2019 London Marathon: route map, runners, times, official starter and pubs to watch from

2019 Virgin Money London Marathon

• When: Sunday 28 April 
• TV channel: live on BBC
• Official website: virginmoneylondonmarathon.com

British athletics icon Mo Farah will return to the streets of the capital on Sunday 28 April when he competes at the 2019 Virgin Money London Marathon.

The 36-year-old, a four-time Olympic gold medallist on the track, finished third in the 2018 race. After setting a new European record with his first marathon victory in Chicago last year Farah was delighted to confirm he will return to London.

He said: “I’ve often said how racing in London is very special to me and the London Marathon gives me the chance to run in front of my fans, on my home roads, where the atmosphere is like nothing else.”

Farah will be joined in the elite men’s field by world record holder Eliud Kipchoge. The Kenyan is unbeaten in three London Marathons and won last year’s race in a time 02:04:17. Kenya’s Tola Shura Kitata, who finished second in 2018, will also return this year.

2018 results

• 2018 elite men’s podium: 1st Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya) 02:04:17; 2nd Tola Shura Kitata (Ethiopia) 02:04:49; 3rd Mo Farah (Great Britain) 02:06:21 
• 2018 elite women’s podium: 1st Vivian Cheruiyot (Kenya) 02:18:31; 2nd Brigid Kosgei (Kenya) 02:20:13; 3rd Tadelech Bekele (Ethiopia) 02:21:40

The BBC reports that Britain’s David Weir, an eight-time winner of the wheelchair race at the London Marathon, will compete for the 20th consecutive year in April.

Murray to be official starter

London Marathon organisers have confirmed that Andy Murray will be the official starter for the 2019 event.

The British tennis star, who is currently recovering from hip surgery, had nothing but praise for the 42,000 elite and fun runners competing on the streets of London on 28 April.

Three-time grand slam champion Murray, 31, said: “It’s an honour to be asked to start the London Marathon. It’s such an amazing race that means so much to so many people. It raises millions each year for charity and helps inspire people to get active. I have nothing but admiration for everyone who runs – I may even run it myself one day.”

Hugh Brasher, event director of the Virgin Money London Marathon, added: “Andy Murray is one of Britain’s greatest sporting superstars and it is so fitting that he will be the official starter for one of the country’s greatest sporting events and the world’s greatest marathon.

“Andy is renowned as one of the toughest and most competitive sportsmen on the planet and someone who does not recognise barriers in sport.

“We are delighted that he will be with us on Sunday 28 April to start the field of 42,000 runners undertaking the legendary 26.2 mile challenge – including both the very best marathon runners in the world and thousands of first-timers who have been inspired to get active and raise money for charity.”

2019 Virgin Money London Marathon guide

More than 40,000 runners will also take part in London’s big event. We look at the start times, the route maps, spectator information, where to watch and which TV channel will broadcast the race.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2019 London Marathon. 

What time does the London Marathon start?

Elite wheelchair athletes set off first at 8.55am, followed by the World Para Athletics Marathon World Cup ambulant races at 9am. The elite women’s race starts at 9.15am, while the gun goes for the elite men at 10am. The main body of the race continues behind them.

Where does it start from and what is the route?

As ever, the London Marathon will begin from Blackheath, in Lewisham. The mass race starts at 10am from Blackheath and Greenwich Park. There are colour-coded starts for different groups (blue, green and red). The route has stayed more or less the same throughout its 39-year history, although the race now finishes on The Mall rather than Constitution Hill. A PDF of the route map can be found here.

2019 London Marathon runner information

How do runners get to the start?

You can find an update on train and boat times on the Virgin Money London Marathon website, which can also advise on coach passes for groups.

Can you drive to the start?

Marathon organisers strongly advise against driving to the start, for obvious reasons – with 40,000 competitors, jams are inevitable. However, there is limited parking available at Blackheath, but none at the finish.

How do runners get their number?

All competitors must pick up their race numbers from the 2019 London Marathon Running Show at the ExCel centre, which is open from 11am on Wednesday 24 April until 5pm on Saturday 27 April. There is more info here. 

What days and times is the Running Show open?

The 2019 London Marathon Running Show opening hours are:

• Wednesday 24 April April: 11am-8pm 
• Thursday 25 April: 10am-8pm 
• Friday 26 April: 10am-8pm 
• Saturday 27 April: 8.30am-5pm

2019 London Marathon spectator information

Where is a good place to watch the race?

The pub is always a popular choice. The BBC warns runners: “People use your marathon to start drinking very early. A 10am lager is nice for them. It’s nice for the pubs making a killing. You’ll be livid.” 

Can you recommend a pub?

Of course! The Royal Standard in Blackheath (SE3 7JQ) is a good choice for the start of the race. The Mudchute Kitchen (E14 3HP) will keep kids entertained with its nearby working farm. Then there’s The Parlour in Canary Wharf (E14 5FW), Brown Butlers Wharf in Tower Hill (SE1 2YG) and – for the finish – the Bucking Arms in St James’ Park (SW1H 9EU). Be warned, though, they will all be very busy. The London Evening Standard has also picked out its best pubs, bars and restaurants on the marathon route.

Which are the busiest spectator areas on the marathon course?

The London Marathon website says that the crowds will be busiest at Greenwich town centre, the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge and “anywhere from mile 24 to the finish in The Mall”. 

How to track runners?

The official 2019 Virgin Money London Marathon app will be available to download for iPhone and Android. The app will provide information for spectators and lets you track runners throughout the race. It will be available ahead of race day.

How to watch the London Marathon on TV and online

The BBC will broadcast live from the 2019 London Marathon. The full BBC schedule will be confirmed in April.