This year’s London Marathon takes place on Sunday, April 23. Some 40,000 runners will take part and hundreds of thousands of spectators will look for the best place along the 26.2-mile route to watch.
Londoners and visitors from around the world can expect the usual spectacle of athleticism, complete with amusing costumes.
For the first time since 2019, the event will be back in its traditional springtime slot. It will, as ever, take in some of the capital’s most eyecatching landmarks, such as Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge and the Mall.
But some spots are better than others to catch elite and club runners, as well as the weekend warriors and those trying to make it round in aid of good causes.
Here’s our guide to the best spots.
Where are the best places to stand to watch the 2023 London Marathon?
There are several points along the route that are renowned for their energetic atmosphere, such as the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge and The Mall just before the finish line. But you’ll need to arrive at these busy areas in plenty of time as they can become several persons deep before the race begins.
If you prefer to stay away from the crowds and don’t fancy getting up at the crack of dawn, there are plenty of quieter spots to choose from along the route. This runs from Blackheath in south-east London to Buckingham Palace. The quietest places are all in south-east London, particularly in Woolwich close to the start, the Isle of Dogs, around Mudchute and Deptford. Positioning yourself here can allow you to take up a spot elsewhere on the course later on.
If you want to see your favourite runner twice, place yourself along the 1.5-mile stretch between Tower Bridge and Limehouse.
Runners go both ways down this section — heading east towards Canary Wharf after crossing Tower Bridge at mile 13, then west for the finish after a loop around the Isle of Dogs. Canary Wharf, towards the end of the marathon, is also another popular spot as it allows watchers to see runners one side and then the other as the course loops around a U-turn.
Another Docklands spot that offers good views is mile 17. This is also handy for Mudchute Farm — a nice spot to take a family to after watching the runners go by.
Canada Water offers the chance to see runners at mile 9 and 11 — if you are able to get to mile 11 before they do, that is.
Mile 21 has become a popular spot to cheer on runners since running group Run Dem Crew started turning a section of Commercial Road into a street party as the marathon goes past.
How can you find runners after they’ve finished the 2023 London Marathon?
With thousands crossing the finish line at The Mall every hour on April 23, it can be hard to find someone — especially if mobile networks are overwhelmed.
Moving away from the finish area is the best idea but bear in mind runners will have already run 26 miles.
Organise a time and a place to meet your friend or family member and give everyone enough time to get there as public transport will be busier than usual.
Most groups pick somewhere to eat and celebrate with their friend or family member but book a table as far ahead as you can.
Which elite runners will be in the field for the 2023 London Marathon? What is the start list?
Fans can enjoy the sight of one of the most eagerly anticipated men’s and women’s fields ever assembled for the London Marathon.
On the men’s side, four of the five fastest in history will be taking part as Kenenisa Bekele, Kelvin Kiptum, Birhanu Legese and Mosinet Geremew are all on the men’s entry list. Three-time Olympic champion Bekele has been close to winning in London several times but, aged 40, is hoping 2023 will finally be his year.
Marathon world record holder Eliud Kipchoge will not take part this year as he is focusing on the Boston Marathon. However, 2022 winner Amos Kipruto will be back in London. And the 2023 London Marathon could be the final chance for British fans to see Sir Mo Farah run along the famous streets. Like Bekele, Farah has never won but has been close — with his best performance being third in 2018.
The women’s field has been hailed by organisers as the greatest women’s marathon in history. It will feature world record holder Brigid Kosgei, Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir and 2022 winner Yalemzerf Yehualaw. They will be joined by three athletes who have been world or Olympic champion in shorter distances on the track. Genzebe Dibaba, the 1,500-metre world record holder, Almaz Ayana, the 10,000m Olympic champion from 2016, and Sifan Hassan, 5,000m and 10,000m from Tokyo 2020, all make up a mouth watering line-up. In addition, British sensation Elilish McColgan — daughter of 1996 London Marathon winnder Liz McColgan — will make her debut over 26.2 miles.
How can I track a 2023 London Marathon runner?
Mobile signals can be patchy at times because of the large crowds and runners are discouraged from using devices during the race. The best option is to download the official TCS London Marathon App, which allows you to follow participants’ progress via GPS.
You’ll be able to keep track of their progress and time your cheer perfectly.
