The world-famous London Marathon is taking place today, with more than 45,000 runners expected to tackle the 26.2 miles while raising money for charity.
The annual event, which has been taking place in April for 39 years apart from when it was postponed to autumn during the coronavirus pandemic, begins in Greenwich and Blackheath where runners are assigned one of three start lines.
After three miles, they will merge as they pass through Charlton, Woolwich and the Cutty Sark in Greenwich.
Runners will then pass through Deptford, Surrey Quays, Rotherhithe and Bermondsey, before crossing Tower Bridge.
From there, they will run towards east London, around Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs before making their way back towards the city centre.
The final mile takes runners along the River Thames, passing landmarks such as St Paul's Cathedral, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament before ending at Buckingham Palace.
But how can runners and spectators get to the start line amid tube and road closures this morning?
The London Marathon organisers have advised people to use the DLR, London Underground and London Overground today as they will have extra services and "are by far the best way to get around".
The TFL website says most tube lines have good service, apart from just a few of them.
The DLR is experiencing severe delays between Lewisham and Bank / Tower Gateway due to a faulty train at Crossharbour. All other routes are not affected.
On the Metropolitan line, there is no service between Moor Park and Rickmansworth and there are severe delays between Harrow-on-the-Hill and Watford and between Rickmansworth and Amersham / Chesham due to a signal failure. This does not affect the Marathon as the route does not include West and North West London.
There are also planned closures on the Piccadilly line, with no service between Acton Town and Uxbridge. This are is also not covered by the Marathon.
The Waterloo and City line is closed at the weekend and only operates Monday to Friday. All other lines are working properly.
The Jubilee, Circle and District lines, and DLR, have stops close to the marathon route and are likely to be busier than usual, organisers said.
The nearest stations to Greenwich Park, where runners will assemble this morning, are Blackheath, Maze Hill and Greenwich.
DLR stations including Deptford Bridge and Cutty Sark are also within walking distance to the start line.
Anyone using their own vehicles should be aware of road closures and parking restrictions that will be in operation across London for the event.
These are the road closures in place today:
- Charlton Way - from 4am to 1pm
Shooters Hill Road - from 4am to 1pm
St John’s Park - from 4am to 1pm
Charlton Park Road - from 7am to 1pm
Shooters Hill Road - from 7am to 1pm
Old Dover Road - from 7am to 1pm
Little Heath - from 7am to 1pm
Charlton Park Lane - from 7am to 1pm
Artillery Place - from 7am to 1pm
John Wilson Street - from 7am to 1pm
Woolwich Church Street - from 7am to 2pm
Woolwich Road - from 7am to 2pm
Trafalgar Road - from 7am to 3pm
Creek Road - from 7am to 3pm
Evelyn Street - from 8am to 4pm
Surrey Quays Road - from 8am to 4pm
Salter Road - from 8am to 4pm
Brunel Road - from 8am to 4pm
Jamaica Road - from 8am to 4pm
Tower Bridge - from 8am to 7pm
The Highway (south side) - from 8am to 7pm
Narrow Street - from 8am to 7pm
Westferry Road - from 8am to 7pm
East Ferry Road - from 8am to 7pm
Marsh Wall - from 8am to 7pm
North Colonnade - from 8am to 7pm
Poplar High Street - from 8am to 7pm
Commercial Road - from 8am to 7pm
The Highway (north side) - from 8am to 7pm
Byward Street - from 7.30am to 8.30pm
Upper Thames Street - from 7.30am to 8.30pm
Victoria Embankment - from 7.30am to 8.30pm
