Marathon Details - London Marathon

International Marathons > United Kingdom > London > London Marathon

TCS London Marathon

London, United Kingdom

April 21, 2024

http://www.tcslondonmarathon.com

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Contact

Name:	Alan Storey
Address:	P.O. Box 1234, London SE1 8RZ
Phone Number:	020 7902 0200
Fax Number:	44 171 620 4208
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Reviews

Course 4.5

Organization 4.7

Spectators 4.9

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Number of comments: 101 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 10 > ]

E. M. from Athens, Greece (4/25/2023) "Magnificent atmosphere, great support!!" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 London Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Great marathon, probably the best I've ever run!! It's all about the crowd supporting you at every singe step. You can not get bored, you can not give up. Bands, kids, fans, fancy race outfits and a fast course. Top it up with an excellent organization and what else can you ask for! Just run it!
J. G. from Williamsburg, Virginia (10/28/2022) "Fabulous Course!" (about: 2022) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 London Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This was such a fun race to do. The course and crowd support were over the top! Plenty of water stops and toilets on the route. All high marks with the exception of the following: 1. No food after the race, not even a banana! 2. Medal was black and was not very visible. 3. The finisher shirt was disappointing, didn't even put London Marathon on it. Otherwise, an excellent event and highly recommended!
Wayne Wright from Newport Beach, California USA (11/9/2021) "Run Britannia" (about: 2021) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 London Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 5 INTRODUCTION: I am a race-walker with a median marathon completion time of 5:23:54. The London Marathon was my sixty-fourth 26.2-miler accomplished. COURSE: It was a great day for a marathon: 54 degrees, 80 percent relative humidity, partly cloudy with southwest wind of 8 mph. With the blue and green legs starting in Blackheath and the red leg starting in Greenwich, we headed east for just short of three miles where we turned north toward the River Thames. After enjoying our only significant elevation change, a 100-foot drop, at mile 3, our courses merged in Woolwich upon returning west toward Greenwich. On the seventh mile, we passed by the National Maritime Museum and the clipper ship, Cutty Sark. Winding our way around Deptford, Rotherhithe, and Bermondsey, we crossed the River Thames on the Tower Bridge, with our first glimpse of the Tower of London, halfway between miles 12 and 13. We then turned right, heading east toward the skyscraper filled Canary Wharf and winding around the Isle of Dogs. We returned west, passing once again the Tower of London midway between miles 22 and 23, immediately followed by the dragon boundary mark informing us we had entered the City of London. Rounding the Embankment alongside the Thames meant we were closing in on the finish. After viewing the London Eye, we approached Palace of Westminster, home of Parliament, and its iconic Elizabeth Tower, before heading west toward Birdcage Walk alongside Saint James's Park in our final mile. Rounding Spur Road, we encountered a temporary foot bridge overhead possessing a banner informing us we had 385 yards to go to the finish. We then turned into The Mall, where pictures of us with the Victoria Memorial and Buckingham Palace in the background were taken as we approached the finish line. Weather at the finish was 59 degrees, 69 percent relative humidity, partly cloudy with west southwest wind at 17 mph with gusts up to 29 mph. ORGANIZATION: For the overseas visitor, there was some uncertainty regarding participation in this edition of the race, not to mention the considerable amount of planning required and hurdles to overcome. Obviously, national COVID-19 policies on both sides of the Atlantic made it questionable whether US participants be allowed to enter England. Fortunately, the ten-day quarantine restrictions were lifted by the UK government in August, which gave us some hope. In addition to the COVID-19 tests imposed by our respective governments, the event organizers necessitated one or two lateral flow tests before entering the expo and marathon. This required the US runners to arrange for one test at home prior to departure and up to four tests in the UK. Furthermore, the organizers sent us a kitbag for us to return to the expo with any items we would like to pick up at the conclusion of the race along with our finisher medal and tech tee. It was not disclosed until much later if our kitbag was not received in the mail, spares would be at the Running Show. (In my case, the kitbag was not received until after the marathon was completed.) We were also informed we would not gain entry into the expo unless we produced our registration which was to be e-mailed to us 11 to 13 days before the race. Finally, at the expo, the volunteers were not properly trained to produce the bib necessary to participate and provide a time for the event. Fortunately, after a few minutes wait, a timing official arrived to fix the problem. On the day of the race, things proceeded along as one would expect for a World Marathon Majors race. SPECTATORS: The finest, on par with New York City Marathon: moderate fan presence south of the River Thames escalating upon crossing the Tower Bridge, reaching a crescendo arriving in Westminster. Percussion groups, in the forms of two taiko ensembles and three drum corps strategically situated underneath bridges for maximum amplification, provided motivation at needed moments. The brass band playing the Star Wars Main Theme at mile 24 was greatly appreciated. One theory why the spectators stayed out so long, including during the brief shower, was because the marathon organizers identified pub, especially Fullers pub, locations on the course map. Very thoughtful indeed. CONCLUSION: By far the most difficult to reach the start line. Once the starting gun went off, however, it was a joy to run and complete. With Buckingham Palace in the background, only Berlin, with its Brandenburg Gate, can compare for most dramatic finish line photograph.
Connor Rouse from Holt, England (10/4/2021) "Fantastic" (about: 2021) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 An absolutely fantastic experience that will live forever in my memory, the crowd were amazing and the event was well managed
J. M. from Roscommon, Ireland (5/15/2019) "Amazing support but get ready to do some dodging!" (about: 2019) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Well organised start, had tents you can shelter in while you wait. Didn't take to long to get to the start. Most of the course is typical big city a bit boring with a few iconic tourist points, tower bridge is particularly memorable. The crowd is outstanding, not just the numbers but the noise they make. Its packed from start to finish. The only negative is the number of people walking in the middle of the road. It seems to be a first time marathon for a lot of people who don't seem to have submitted realistic times in their application. If your having a good race you will have to do a lot of dodging and weaving. I ended up running 27 miles! However, don't let that put you off this is a marathon well worth experiencing.
Frank Birch from Scottish Borders (5/14/2019) "Brilliant Marathon, especially spectators support!" (about: 2019) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 London Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I Ist ran the London Marathon in 2011, aged 67.This year (2019) aged 75. I qualified for a GFA entry time for the London Marathon 2019. I put in a lot of training with my local Running Club, The Lauderdale Limpers, Lauder, Scotland. I am their oldest ever member Running Marathons, & Ultra Marathons,etc I did plenty of Long Road Runs. Plus a few Trail Marathons where possible.l went to London with my grown up family to support my London Marathon Adventure.The weather for 2 days prior to Sundays Actual marathon, was awful, cold, wet, miserable and extremely strong winds. On Sunday the weather was perfect for Marathon running. Because I modestly gave a relatively slow predicted finishing time of approximately 4:55 I was placed placed further back, than on reflection I should have been. I was placed in the Blue Wave stage7! At the start of the Marathon, in order to meet my target pace I had to overtake numerous other runners, weaving in and out in order to pass them. Gradually the number of runners began to thin out! So I didn't need to weave in and out! in order to pass Other Runners. The Spectators at London Marathon are perhaps, unique in their enthusiasm & intensity of support from Start to Finish.The Street Bands & the crowds vocal support had too be experienced to be believed. I was overwhelmed by the occasion & their support. The weather improved as the Marathon progressed I vaguely noticed the landscape and the Canary Wharf Skyscraper's etc. But mainly it was the Crowds Support! At approximately mile 21, I remember having a Smile on my face & I suddenly realized that I was Really Enjoying this Marathon, that this was an adventure, like no other! I felt that many other runners at that stage of the Marathon perhaps felt the same way? Coming off the Embankment onto Birdcage Walk, I was so happy, I just knew that I was making a good time! Passing round The Queen Victoria Monument,,I saw the finishing line! I saw runners in front of me & decided to do a sprint finish ( I always do a sprint at the end of a Race) & this urge to do a sprint finish meant that I overtook a few Runners'on my way to crossing the Finish Line. I was given congratulations & handed my London Marathon Medal. It was only later pointed out to me that my finishing time of 4:27:26, was rather good for my Age category of M75-79. All I can say it was the most enjoyable Marathon that I have ever run. This & the Training & support from my Family, Coach & Club,etc possible helped me obtain a good finishing time! London in reality maybe on a Par with the other International Marathons? But it felt unique & Special, and that feeling certainly helped & supported me from start to finish. Finally, I specifically ran this Marathon first & foremost for my Late Wife, SUSAN, who died before her time & in aid of her Charity BrainResearch UK, who she held in high esteem.I felt her presence whilst I was running, and this helped me to perform well in Her Memory. Ps My family were overwhelming in their congratulations & treated me to a lovely meal etc & said I had done MUM PROUD! That has meant the most most to me about this Marathon.
T. M. from GA (5/1/2019) "Crowded with runners stopping" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 London Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 I thought the excessive number of runners on a small course was poor. I cannot tell you how many runners just stopped in the middle of the road and walked. They did not even bother to get to the side. There was nowhere to pass walking runners. Poor runner etiquette. Runners were stopping after 16 miles. The London marathon was all about raising money for charities which is great for charities but not for runners who want to run.
M. G. from Cleveland, OH (5/28/2016) "Too crowded" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 London Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 London completed the 6 World Majors for me, so it was an exciting day. Running on Tower Bridge, under Big Ben, and finishing at Buckingham Palace was special. However, it was difficult to enjoy the course in general. You cannot afford to look around and enjoy the city for fear of tripping over the runners all around you. This race is simply too crowded. NYC was bad, London was much worse. It wasn't until mile 23 before it broke up. Water and Gatorade bottles are simply a horrible idea. Incredible trip hazards on such a tight course - and a real waste. Most of the bottles on the ground were nearly full.
m. i. from Radlett Herts UK (4/25/2016) "Magnificent Marathon- aspirational." (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ London Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Ok lets look for some negatives. Err...goody bag at the expo is pretty empty, The course is crowded. Tricky to find much more. This marathon is just such a delight. It is impossible to convey the effects of the crowd unless you run it. What about the last mile as you run below big ben and finish in front of Buckingham Place. As far as organisation is concerned, no one ought to be allowed to organise a marathon without having run London first. It is the gold standard for the reasons that I have written about past posts and will no repeat.. It is a privilege to run London.
E. E. from Washington state (6/2/2015) "Crowds are 5+" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 My first time running the London Marathon, weather-cool, course-great, costumes-fabulous, charities- inspiring, Paula- #1 marathoner, the crowds are the best. I wish I had worn my name on my shirt. I ran this race with a bad shin splint and the crowd gave the best moral support. I'll be back. OK- the shirt is a little large, but I have a medal.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 10 > ]

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E. M. from Athens, Greece (4/25/2023) "Magnificent atmosphere, great support!!" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 London Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Great marathon, probably the best I've ever run!! It's all about the crowd supporting you at every singe step. You can not get bored, you can not give up. Bands, kids, fans, fancy race outfits and a fast course. Top it up with an excellent organization and what else can you ask for! Just run it!
J. G. from Williamsburg, Virginia (10/28/2022) "Fabulous Course!" (about: 2022) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 London Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This was such a fun race to do. The course and crowd support were over the top! Plenty of water stops and toilets on the route. All high marks with the exception of the following: 1. No food after the race, not even a banana! 2. Medal was black and was not very visible. 3. The finisher shirt was disappointing, didn't even put London Marathon on it. Otherwise, an excellent event and highly recommended!
Wayne Wright from Newport Beach, California USA (11/9/2021) "Run Britannia" (about: 2021) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 London Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 5 INTRODUCTION: I am a race-walker with a median marathon completion time of 5:23:54. The London Marathon was my sixty-fourth 26.2-miler accomplished. COURSE: It was a great day for a marathon: 54 degrees, 80 percent relative humidity, partly cloudy with southwest wind of 8 mph. With the blue and green legs starting in Blackheath and the red leg starting in Greenwich, we headed east for just short of three miles where we turned north toward the River Thames. After enjoying our only significant elevation change, a 100-foot drop, at mile 3, our courses merged in Woolwich upon returning west toward Greenwich. On the seventh mile, we passed by the National Maritime Museum and the clipper ship, Cutty Sark. Winding our way around Deptford, Rotherhithe, and Bermondsey, we crossed the River Thames on the Tower Bridge, with our first glimpse of the Tower of London, halfway between miles 12 and 13. We then turned right, heading east toward the skyscraper filled Canary Wharf and winding around the Isle of Dogs. We returned west, passing once again the Tower of London midway between miles 22 and 23, immediately followed by the dragon boundary mark informing us we had entered the City of London. Rounding the Embankment alongside the Thames meant we were closing in on the finish. After viewing the London Eye, we approached Palace of Westminster, home of Parliament, and its iconic Elizabeth Tower, before heading west toward Birdcage Walk alongside Saint James's Park in our final mile. Rounding Spur Road, we encountered a temporary foot bridge overhead possessing a banner informing us we had 385 yards to go to the finish. We then turned into The Mall, where pictures of us with the Victoria Memorial and Buckingham Palace in the background were taken as we approached the finish line. Weather at the finish was 59 degrees, 69 percent relative humidity, partly cloudy with west southwest wind at 17 mph with gusts up to 29 mph. ORGANIZATION: For the overseas visitor, there was some uncertainty regarding participation in this edition of the race, not to mention the considerable amount of planning required and hurdles to overcome. Obviously, national COVID-19 policies on both sides of the Atlantic made it questionable whether US participants be allowed to enter England. Fortunately, the ten-day quarantine restrictions were lifted by the UK government in August, which gave us some hope. In addition to the COVID-19 tests imposed by our respective governments, the event organizers necessitated one or two lateral flow tests before entering the expo and marathon. This required the US runners to arrange for one test at home prior to departure and up to four tests in the UK. Furthermore, the organizers sent us a kitbag for us to return to the expo with any items we would like to pick up at the conclusion of the race along with our finisher medal and tech tee. It was not disclosed until much later if our kitbag was not received in the mail, spares would be at the Running Show. (In my case, the kitbag was not received until after the marathon was completed.) We were also informed we would not gain entry into the expo unless we produced our registration which was to be e-mailed to us 11 to 13 days before the race. Finally, at the expo, the volunteers were not properly trained to produce the bib necessary to participate and provide a time for the event. Fortunately, after a few minutes wait, a timing official arrived to fix the problem. On the day of the race, things proceeded along as one would expect for a World Marathon Majors race. SPECTATORS: The finest, on par with New York City Marathon: moderate fan presence south of the River Thames escalating upon crossing the Tower Bridge, reaching a crescendo arriving in Westminster. Percussion groups, in the forms of two taiko ensembles and three drum corps strategically situated underneath bridges for maximum amplification, provided motivation at needed moments. The brass band playing the Star Wars Main Theme at mile 24 was greatly appreciated. One theory why the spectators stayed out so long, including during the brief shower, was because the marathon organizers identified pub, especially Fullers pub, locations on the course map. Very thoughtful indeed. CONCLUSION: By far the most difficult to reach the start line. Once the starting gun went off, however, it was a joy to run and complete. With Buckingham Palace in the background, only Berlin, with its Brandenburg Gate, can compare for most dramatic finish line photograph.
Connor Rouse from Holt, England (10/4/2021) "Fantastic" (about: 2021) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 An absolutely fantastic experience that will live forever in my memory, the crowd were amazing and the event was well managed
J. M. from Roscommon, Ireland (5/15/2019) "Amazing support but get ready to do some dodging!" (about: 2019) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Well organised start, had tents you can shelter in while you wait. Didn't take to long to get to the start. Most of the course is typical big city a bit boring with a few iconic tourist points, tower bridge is particularly memorable. The crowd is outstanding, not just the numbers but the noise they make. Its packed from start to finish. The only negative is the number of people walking in the middle of the road. It seems to be a first time marathon for a lot of people who don't seem to have submitted realistic times in their application. If your having a good race you will have to do a lot of dodging and weaving. I ended up running 27 miles! However, don't let that put you off this is a marathon well worth experiencing.
Frank Birch from Scottish Borders (5/14/2019) "Brilliant Marathon, especially spectators support!" (about: 2019) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 London Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I Ist ran the London Marathon in 2011, aged 67.This year (2019) aged 75. I qualified for a GFA entry time for the London Marathon 2019. I put in a lot of training with my local Running Club, The Lauderdale Limpers, Lauder, Scotland. I am their oldest ever member Running Marathons, & Ultra Marathons,etc I did plenty of Long Road Runs. Plus a few Trail Marathons where possible.l went to London with my grown up family to support my London Marathon Adventure.The weather for 2 days prior to Sundays Actual marathon, was awful, cold, wet, miserable and extremely strong winds. On Sunday the weather was perfect for Marathon running. Because I modestly gave a relatively slow predicted finishing time of approximately 4:55 I was placed placed further back, than on reflection I should have been. I was placed in the Blue Wave stage7! At the start of the Marathon, in order to meet my target pace I had to overtake numerous other runners, weaving in and out in order to pass them. Gradually the number of runners began to thin out! So I didn't need to weave in and out! in order to pass Other Runners. The Spectators at London Marathon are perhaps, unique in their enthusiasm & intensity of support from Start to Finish.The Street Bands & the crowds vocal support had too be experienced to be believed. I was overwhelmed by the occasion & their support. The weather improved as the Marathon progressed I vaguely noticed the landscape and the Canary Wharf Skyscraper's etc. But mainly it was the Crowds Support! At approximately mile 21, I remember having a Smile on my face & I suddenly realized that I was Really Enjoying this Marathon, that this was an adventure, like no other! I felt that many other runners at that stage of the Marathon perhaps felt the same way? Coming off the Embankment onto Birdcage Walk, I was so happy, I just knew that I was making a good time! Passing round The Queen Victoria Monument,,I saw the finishing line! I saw runners in front of me & decided to do a sprint finish ( I always do a sprint at the end of a Race) & this urge to do a sprint finish meant that I overtook a few Runners'on my way to crossing the Finish Line. I was given congratulations & handed my London Marathon Medal. It was only later pointed out to me that my finishing time of 4:27:26, was rather good for my Age category of M75-79. All I can say it was the most enjoyable Marathon that I have ever run. This & the Training & support from my Family, Coach & Club,etc possible helped me obtain a good finishing time! London in reality maybe on a Par with the other International Marathons? But it felt unique & Special, and that feeling certainly helped & supported me from start to finish. Finally, I specifically ran this Marathon first & foremost for my Late Wife, SUSAN, who died before her time & in aid of her Charity BrainResearch UK, who she held in high esteem.I felt her presence whilst I was running, and this helped me to perform well in Her Memory. Ps My family were overwhelming in their congratulations & treated me to a lovely meal etc & said I had done MUM PROUD! That has meant the most most to me about this Marathon.
T. M. from GA (5/1/2019) "Crowded with runners stopping" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 London Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 I thought the excessive number of runners on a small course was poor. I cannot tell you how many runners just stopped in the middle of the road and walked. They did not even bother to get to the side. There was nowhere to pass walking runners. Poor runner etiquette. Runners were stopping after 16 miles. The London marathon was all about raising money for charities which is great for charities but not for runners who want to run.
M. G. from Cleveland, OH (5/28/2016) "Too crowded" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 London Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 London completed the 6 World Majors for me, so it was an exciting day. Running on Tower Bridge, under Big Ben, and finishing at Buckingham Palace was special. However, it was difficult to enjoy the course in general. You cannot afford to look around and enjoy the city for fear of tripping over the runners all around you. This race is simply too crowded. NYC was bad, London was much worse. It wasn't until mile 23 before it broke up. Water and Gatorade bottles are simply a horrible idea. Incredible trip hazards on such a tight course - and a real waste. Most of the bottles on the ground were nearly full.
m. i. from Radlett Herts UK (4/25/2016) "Magnificent Marathon- aspirational." (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ London Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Ok lets look for some negatives. Err...goody bag at the expo is pretty empty, The course is crowded. Tricky to find much more. This marathon is just such a delight. It is impossible to convey the effects of the crowd unless you run it. What about the last mile as you run below big ben and finish in front of Buckingham Place. As far as organisation is concerned, no one ought to be allowed to organise a marathon without having run London first. It is the gold standard for the reasons that I have written about past posts and will no repeat.. It is a privilege to run London.
E. E. from Washington state (6/2/2015) "Crowds are 5+" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 My first time running the London Marathon, weather-cool, course-great, costumes-fabulous, charities- inspiring, Paula- #1 marathoner, the crowds are the best. I wish I had worn my name on my shirt. I ran this race with a bad shin splint and the crowd gave the best moral support. I'll be back. OK- the shirt is a little large, but I have a medal.

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Marathon Details - London Marathon