If there's one number you memorise today, make it 2:17:01. That's how long it took Mary Keitany to run the London Marathon seven years ago, and it still stands as the world record for a women's-only race. Today, however, the hunt is very much on.
You can watch the 2024 London Marathon for free on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK. Away from home? Use a VPN to watch a free stream from abroad. Full details on how to watch a London Marathon live stream just below.
Tigst Assefa (PB: 2:11:53), Brigid Kosgei (PB: 2:14:04) and Ruth Chepng'etich (2:14:18) have all variously beaten Keitany's time comfortably, albeit in mixed marathons, and the expectation is that one – or potentially all three – of the trio will better it in London this morning. And that's not to mention Peres Jepchirchir, a two-time Marathon Major winner in her own right.
While the 2024 women's field is probably the strongest the London Marathon has ever attracted, the men's race will be heavy with sadness. Kelvin Kiptum, who set the course record with a 2:01:25 last year, lost his life in a road traffic collision in February, and his presence will be sorely felt.
Reigning NYC Marathon winner Tamirat Tola looks like the man to beat, with his primary competition likely to come from Kenenisa Bekele, who's out to break a five-year drought, and Mosinet Geremew, who's chasing his first marathon victory.
Read on as we explain how to watch a 2024 London Marathon live stream from anywhere – starting with how to watch the London Marathon for FREE in the UK.
When does the London Marathon start?
The 2024 London Marathon start time is as follows:
- 8.15am BST – Elite wheelchair participants
- 9am BST – Elite women
- 9.40am BST – Elite men and mass participation
How to watch a FREE London Marathon live stream in the UK
Unblock any stream with a VPN
How to watch London Marathon 2024 from outside your country
If you're keen to watch London Marathon 2024 but you're away from home and the coverage is geo-blocked, then you could always use a VPN to access it (assuming you're not breaching any broadcaster T&Cs, of course). You may be surprised by how simple it is to do.
Use a VPN to watch London Marathon 2024 live streams from anywhere
Using a VPN is as easy as one-two-three...
1. Download and install a VPN – as we say, our top choice is NordVPN.
2. Connect to the appropriate server location – open the VPN app, hit 'choose location' and select the appropriate location.
3. Go to the broadcaster's live stream – so if you're from the UK, just head to BBC iPlayer and watch the London Marathon as if you were back at home!
How to watch London Marathon 2024 for FREE
How to watch FREE London Marathon 2024 live streams
One of the best things about the London Marathon is that it's completely FREE to watch in several places around the world. For example:
UK – BBC
Germany – ZDF
Netherlands – NOS
Spain – RTVE
If you're from any of these countries but you're abroad right now, don't worry about missing out on that free coverage. As explained above, all you need to do is subscribe to a VPN to watch a London Marathon 2024 live stream for free and re-connect to your home streaming coverage.
How to watch 2024 London Marathon: live stream in the US without cable
How to live stream London Marathon in Canada
How to watch London Marathon 2024: live stream in Australia
