you get the email is the most important week of your training, and none of the tasks below involve running. Sort these now so the next 6 months have a clean foundation.
Confirm your entry and save the confirmation email
Log into the London Marathon app and confirm your personal details are correct. Your name on the entry must match your ID exactly, as you will need photo ID at the Expo. Save the confirmation email to a dedicated folder. Screenshot the confirmation number.
Decide: ballot place or charity fundraising?
A ballot place means you paid the entry fee (approximately 39 pounds for UK residents) and you have no fundraising obligation. A charity place is different: you get the entry free from the charity but must raise a minimum amount (typically 1,500 to 2,500 pounds). If you have a ballot place you are already confirmed. If you received a charity place, set up your JustGiving page this week and start sharing it before the initial wave of post-ballot social media posts fades.
Do a kit audit
Go through your running gear honestly. Do you have shoes with fewer than 500 km on them? A GPS watch or a phone that can track runs? Running shorts without chafe potential? A hydration belt or vest for long runs? Make a list of what you need and buy it in October so you can test everything before January. Do not buy race shoes yet unless you know exactly what you want.
Book your accommodation near the start
London Marathon starts at Greenwich Park (blue start for the main mass) and Blackheath (red start). Hotels in Greenwich, Woolwich, and the surrounding area sell out within weeks of ballot confirmation emails going out. Book now. The nearest areas to the start are Greenwich SE10, Blackheath SE3, and Charlton SE7. Alternatively, staying east of London (Canary Wharf, Stratford) gets you close to the DLR which runs direct to Blackheath and Maze Hill on race morning.
Plan a local running route from your front door
You are going to run this route dozens of times over the next 6 months. Map a 5 km loop, an 8 km loop, and a 10 km loop from your home. Knowing these routes removes the mental friction of "where should I run today" on a dark October evening. If you are in London, locate your nearest parkrun for Saturday morning runs.
The 16-Week Mistake That Ruins London Marathons
Every year, a significant portion of London Marathon first-timers get their ballot place in October, do almost nothing until Christmas, start a 16-week plan on 2 January, and then stand on the Embankment at mile 22 wondering why their legs have stopped working.
The pattern of a typical DNF or painful finish:
- October: "I will start properly in the new year"
- November: casual 2 to 3 runs per week, nothing structured
- December: Christmas, minimal running
- January: starts a 16-week plan from zero aerobic base
- Week 6 of plan: immediately behind on long runs, fatigued
- March: completes a 17-mile long run once, then tapers
- April: hits mile 18 and the legs lock
A 16-week plan assumes you are already running 30 to 40 kilometres per week when you start it. It is not a "start from zero" programme. It is the final chapter of a longer build. The October ballot email is not "you have a place." It is "your training started today."
The pattern of a successful first finish:
- October: starts running immediately, 3 to 4 times per week
- November: reaches 40 km/week, comfortable half-marathon distance
- December: holds volume through Christmas
- January: starts 16-week plan from a genuine base
- March: completes 32 km (20 miles) feeling tired but controlled
- April: tapers with confidence, runs the race to plan
24-Week Month-by-Month Calendar
This is the full 6-month picture from ballot email to finish line. Each month has a different goal. Following the phase progression is more important than hitting exact kilometre targets.
October
Build the habitConsistency is the only goal. Run every second day. Do not worry about pace. Establish a Sunday long run habit that will carry you through to April. Start tracking with a GPS watch or phone if you do not already.
Do this month
- Run easy, conversational pace
- Buy your race shoes now and start breaking them in
- Sort your confirmation email and register on the London Marathon app
Avoid this month
- Do not run fast. No speed work yet.
- Do not jump to 40 km immediately
November
Establish 40 km/weekThis is the most important month of the 6-month build. Getting to 40 km per week consistently transforms your aerobic engine. The long run should creep up to a half-marathon distance by the end of November, but never increase total weekly volume by more than 10 percent in a single week.
Do this month
- Add a mid-week medium run of 10-12 km
- Practice fuelling on long runs (gel at 50 min)
- Track your resting heart rate to catch fatigue early
Avoid this month
- Do not race a 10K or half marathon at full effort yet
- Do not skip your easy runs to do speed sessions
December
Consolidate through ChristmasChristmas week will disrupt training. Plan for it. A 3 to 4 run week over Christmas is fine. The goal is not to build in December, it is to maintain what you built in November without injury. Your long run can hold at 16 to 18 km. Use a parkrun on New Year's Day as a social run to start the year.
Do this month
- Schedule your runs around Christmas commitments in advance
- Keep Christmas Day as rest or a gentle 30-min jog
- Book your hotel near Greenwich or Blackheath now, they sell out months ahead
Avoid this month
- Do not let Christmas become a 2-week break
- Do not over-eat and over-drink to the point that January feels like starting again
January
Start the marathon planWeek 1 of your chosen 16 or 18-week marathon plan. Because you built a base through October to December, week 1 of the plan should not feel like a shock. The long runs start creeping toward 20 miles (32 km) by the peak week. Practise your race-day nutrition on every long run from this point forward.
Do this month
- Lock in your training plan and put every long run in the calendar
- Run your first 25 km long run this month
- Practise with the exact gel brand available on the London course (High5 and Lucozade are typically supplied)
Avoid this month
- Do not change gel brand in the final 8 weeks
- Do not add extra runs on top of the plan
February-March
Peak mileageThis is the hardest block of the 24 weeks. Your longest long run (20 miles / 32 km) should land around 3 weeks before race day. You will feel tired. That tiredness is adaptation, not a sign you are unfit. Sleep becomes as important as the running. Aim for 8 hours. Reduce alcohol. Cut out hard gym sessions that are not running-specific.
Do this month
- Complete at least one 20-mile run (32 km)
- Run the last 5 km of your 20-miler at planned race pace
- Do a practice run of your race-day breakfast (porridge with banana at 6am)
Avoid this month
- Do not run a hard half marathon race in this block
- Do not try anything new with food, gear, or shoes
April (race month)
Taper and raceThe taper lasts 2 to 3 weeks. Volume drops, but intensity stays. Most runners feel terrible in the taper (phantom pains, heavy legs, anxiety) and this is completely normal. It is called "taper madness" and it is a sign your body is consolidating the training. Do not add extra runs to feel better. Trust the process.
Do this month
- Sleep 8 to 9 hours per night in the final 2 weeks
- Start carb-loading on Thursday night
- Collect your number at ExCeL before Saturday afternoon
Avoid this month
- Do not run the course on Saturday to check the route
- Do not try a new brand of trainers at the Expo
The Base-Building Phase: October to December
Base building is not glamorous. There is no plan to follow, no specific session structure, and no peak to work toward. It is simply running frequently enough that by January your body treats 8 km as a warm-up and 16 km as a medium effort, not an event.
The three non-negotiables for the October to December base phase are:
Run at least 4 times per week
Frequency matters more than individual session length at this stage. Four 8-km runs (32 km total) is better than one 16-km run and one 16-km run (same total but only twice per week). Frequency builds aerobic adaptation and running economy that single long sessions cannot replicate.
Run slow
At least 80 percent of your base-building running should be at a pace where you can hold a conversation in full sentences. This feels embarrassingly easy if you are used to running by effort or pushing on every run. It is correct. Aerobic base is built at low intensity. Running too fast during base phase suppresses adaptation and raises injury risk without training benefit.
Respect the 10 percent rule
Never increase total weekly volume by more than 10 percent from one week to the next. Going from 20 km/week to 40 km/week in a single jump is the fastest route to plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or a stress fracture. The body adapts to load in the bones and tendons more slowly than in the cardiovascular system. You will feel capable of more before your tendons are ready for more.
Choosing Your Marathon Training Plan
The best training plan is the one you will actually complete. For a first-time London Marathon runner, here is how to choose between the main options.
Hal Higdon Novice 1 (18 weeks)
RecommendedThe most widely used first-marathon plan in the UK and US. It is conservative with mileage, which means it is less likely to cause injury. The main criticism is that the peak long run (20 miles) is lower than some runners want. For a first finish, it is sufficient.
Official London Marathon Beginner Plan
RecommendedAvailable through the official London Marathon website. Well-structured and comes with support materials including fundraising advice if you are running for charity. The plan is specifically calibrated for the London course profile.
Runna App (personalised)
Good optionRunna is a UK-built app popular with London Marathon runners. It takes your target time and current fitness level and builds a personalised plan. It costs approximately 9 pounds per month and adapts if you miss a session. Worth it if you find rigid plans hard to stick to.
Intermediate plans (Higdon Novice 2 or Intermediate 1)
Not for true beginnersIntermediate plans include tempo runs, interval sessions, and higher weekly mileage. They produce better times but also carry significantly higher injury risk. If you have never run a marathon before, the beginner plans are the right choice regardless of your half-marathon time.
Long-Run Progression: What Mileage to Hit When
The long run is the cornerstone of marathon training. Here is the expected progression from October through to race week. These are guideposts, not strict requirements. Missing one long run is not a problem; missing three is.
| Timeframe | Target long run | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| End of October | 10 km | Base building, comfortable pace |
| End of November | 16 km | Consistency over speed |
| End of December | 18 km | Hold and consolidate |
| Week 4 of plan (Jan) | 21 km | Half marathon distance |
| Week 8 of plan (Feb) | 26 km | Longest run many beginners have ever done |
| Week 10 of plan (Feb) | 29 km | Sub-30 km |
| Week 12 of plan (Mar) | 32 km (20 miles) | Peak long run. Run this 3-4 times. |
| 3 weeks to go (Apr) | 26 km | First taper long run |
| 2 weeks to go | 19 km | Confidence run only |
| Race week | 10 km then race | Short shakeout then 26.2 miles |
Note: all long runs should be run at easy conversational pace, approximately 60 to 90 seconds per kilometre slower than your target marathon pace. The purpose of the long run is time on feet, not speed.
London Marathon Kit List
Running London in the wrong kit is a very specific kind of painful. Blisters at mile 8, chafing at mile 13, and the decision to bin a new pair of shoes at mile 18 are all avoidable. Here is what you actually need.
Race shoes
CriticalYour race shoes must have between 50 and 100 kilometres on them before race day. Brand new shoes from the ExCeL Expo on Saturday will destroy your feet. If you want carbon plate shoes (Brooks Hyperion, New Balance SC Elite, Adidas Adizero, Nike Vaporfly), buy them 8 to 10 weeks before the race and use them for 3 to 4 long runs and a tempo session. Never run your first long effort in a new shoe.
Anti-chafe strategy
CriticalThis is not optional. Apply Bodyglide, Vaseline, or equivalent to: inner thighs, underarms, nipples (if male), bra line (if female), and any point where shorts elastic meets skin. Reapply at mile 13 if a friend is meeting you on the course. A 26-mile chafe is a weeks-long injury. The medical tents at London see a staggering number of preventable chafe injuries every year.
Socks
Technical running socks made from synthetic material or merino wool. Never cotton. Cotton holds moisture and creates blisters. Brands like Balega, Darn Tough, and Stance make marathon-specific cushioned socks. Wear the exact socks you plan to race in on your last 3 to 4 long runs to confirm there are no issues.
GPS watch or phone mount
You need to track pace, distance, and splits on race day. A GPS watch is far superior to a phone for this purpose. If you do not own a watch, a Garmin Forerunner 55 or Coros Pace 3 are the best entry-level options at under 200 pounds. The London course is crowded and pacing purely by feel in a crowd of 50,000 runners almost always ends in going out too fast.
Fuelling kit
CriticalLondon provides High5 and Lucozade gels on the course at specific miles. The on-course gel flavours and brands are announced a few months before race day. If you have trained on a different gel brand, either switch your training to the race gels now or carry your own in a running belt. Stomach issues from unfamiliar nutrition at mile 16 are a common cause of slow finishes and DNFs.
Start-line charity bin bag
You will wait in the start pens at Greenwich or Blackheath for up to 90 minutes before your wave goes. Even in late April this can be cold, windy, and occasionally wet. Bring an old fleece or a large bin bag to wear over your kit in the pen. There are collection points for donated clothing before the start which passes them to charity.
3-Day Carb-Loading Checklist
Carb-loading is not eating more than usual. It is specifically eating more carbohydrate and less fat, protein, and fibre in the 48 to 72 hours before the race to maximise glycogen stores. Here is the exact UK meal plan.
Friday night (2 nights before)
Large portion of pasta with a tomato-based sauce (not cream). White pasta, not wholegrain. Side of white bread. Glass of water or dilute squash. No alcohol. No spicy sauces, no onions, no raw vegetables.
Note: This is the start of the carb load. Your glycogen stores need 36 to 48 hours to fully saturate. Friday night dinner is not optional.
Saturday (day before)
Large bowl of porridge made with water or semi-skimmed milk. Add a sliced banana and a teaspoon of honey. White toast with peanut butter or honey. Orange juice.
White rice bowl or white bread sandwiches with chicken or tuna. No salad, no high-fibre ingredients. A handful of jelly babies as a snack later in the afternoon.
Pasta or white rice again. Do not overeat at dinner. A bloated gut the morning of a marathon is miserable. Stop eating by 7pm. One glass of water. Early bed by 9:30pm.
Note: Saturday is a rest day. Do not go to the ExCeL Expo in the afternoon if you can collect on Thursday or Friday. Long walks on Saturday are costly. Your legs need rest.
Sunday morning (race day)
Porridge with banana. Two slices of white toast with peanut butter. A 500ml bottle of sports drink or water. Consume your last solid food no later than 3 hours before gun time.
Note: Wake up at 5:30am for a 9:55am wave start. Eat by 6:15am. Take a gel 15 minutes before the start line.
What to avoid in the 48 hours before race day
6 Months Is A Long Slog. Make Every Run Count.
October through March is dark, cold, and difficult. Most ballot places are quietly abandoned between mile 3 on a rainy November Tuesday and the decision to check the TV schedule instead. Motera turns every easy 5 km into a move in a real-world strategy game. You run loops around your neighbourhood to capture territory on a real Apple Maps map. You compete on a local leaderboard against runners in your postcode. The runs get done because each one has a point. Six months of base building becomes six months of territory warfare. Download it free and run your first capture loop this week.
Motera3 Runner Stories: How the 6-Month Build Plays Out
Three runners who received London Marathon ballot places. Their training patterns and outcomes illustrate the range of what the 6-month build looks like in practice.
Lucy, ballot 2024
Finished in 4:32Lucy got her ballot place in October 2023 and started running the following Monday. She had not run regularly for two years. She used October and November to build from 15 km per week to 40 km, running mostly in the dark after work. By January she was comfortable with a 16 km Sunday long run and started Hal Higdon Novice 1. Her 20-mile run in March felt hard but doable. Race day was wet and cold. She ran the first half conservatively, took a gel every 40 minutes from mile 5, and crossed the line in 4:32 with something left in the tank. She credits October and November as the reason she felt controlled in miles 18 to 22, when most around her were walking.
Tom, ballot 2025
DNF at mile 22Tom got his ballot place in October 2024. He was a regular parkrunner doing 5 km most Saturdays and felt fit. He waited until January to start training, joining a 12-week beginner plan. His longest run before the race was 18 miles (29 km), completed two weeks before race day. Miles 1 through 18 felt fine. From Canary Wharf onward his legs seized and he could not maintain even a walk-run pace. He was pulled from the course at mile 22 with severe cramping. The medical team told him his legs simply did not have the miles in them. He re-entered the ballot, spent October to December building base, and finished in 4:51 the following year.
Aiyaan, ballot 2024
Ran 3:58, negative splitAiyaan had one previous marathon (Edinburgh, 4:22) when he got his London ballot place. He set himself a sub-4 target. He ran 50 km per week through October and November, kept December at 45 km despite Christmas, and started an intermediate 18-week plan in January. He ran every long run 25 to 30 seconds per kilometre slower than target race pace. He went through Tower Bridge at mile 12 in exactly 2:00:30, dead on his 4:01 target split. He accelerated through Canary Wharf and ran the second half in 1:57:20. He attributes the negative split to two things: disciplined pacing through Canary Wharf when the crowd noise makes it easy to go too fast, and having run at least four 30-km training runs before race day.
Race Weekend Logistics
The logistics of London Marathon weekend are a job in themselves. Getting these wrong costs you energy before you even reach the start line.
Number collection at ExCeL London
The TCS London Marathon Running Show takes place at ExCeL London in Royal Docks, accessible by DLR to Custom House. It runs Thursday through Saturday before race day. Collect your number as early as possible. Thursday or Friday morning is ideal. Saturday afternoon at ExCeL is extremely crowded and queues can exceed 45 minutes. Bring your confirmation email and photo ID. Your number bag will contain your race number, timing chip (if separate), and additional information. Check the bag immediately for accuracy.
Getting to the start on race morning
The blue start at Greenwich Park is accessible from Maze Hill station (National Rail from London Bridge, approximately 20 minutes) or Greenwich station (DLR/Jubilee). The red start at Blackheath is accessible from Blackheath station (National Rail from London Bridge). The train from London Bridge to Maze Hill takes about 20 minutes and runs frequently from 6am. Arrive at the start area by 8:30am for a 9:55am mass wave. Allow extra time as trains will be busy.
Hotel timing and breakfast
If staying overnight Saturday, choose a hotel in zones 1 to 3 south of the Thames (London Bridge, Greenwich, Canary Wharf, Stratford) for straightforward start access. Hotels must check out before 11am, which conflicts with race time. Either arrange a late checkout in advance (request it at booking, not check-in), or leave your bag with the hotel concierge and collect post-finish. Eat your race-day breakfast in the hotel at 5:30 to 6:00am, not on the train.
The start pen and bag drop
London Marathon operates a bag drop system at the start areas where you can leave a clear bag of post-race clothing. The bags are transported to the finish area near The Mall and St James's Park. Do not pack anything you need during the race in the bag drop bag. Wear your old warm layers to the pen and leave them on the ground (they go to charity). The start pens open approximately 30 to 45 minutes before each wave.
Reuniting with friends and family
London is notoriously difficult for spectators to track and intercept runners due to road closures. Agree on a maximum of two spectator points before race day. Popular spectator spots include Mile 3 (Woolwich), Mile 8 (Bermondsey), Mile 12 (approaching Tower Bridge), and Mile 22 (the Embankment). The London Marathon app has a tracking feature where friends can see your position in real time. Agree a post-race meeting point outside St James's Park in advance. Phone signal near the finish is unreliable due to network load.
The London Marathon Course Explained
Understanding the course landmarks helps you pace correctly. Each section has a different energy, a different crowd level, and a different psychological challenge.
Miles 1 to 5: Greenwich to Woolwich
The course descends gently from Greenwich Park onto streets past the Cutty Sark (mile 1.5). The first few miles feel like a parade. The crowd is thick, the atmosphere is electric, and the pace feels effortless. This is dangerous. Greenwich to Woolwich runs through residential southeast London and the crowd is large. Run at your plan pace, not your feel pace.
Pace note: Most first-timers run this section 20 to 30 seconds per kilometre too fast.
Miles 6 to 12: Deptford, Bermondsey, Southwark
A quieter, more industrial section as the course heads northwest through Deptford and Bermondsey. The crowd thins slightly, which is actually helpful for finding your rhythm. Mile 9 passes through the relatively quiet Surrey Quays area. This is where you should be settling into a controlled pace and fuelling every 40 to 50 minutes.
Pace note: Use the quieter sections to assess how you feel. Any discomfort in your feet, shoes, or stomach here needs addressing at the next water station.
Mile 12 to 13: Tower Bridge
The most iconic point on the course. The approach to Tower Bridge from the south bank is loud and emotional. Thousands of spectators line the bridge itself. The temptation to surge is overwhelming. Many runners cry on Tower Bridge, especially first-timers. This is where the race gets mentally real. Cross it at your race pace.
Pace note: If you are more than 20 seconds per kilometre faster than plan pace on Tower Bridge, you will pay for it at mile 20.
Miles 14 to 18: Wapping, Limehouse, Canary Wharf
The course crosses back north of the Thames into Wapping and heads east toward Canary Wharf. Miles 14 to 16 pass through quieter areas and this is often where energy levels dip for the first time. Canary Wharf at mile 18 is enclosed within tall buildings and has a different atmosphere: cooler, louder echo, and very loud crowd support from office workers and spectators. It is a morale boost at exactly the right time.
Pace note: Mile 18 is where glycogen depletion often begins. Take a gel before mile 18 regardless of how you feel.
Miles 19 to 23: The Embankment
After Canary Wharf the course heads west along the north bank of the Thames, through Bermondsey and then onto the Embankment. This is the long westward grind toward Westminster. It is exposed, often into a headwind, and the finish feels simultaneously close and impossibly far. The Embankment is where runners who went out too fast in the first half are now walking. Stay focused on short distances: next lamp post, next kilometre, next water station.
Pace note: Do not walk on the Embankment unless physically forced to. Walking here costs significant time and morale.
Miles 24 to 26.2: Birdcage Walk to The Mall
The final section turns off the Embankment onto Birdcage Walk past Buckingham Palace and into The Mall for the finish. This is one of the most celebrated finish lines in world running. The crowd is enormous and the finish chute is on a slight uphill. The last 400 metres feel both endless and over in an instant. Whatever you have left, use it here.
Pace note: Do not sprint flat out from mile 25. Many runners cramp in the final 500 metres from a poorly judged final surge.
Race-Day Decision Tree
At each major mile marker on the course, you should ask yourself a specific question and take a specific action. This is the London Marathon first-timer decision framework.
Ask yourself
Am I running faster than target pace?
The context
Almost certainly yes. The crowd, the adrenaline, and the downhill start from Greenwich all pull you out faster than planned. Actively slow down. If your target pace is 6:00/km, your first kilometre will feel comically slow at that speed. Do it anyway. Every extra 10 seconds you run too fast in miles 1 to 6 costs you 30 seconds in miles 18 to 22.
Action: Check your watch. If you are more than 10 seconds per km above target pace, ease back regardless of how easy it feels.
Ask yourself
How do I feel?
The context
You should feel like you have not run at all yet. If you feel like you are working at mile 6, something is wrong with your pacing. The Cutty Sark section has huge crowd noise and a natural tendency to accelerate. Treat it as the check-in point. Are you within your plan?
Action: Take your first gel here (or use a water station at mile 5). Drink water, not sports drink, if you have already gelled.
Ask yourself
What do I do on Tower Bridge?
The context
Tower Bridge is the most iconic point on the course and the most dangerous for pacing. Crowds are 10 deep, the noise is extraordinary, and every runner wants to push. The elite women come back across the bridge in the opposite direction around this point, adding to the atmosphere. This is where first-timers most commonly blow up their race by surging.
Action: Take a gel on the approach to Tower Bridge (mile 11-12). Walk through the water station at mile 13. Use the walk to check your pace, drink without spilling, and reset.
Ask yourself
My legs feel heavy. Is this normal?
The context
Yes. Mile 18 is where glycogen stores begin to deplete noticeably even with good fuelling. The Canary Wharf section feels enclosed and slightly soulless compared to the rest of the course. This is the mental low point for most runners. Keep your cadence up even if your pace drops. Short quick steps are more efficient than long laboured strides when fatigued.
Action: Take a gel at mile 18 or as close to it as possible. Focus on the next 1 km only, not the 8 miles remaining. Count lamp posts if you need a short-term focus point.
Ask yourself
Should I run or walk from here?
The context
The Embankment is a long, exposed, largely straight section heading west toward Westminster. The finish feels close but is still over 4 miles away. If you have run your own race to this point, you will have something left. Run every step you can. Walking on the Embankment is demoralising and costs significant time. If you must walk, do 60 seconds then run 2 minutes.
Action: The final gel of the race should go in around mile 22 if your stomach allows. The Mall and Buckingham Palace are less than 2 km from the finish. Once you can see the palace, you are nearly done.
Late-April London Weather: What to Expect
The TCS London Marathon takes place on the last Sunday of April. Late April in London is famously unpredictable. Here are the key weather statistics that should influence your kit choices and race-day pace planning.
Average temperature
11-15°C
Late April London mornings are cool. This is good marathon weather. Dress for the start, not the finish.
Rain probability
40%
London in late April has roughly a 40% chance of rain on any given day. A light rain actually helps performance. Heavy rain with wind makes gear selection critical.
Average wind speed
13-17 km/h
South-westerly winds are common. The Embankment section runs into a headwind on some years. A running cap and lightweight jacket for the start area are sensible.
Coldest recent start
7°C
The 2023 London Marathon started at 7°C. Wear a charity bin bag over your kit in the start pens and discard it at the gun. They collect the bin bags.
Warmest recent race
21°C
The 2018 London Marathon ran in 23°C heat and had a significantly elevated DNF rate. If temperatures exceed 18°C on race day, revise your pace downward by 10 to 15 seconds per kilometre.
Best conditions
9-13°C, overcast
The ideal London Marathon conditions are cool, overcast, and still. A light drizzle at mile 15 is a gift, not a problem.
The hot weather rule
For every degree above 15°C at race start, add approximately 8 seconds per kilometre to your target pace. A race that starts at 20°C instead of 10°C adds roughly 6 to 8 minutes to a 4-hour marathon time for an average first-timer. Do not argue with this rule on race day. The heat wins every time.
What to Do If You Do Not Finish
A London Marathon DNF (did not finish) is more common than most runners expect. Approximately 1 to 3 percent of starters do not finish the race each year, and significantly more finish in times much slower than their ability would suggest due to poor pacing or poor preparation. If you are pulled from the course or choose to stop, here is what to know.
Medical support is immediate and professional
London Marathon has one of the best medical setups of any marathon in the world. If you are struggling, wave down a medical marshal rather than trying to walk it off. IV fluids, blankets, and transport are available. Do not feel embarrassed. The medical team has seen every possible situation.
A DNF is not the end
London Marathon ballot entrants who do not finish are typically offered a deferred place for the following year. Historically, runners who did not finish due to injury or medical reasons have been able to re-enter the ballot with a higher likelihood of success. Check the official entry policy after the race.
Consider a Good For Age qualifier
If you want guaranteed London Marathon entry in the future, the Good For Age programme offers a guaranteed place if you can run a qualifying time at any marathon. For men aged 18 to 39, the standard is sub 3:05. For women the equivalent is sub 3:45. These are for confident runners, but training for a Good For Age standard is one of the most motivating goals in recreational running.
Post-Marathon Recovery: Week by Week
After finishing London, your body needs a structured recovery period. Most first-time marathoners make the mistake of returning to running too quickly because they feel fine after 3 or 4 days. The cellular repair timeline is not correlated with how sore your legs feel.
Rest completely
No running at all. Walk if it feels good, but do not try to run off the soreness. The muscular damage from a marathon takes 10 to 14 days to repair at cellular level. Many runners feel fine on day 3 and then injure themselves at day 10 because they went back too soon.
Gentle movement
Walking, swimming, or easy cycling if you feel ready. You can attempt a very short easy jog of 15 to 20 minutes at the end of week 2 only if your legs feel genuinely normal, not just tolerable.
Return to easy running
Short easy runs of 20 to 30 minutes. No pace targets, no long runs, no races. Your immune system is suppressed for 2 to 3 weeks post-marathon and your injury risk is elevated. Treat these runs as health maintenance, not fitness building.
Normal training resumes
Return to normal weekly volume. Most coaches recommend waiting 6 weeks before any race or hard effort of any kind. The common wisdom is one easy day for every mile raced, meaning 26 days of easy-only running after a marathon.
Ballot, Charity, Good For Age, Championship, Bond: Which Entry Type Do You Have?
There are five ways into the London Marathon and they come with completely different obligations and deadlines. Knowing which one you have changes what you need to do in the next seven days.
Ballot place
Most commonObligation: Pay the entry fee (approximately 39 pounds for UK residents). No fundraising requirement.
Key deadline: Entry fee is charged when you accept the ballot place online. Typically within 7 days of the offer email.
Pros: No fundraising pressure. The place is yours once the fee is paid. You can choose to fundraise for a charity voluntarily without a binding minimum.
Cons: Ballot odds are approximately 1 in 6 to 1 in 8. Entry fees are non-refundable. Deferral is not guaranteed if you cannot run.
Charity place (Gold Bond)
Fundraising requiredObligation: Raise a minimum fundraising target, typically 2,000 to 2,500 pounds for major charities, sometimes 1,500 pounds for smaller registered charities. The charity pays your race entry fee and registration.
Key deadline: Fundraising minimum must usually be met by 31 March the year of the race, approximately 4 weeks before race day. Most charities require 25 to 30 percent of the minimum raised within 30 days of taking the place.
Pros: Guaranteed entry without entering the ballot. Many charities offer coaching support, community events, and fundraising tools. A meaningful cause makes training feel purposeful.
Cons: The fundraising obligation is legally binding in many charity agreements. If you cannot run (injury, illness) you may still owe the charity a portion of the minimum. Read the charity agreement carefully before signing.
Good For Age (GFA)
Time-basedObligation: Run a qualifying marathon time within the eligibility window (typically the 18 months before the application deadline). Apply during the GFA application window in October. Pay the standard entry fee.
Key deadline: GFA applications open in October and close within a few weeks. Missing the window means waiting another year.
Pros: Guaranteed entry every year you meet the standard. No ballot required. Preferred start pen placement.
Cons: Standards are demanding. Men 18 to 39: sub 3:05. Men 40 to 44: sub 3:10. Women 18 to 39: sub 3:45. Women 40 to 44: sub 3:50. Age-specific standards apply above 45.
Championship place
Elite / club runnersObligation: Qualify through UK Athletics or affiliated national governing bodies. Must be a member of a registered running club in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland. Standards are faster than GFA.
Key deadline: Applications open in November and close in December for the following April race.
Pros: Start in the championship pens with the fastest club runners. Recognised in race results as a championship finisher.
Cons: Standards require sub 2:45 for men, sub 3:15 for women in most age categories. Not relevant for first-time marathon runners.
Volunteer / partner place
Via employer or partnerObligation: Some corporate sponsors, event partners, and media organisations receive a small allocation of places. The entry process varies by partner. Some require internal applications, some are gifted directly.
Key deadline: Varies by partner. Usually January through March.
Pros: Not dependent on ballot luck or fundraising target.
Cons: Limited availability. Not open to general public. May come with sponsorship or PR obligations.
Charity Fundraising: How to Actually Hit 2,000 Pounds
If you are running on a charity bond place, the fundraising minimum feels enormous at the start. Most runners hit it. Here are the eight tactics that work.
Set up your JustGiving page within 48 hours of getting the place
The social media post announcing you got a London Marathon place is the single highest-engagement thing you will post for months. Post it the day you confirm your charity place and include the JustGiving link. The wave of goodwill from friends, family, and colleagues is strongest in the first 48 hours. A page set up two weeks later gets a fraction of that response.
Ask your employer about matched giving
Many UK employers run matched giving programmes where they match employee charitable donations pound for pound, sometimes up to 2,000 or 3,000 pounds per year. This alone could meet your minimum. Check with HR. If your employer does not have a scheme, ask them to consider one-off matched giving for your race. Many medium-sized companies will agree for the PR value.
Use the milestone reveal tactic
Set a milestone reward: "When I hit 500 pounds I will post my training run splits for the week" or "When I hit 1,000 pounds I will post a video of my longest training run." Milestone posts keep your fundraising visible without being repetitive. People who donated early feel invested in your progress and share the milestone posts.
Email, not just social media
A personal email to 30 to 40 specific people (friends, family, former colleagues, university contacts) will raise more money than 10 social media posts. The email should be short, personal, and direct. "I am running London for X charity because Y. It would mean a lot if you could donate even 10 or 20 pounds." People respond to direct asks far more than to broadcast posts.
Monthly training updates with the link every time
Post a monthly training update on LinkedIn, Instagram, or wherever you are most connected. Include a photo from a recent long run, your current mileage, and the JustGiving link. Do not assume people who saw the original post donated. Most did not. Repeat the ask in a new format each month. Tone matters: keep it grateful and specific rather than pressured.
Ask your company to sponsor your kit
Some runners negotiate with their employer to have the company logo printed on their race vest in exchange for a corporate donation to the fundraising page. The company gets PR at one of the most-watched marathon events on television. You get a significant chunk of the minimum in one donation. This works best if you work somewhere with a marketing or PR budget.
Use offline donations through JustGiving
JustGiving allows you to record offline donations (cash or bank transfer) against your fundraising total. Older relatives who are not online, local businesses, or colleagues who give cash can all be added manually. Every donation counts toward the minimum regardless of whether it came through the platform.
Race-day social posts unlock a final wave
Post a photo from the start line on race morning and one from the finish. These consistently generate a final wave of donations from people who meant to give and forgot, and from people who were inspired watching your progress. Add the JustGiving link to these posts. The fundraising page typically stays open for several weeks after the race.
Typical fundraising timeline for a 2,000 pound minimum
October (ballot/charity confirmation): 400 to 600 pounds from the announcement wave
November to December: 300 to 500 pounds from email outreach and employer match
January to March: 400 to 600 pounds from monthly training updates
Race week and finish line: 200 to 400 pounds from final social posts
Total: 1,300 to 2,100 pounds. Employer match takes most people over the minimum without it feeling like a grind.
Where to Stay for London Marathon Weekend
Hotels near the start sell out within days of ballot emails going out. Book as soon as you confirm your entry. These are the five sensible areas to stay, with the pros and cons of each.
Greenwich / Maze Hill (SE10)
Best for start logisticsDistance to start: Walking distance to blue start
Race morning travel: Walk to start (15 to 20 min). Walk to Maze Hill station for the DLR or National Rail if needed.
Pros
The closest option to the blue start at Greenwich Park. You can walk to the baggage drop and start pen without any public transport stress on race morning. The area has good restaurants for Saturday pasta dinner.
Cons
Very limited hotel stock. Premier Inn Greenwich and a handful of independents book out within days of ballot emails. Expect higher prices than central London for comparable rooms. Fewer options for post-race celebration restaurants near the finish.
Canary Wharf / Isle of Dogs (E14)
Good balance of choice and accessDistance to start: DLR to Maze Hill: approximately 25 min
Race morning travel: DLR from Canary Wharf to Cutty Sark or Maze Hill. Direct line, approximately 15 to 20 minutes with no change required.
Pros
Large choice of modern hotels (Marriott, Hilton, various boutique options). Excellent DLR connection to the start area. Close to the finish (Embankment and The Mall area via Jubilee line).
Cons
Feels corporate and not very festive the night before a marathon. DLR will be busy on race morning from 7am onward. Canary Wharf station can be crowded.
London Bridge / Bermondsey (SE1)
Most practical for most runnersDistance to start: National Rail to Maze Hill: approximately 20 min
Race morning travel: Southeastern train from London Bridge to Maze Hill. Approximately 18 to 22 minutes. Trains run from 6am on race morning and are dedicated to runners.
Pros
Wide hotel selection. Close to Borough Market for pre-race pasta. Good access to the course spectator points too. Bermondsey is a decent restaurant area for Saturday dinner. Easy post-race return via London Bridge station.
Cons
You will share the 7am train with hundreds of other runners. London Bridge station is chaotic on race morning. Allow extra time.
Stratford / Westfield (E15)
Budget-friendly optionDistance to start: DLR to Greenwich: approximately 25 min
Race morning travel: DLR from Stratford to Cutty Sark via Bank, or Stratford to Blackheath via Lewisham (with change). Journey approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Pros
Large hotel stock, often cheaper than central or Canary Wharf options. Easy return after the race via the Central or Jubilee line. Westfield shopping centre for any last-minute kit needs on Saturday.
Cons
Slightly longer journey to the start. Not the most scenic or atmospheric area for the night before a big race.
Central London (Westminster, Victoria, Waterloo)
Best for post-race celebrationsDistance to start: Train to start: 30 to 40 min
Race morning travel: Overground or Southeastern from Waterloo to London Bridge, then change to Maze Hill train. Or Jubilee line to Canary Wharf and DLR to Cutty Sark. Allow at least 45 minutes door to start.
Pros
Close to the finish at The Mall and St James's Park. Good for friends and family joining you post-race. Many hotel options. Easy access to Saturday ExCeL Expo (Elizabeth line to Custom House).
Cons
Furthest from the start of all options listed. Journey on race morning involves one change minimum and more crowded stations. Not recommended if you find pre-race stress hard to manage.
Book now: Greenwich and Canary Wharf hotels sell out within 2 to 3 weeks of ballot confirmation emails. If you are reading this in October after getting a ballot place, book before the end of the week. Friday and Saturday night are the critical nights. Do not wait until December.
Mile-by-Mile Spectator Viewing Guide
Friends and family wanting to cheer you on have a difficult job. Road closures, tube crowding, and the sheer size of the course mean poor planning results in your supporters missing you entirely. Share this section with whoever is coming to watch.
| Viewing point | Approximate mile | How to get there | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woolwich / Shooters Hill Road | Mile 3 to 4 | Woolwich Arsenal (Elizabeth line / DLR), 10 min walk | Early in the race. Good if supporters want to cheer then head to a second point. |
| Cutty Sark, Greenwich | Mile 6 | Cutty Sark DLR station, direct | One of the most iconic viewing spots. Very crowded. Arrive by 9:00am for a front row spot. |
| Bermondsey / Jamaica Road | Mile 9 | Bermondsey (Jubilee line), 8 min walk | Quieter than Tower Bridge. Good crowd depth but manageable. Easy to get a clear view. |
| Tower Bridge approach (south) | Mile 11 to 12 | London Bridge (Northern/Jubilee), 15 min walk | The single best spectator moment on the course. Extremely crowded. Arrive 90 minutes before your runner's estimated arrival. |
| Wapping (The Highway) | Mile 14 | Wapping (Overground), 5 min walk | A quieter spot that fewer spectators use. Your runner will likely appreciate personal support here as energy starts to dip. |
| Canary Wharf (West India Quay) | Mile 17 to 18 | Canary Wharf (DLR/Jubilee), 10 min walk | Critical support point. This is when many runners hit their first mental low point. Loud cheering here matters enormously. |
| Victoria Embankment | Mile 22 to 23 | Embankment (Circle/District), 2 min walk | Long straight section. Spectators can see runners approaching from a long distance. Loud support on the Embankment can pull runners through the grind. |
| Birdcage Walk / The Mall | Mile 25 to 26.2 | St James's Park (Circle/District), 5 min walk | The finish. Very crowded but the atmosphere is extraordinary. Meet post-race at the agreed point in St James's Park, not at the finish line itself. |
The two-point spectator strategy (recommended)
Spectators who try to see their runner more than twice usually miss them at least once and end up stressed and exhausted. The most reliable two-point plan is:
The Wave Start and Corral System Explained
London Marathon does not start all 50,000 runners at once. Understanding the wave system determines when you need to leave your hotel, when you should eat, and how crowded the first few miles will feel.
How waves work
Runners are assigned to waves based on their predicted finishing time, which you provide when confirming your entry. Waves A through D cover the mass participation field and are started at approximately 10 to 15-minute intervals from around 9:55am. The elite wheelchair athletes start at 8:55am, the elite women at 9:17am, and the elite men at 9:30am.
Your race number contains a letter indicating your wave. Wave A is the fastest mass participation runners (sub 3:00 predicted). Wave D contains runners who have predicted 5 to 6 hours or have not entered a predicted time.
Wave A
Starts approximately 9:55am
Sub 3:30 predicted finish
Fastest mass participation runners. Start near the blue start at Greenwich Park. Less congested in the first miles.
Wave B
Starts approximately 10:00 to 10:10am
3:30 to 4:00 predicted finish
Large wave. First few miles can be slightly congested at water stations. Patience in miles 1 to 3 is important.
Wave C
Starts approximately 10:10 to 10:20am
4:00 to 4:45 predicted finish
Most first-time London Marathon runners land in Wave C. Expect some congestion in miles 1 to 6. Do not fight it. Run your own pace.
Wave D / E
Starts approximately 10:20 to 10:35am
4:45 and above predicted finish
Later waves mean the streets are more spread out by the time you reach miles 10 to 15. Some course sections may feel quieter in terms of spectators later in the day.
When to arrive at the start area
Your First 4 Days After Ballot Success: The Exact Micro-Plan
The gap between opening the email and starting to actually prepare is where most ballot winners lose momentum. Here is the day-by-day plan for the first four days so you do not waste the best window of motivation you will have.
Day 1 (the day you get the email)
- Accept the entry online and pay the fee (or, if charity place, sign the charity agreement)
- Take a screenshot of your confirmation number and email it to yourself
- Tell someone. A partner, a friend, a family member. Saying it out loud makes it real and creates social accountability
- Post it on social media if you plan to fundraise. The wave of goodwill is strongest today
- Do not plan your training yet. Just celebrate for 24 hours
Day 2
- Set up your JustGiving fundraising page (even if ballot place, consider voluntary fundraising)
- Check your current weekly running volume honestly. How many kilometres per week have you averaged in the last 6 weeks?
- Download the official London Marathon app and locate your entry details
- Do your first run since getting the news. Even 5 km. The habit starts today, not in January
- Check your hotel options for race weekend. Note the areas discussed above and start looking at prices
Day 3
- Book your race weekend hotel if you plan to stay near London (or confirm travel plans if commuting on race morning)
- Do a kit audit. Go through your shoes, socks, shorts, and GPS device. Make a list of anything that needs replacing
- Choose your three local running routes (5 km, 8 km, and 10 km loops from your front door)
- Add a recurring calendar block for your Sunday long run starting this weekend
- Email your employer's HR department to ask about matched giving if you are fundraising
Day 4
- Research the two or three training plans discussed earlier and decide which one you will follow from January
- Calculate your start of January target: you need to be running 35 to 45 km per week by the time your marathon plan begins. Work out the weekly increases required to get from your current volume to that target
- Plan this week's runs: aim for 4 runs of any distance before the end of this week
- Share the JustGiving link with 10 specific people by email or direct message. Not just a broadcast post
- Register for a parkrun if you are not already a member. It costs nothing and gives you a free weekly timed 5 km for the next 6 months
The principle behind the 4-day plan
The excitement of getting a London Marathon ballot place lasts about 72 hours before normal life reasserts itself. The 4-day plan is designed to convert that excitement into concrete decisions and habits before the window closes. Runners who complete these four days arrive at their first Sunday long run with logistics sorted, accountability in place, and a calendar that tells them to run rather than asking them to decide to run.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the London Marathon 2027?
The TCS London Marathon 2027 takes place on Sunday 25 April 2027. The race is traditionally held on the last Sunday of April each year. If you received your ballot confirmation in October 2026, race day is approximately 28 weeks away. The start area at Greenwich opens to runners from 7:00am and the elite wheelchair start fires at 8:55am, with mass start waves beginning at 9:55am.
How long is the London Marathon course?
The London Marathon is a standard marathon distance of 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometres). The certified course runs from Greenwich Park and Blackheath through Woolwich, past the Cutty Sark at mile 6, across Tower Bridge at mile 12, through Canary Wharf around mile 18, then west along the Embankment to The Mall finish line just in front of Buckingham Palace. The course is largely flat with a gentle net downhill in the first half.
Should I start training now if my London Marathon is in April?
Yes, you should start running this week. Do not wait until January. Runners who get a ballot place in October and then start a 16-week plan in January are setting off from a standing start with no aerobic base. The winter months from October through December are not for doing the marathon plan. They are for building the base that makes the plan work: running 4 to 5 times a week and reaching a consistent 35 to 45 kilometres per week before the structured plan begins in January.
What is the best training plan for a first time London Marathon runner?
For a first-time London Marathon runner, a 16 to 18-week plan at beginner or novice level is the right choice. Hal Higdon Novice 1 (18 weeks), the official London Marathon beginner plan available through the event website, and the Runna app plans are all well-regarded. The key criteria are: three to four runs per week, a weekly long run that peaks at 20 miles (32 km) three weeks before race day, and a taper of two to three weeks. Do not attempt an intermediate or competitive plan for your first marathon.
How much does the London Marathon entry cost?
For the 2026 ballot entry, the TCS London Marathon registration fee for UK residents was approximately 39 pounds for an adult ballot place. If you are running for a charity, the entry itself is typically provided free by the charity in exchange for a fundraising minimum, which in 2025 and 2026 ranged from 1,500 to 2,500 pounds per runner depending on the charity. The ballot entry fee is non-refundable once confirmed. Check the official London Marathon website for 2027 pricing.
Where do I collect my London Marathon number?
London Marathon numbers are collected at the TCS London Marathon Running Show (also called the Expo) held at ExCeL London in Royal Docks, east London. The Expo runs for three days in the week before race day, typically Thursday through Saturday. You must bring your confirmation email and photo ID. Collection usually takes 15 to 30 minutes and the Expo has stalls from running brands, nutrition suppliers, and official merchandise. Do not leave collection to Saturday afternoon as queues are long.
