The London Marathon is one of the world’s most iconic running events, attracting tens of thousands of participants and spectators each spring. Understanding when the event occurs and how the calendar is organized helps runners plan training and supporters choose the best day to cheer from the sidelines.
From elite competition to community fun runs, timing shapes training schedules, transport plans, and citywide celebrations across London. The following sections outline key dates, entry timelines, and how the event fits into the broader running calendar.
| Event Phase | Typical Timing | Key Milestone | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Opens | Late summer | Online registration begins | General runners, charities, elite athletes |
| Training Peak | Winter months | Structured programs build mileage | First-time marathoners experienced runners |
| Race Weekend | Mid to late April | Elite races, mass participation, closing ceremony | All participants and spectators |
| Results & Certificates | 6–8 weeks post-race | Official times published online | Runners, employers, charities |
Race Day Schedule and Timing
Morning Start Times for Elite and Mass Participants
The London Marathon typically takes place in mid to late April, with race day starting in the early morning. Elite runners often begin first, followed in short intervals by wheelchair competitors, then the mass participant wave. This structured timing helps manage congestion at key bridges and thoroughfares across the city.
Entry Deadline and Lottery System
How the Allocation Calendar Shapes When Runners Secure Places
Entry for the London Marathon follows a lottery system, with applications usually opening in late summer and closing within a few weeks. Successful applicants are notified in autumn, and those securing a place must confirm and pay by a set deadline to ensure their spot on race day.
Training and Preparation Timeline
Structuring Your Build-Up from January to April
Runners often begin structured training many months before the event, with the heaviest workloads occurring in winter and tapering in the final weeks. Long runs, speed work, and recovery weeks align with the target race date, helping athletes arrive in peak condition.
Spectator Planning and Transport
Best Times to Arrive at Viewing Sections Across London
Supporters planning to watch from the course should arrive several hours before the first elite start, especially at iconic spots such as Westminster, The Mall, and along the riverfront. Transport services increase capacity on race morning, but crowds peak around key aid stations and finishes.
Charity and Community Events Calendar
How Fundraisers and Side Events Align with the Main Race
Charity runners often follow the same training timeline as mass participants, with dedicated briefing sessions months before the event. Community events and expo activities typically occur the day before and on the morning of the race, creating a citywide festival atmosphere around the competition.
Key Takeaways for Planning Around the London Marathon
- Race day falls in mid to late April on a Sunday, following a consistent annual pattern.
- Entry opens in late summer and uses a lottery system with firm application and confirmation deadlines.
- Training peaks in winter with a structured build-up and taper in the final weeks before April.
- Spectators should arrive several hours early at popular viewpoints to secure good viewing positions.
- Charity runners follow parallel timelines, including briefing sessions and expo activities close to race weekend.
FAQ
Reader questions
When does the London Marathon usually take place each year?
The race is held in mid to late April, consistently scheduled on a Sunday as part of the World Marathon Majors calendar.
When should I start training if I am entering for the first time?
Most first-time marathoners begin a structured training plan around 16 to 20 weeks before race day, gradually increasing mileage and long run distance.
When will I know if I have been accepted through the lottery?
Successful applicants are typically notified in October or November, with confirmation and payment required within a short window afterward.
When is the cutoff for elite competition and record attempts?
Elite runners and record attempts usually start in the first 15–20 minutes, well before the mass participant wave, with strict pacing strategies employed.