Imagine the most electric, nervous, giggly atmosphere you’ve ever felt. Now add 40,000 people doing awkward stretches and checking their watches. There’s a very loud cannon, some inspiring music, and a countdown that makes your heart race. It’s like New Year’s Eve, but sweatier.
Then—bang!—you’re off! But don’t expect to sprint. For the first mile, you’ll be shuffling, weaving, and accidentally bumping elbows with a man dressed as a phone box. It’s a slow, joyful shuffle towards Greenwich Park, where the real adventure begins.
London Marathon 2026 route map: Interactive guide including best places
And here’s a secret: the best part of the start is the toilets. There are literally hundreds of them. You’ll see people doing the “pre-race porta-potty dash” like it’s an Olympic sport. It’s a ritual. Embrace it.
