On Sunday April 28, some 40,000 ambitious runners will make their way along 26.2 miles of prime London turf, contributing to an almighty charity loot of more than £60 million.
If you're not running, instead turn out and offer your full support. We've mapped the very best pubs, bars and restaurants close by the course to cheer from.
Typically, the starting point in Greenwich, and the finish line, at St James's Park, tend to have the best atmosphere, though in truth you'll find most of the course has its share of spectators.
If you're hoping to see runners twice, head to the Wapping and Shadwell area, or West India Quay. Either way, have a drink, get your cheering voice out and have some fun. Flick through the gallery above to see all the best pubs and restaurants along the route.
Start – Greenwich: The Kings Arms
This plucky pub survived a bombing in 1974, so a marathon isn't going to put the owners off opening. Situated at around the second mile, the runners should jog right by (although some of the less dedicated may pop in themselves).
1 Frances St, SE18 5EF
Start – Greenwich: Trafalgar Tavern
No humble riverside pub here: this grand, regency-style spot is perfect for a bite to eat after the race has kicked off. It offers beautiful views of the river, and is more than comfortable enough to stay in for a few drinks.
Park Row, Greenwich, SE10 9NW, trafalgartavern.co.uk
Start/Mile 6 – Greenwich: The Old Brewery
Formerly a Meantime pub, the Old Brewery is now looked after by Young's, but the building has kept its charms. Sat moments from the Cutty Sark in the Old Royal Naval College, they've a terrific terrace and a decent dining room serving locally-sourced bites. Either watch the race kick off and stroll over this way, or start here and wait for the runners to pass by at around the six mile mark.
1A Pepys Building Old Royal Naval College, SE10 9LW, oldbrewerygreenwich.com
Mile 6 – Greenwich: The Gipsy Moth
This tiny Grade I listed pub sits opposite the Cutty Sark (mile six or so), so once the streams of runners have sweated by, there'll still be a decent view to enjoy. They're proud of their Sunday roast, too, so if watching other people has worn you out, there's chance to restore your energy.
60 Greenwich Church Street, SE10 9BL, thegipsymothgreenwich.co.uk
Mile 10/11: The Mayflower
One of two pubs in this list alone which claims to be the oldest riverside pub in London, the quaint Mayflower makes an ideal base to wander back and forth from to see whose training is paying off as runners make their way through Rotherhithe. If you can, get a spot riverside, in their lovely little garden.
117 Rotherhithe St, SE16 4NF, mayflowerpub.co.uk
Mile 10/11: The Angel
The large gardens and views over the Thames means the Angel is a beautiful spot to be if the weather is good. It's a traditional, neighbourhood pub, which fortunately rarely gets too crowded. If you're simply looking for a decent pint, there are few better choices on the route – in fact, we reckon it's one of London's 50 best pubs.
101 Bermondsey Wall E, SE16 4NB
Mile 12 – Tower Bridge: Pont de la Tour
Request a table outdoors at this upmarket French spot and you'll see the runners make their way across Tower Bridge. It's pricey here, but the food and staff are both lovely. Certainly, the view isn't perfect for the marathon, but consider the runners a nice addition to an indulgent Sunday lunch. They've some excellent wines, too.
36D Shad Thames, SE1 2YE, lepontdelatour.co.uk
Mile 12 – Tower Bridge: The Draft House
For a more relaxed Tower Bridge experience, head over to the Draft House. Just don't expect to sit down: Tower Bridge is a highlight of the marathon, so the area takes on something of a street party feel. One for fun.
206-208 Tower Bridge Rd, SE1 2UP, drafthouse.co.uk
Mile 13 (and 22) – Wapping: The Prospect of Whitby
Another institution claiming to be London's oldest riverside pub, the Prospect of Whitby certainly feels like it might not have changed much in recent history. That's part of the appeal, and it's a cracking little pub. Head to the raised seating at the back for views over the Thames.
57 Wapping Wall, E1W 3SH, taylor-walker.co.uk
Mile 13 (and 22) – Wapping: Turner's Old Star
There's no flash at this pub, and it's a little walk from the race itself (like many around this point), but Turner's Old Star fills up every year with race supporters. It's simply a good old-fashioned boozer. As the name hints, it was once owned by the artist. More recently, a few years ago, it was featured in Kray biopic, Legend.
14 Watts St, E1W 2QG, turnersoldstar.co.uk
Mile 13 (and 22) – Wapping: The Narrow
Gordon Ramsay's gastropub sits directly on the main marathon route, so expect crowds outside on the street side. Pop out to join them before heading to the back for views over the Thames.
44 Narrow Street, E14 8DJ, gordonramsayrestaurants.com
Miles 15 (and 18/19) – Boisdale of Canary Wharf
If you fancy making more of a day of it than just whiling away the hours in a pub, head to the upmarket Boisdale. Highlights include the whisky and oyster bar and a cigar terrace, but stick around until the evening, when there'll be live music.
Cabot Place, E14 4QT, boisdale.co.uk
Mile 17 – Crossharbour and South Quay: The Floating Lotus
A step back from the Canary Wharf hub at mile 17 is South Quay. The pubs and restaurants here usually have a smaller crowds than those near Canary Wharf and West India Quay, so you'll have a little more breathing room. Grab a table by the window at the Floating Lotus, which is found on a huge permanent mooring between Crossharbour and South Quay stations, directly on the Marathon route.
9 Oakland Quay, Inner Millwall Dock, E14 9EA, lotusfloating.co.uk
Mile 23 – Tower Hill: Hung, Drawn and Quartered
Fuller's have kitted out this pub near the finish nicely and it's a good spot to watch the worn-out joggers dig deep into their very final energy reserves. There's plenty of space here but it's still worth getting down a little early to grab a seat. By the way, Fuller's have made an effort to up their food game lately, so get a bite to eat, too.
26-27 Great Tower St, EC3R 5AQ, hung-drawn-and-quartered.co.uk
Mile 24: The Savoy
After spending a little time on the Embankment and watching the runners go by, change the pace dramatically and head to the Savoy to spend an afternoon bathed in utter luxury. Their afternoon tea is possibly the finest in the capital, while the American Bar and Beaufort Bar both serve sterling drinks.
Strand, WC2R 0EU, fairmont.com
Mile 25 – Embankment: Gordon's Wine Bar
Gordon's Wine Bar lies slap bang on the route as the runners pass by Embankment and on towards Westminster. Take an outside table in the alleyway next to Victoria Embankment Gardens to catch some sun (and a glimpse of the sweaty masses regretting their life choices), or head inside to the wine caves, which are always bustling, and always romantic. Gordon's is almost constantly full and the marathon won't help, so get down early and prepare to drink a lot of wine.
47 Villiers Street, WC2N 6NE, gordonswinebar.com
Mile 25/The End: The Westminster Arms
This small pub comes right before the finish line. At the top of the road, the runners will be either speeding to the finish line or swearing they'll never be this stupid ever again. Once you've seen enough, wander back here. As the name suggests, it's a popular spot with politicians – in fact, it once was a favourite of Nigel Farage, but thankfully, he's not been seen here for a while. Bill Clinton and Angelina Jolie are among the famous names to have popped in for a pint.
10 Storey's Gate, SW1P 3AT, shepherdneame.co.uk
Finish line – St James’s Park: The Red Lion
With the runners coming past the Palace and down the Mall to finish the race, nip away from the crowds and find somewhere for a final drink. There are not one, but two good St James's pubs called the Red Lion – one a Fuller's pub on Duke of York Street and the other an old boozer on Crown Passage. Both are cosy, with smart decors and lovely old etched glass — perfect for relaxing after a long hard day of watching other people exercise. If you're treating a runner, take them out to be spoiled at the likes of nearby Stafford or Duke's hotel – both have excellent bars, and the Stafford has a terrific restaurant in the Game Bird, too.
2 Duke of York St, St James's, SW1Y 6PP, redlionmayfair.co.uk
