On your marks, get set… spectate! We know a 26-mile run through London possibly dressed as a banana is not an easy task, but cheering and applauding is. We understand if you’re not up for the London Marathon challenge this year, but make sure you head to the hotspots throughout the capital to show your support for those braving it. For this week’s blog, we’re giving you some top tips on where is best to get a good view of the action on Sunday 24th April and perhaps sneak in some nearby bars/pubs to celebrate the occasion.
Before we start on this however, if you have a friend or family member taking part in the race this year, be sure to have the event’s live tracking page open on your phone. With this you will be able to search by surname or running number and see where abouts you need to be to cheer on your gasping loved one. Hopefully they’re not making their way around too quickly or you’ll find yourself running a marathon too! The course is split from mile 1 to 26; starting from Greenwich to St. James’s Park and to get to know the route details a little more, go to the Virgin Money London Marathon website. With plenty of road closures and some very crowded areas, it’s time to plan now where you’re going to perch peacefully as you watch the excitement unfold.
First thing to note, is that Greenwich is the starting flag for the mass race and elite men and women races, so it will be absolutely heaving. However, if you really don’t want to miss the start of all the action, our advice is to get there early and perhaps chill out before the rush on the Greenwich Union front terrace, sip a fine beer at the Old Brewery or have a spot of lunch with the new menu at Richard I. That way, you can be right on time for the kick-off. When the serious and the slow have separated and the race gets more intense around mile 12, a good spot to be is around Tower Bridge Road where you can see the runners just before they cross over the Tower Bridge. Or, walk over London Bridge and watch the race pass underneath it later on. From there, you can nip to Bank station where a tube awaits to take you to the next place to be, Canary Wharf. If you like, make a quick stop at Bermondsey where there is a long straight road the runners will come haring along for mile 11 to 12. Then jump back on the Jubilee Line Canary Wharf bound, to see miles 14 to 21 where it is recommended the best time to get a glimpse and cheer on the participants. There are some great spectating spots, particularly at the spacious and contemporary Iberica restaurant which serves delicious Spanish-themed cuisine or on the second floor of Boisdale bar-diner where you can enjoy a brasserie menu as you look down on the action passing below. Coming up to mile 24, the runners will either sprint or slog through the Blackfriars underpass and a decent spot to catch this moment is on the large terrace in the Black Friar pub, serving a great selection of delicious ales while you catch the shot. Also, look out for the Lucozade drinks station, you may find a particular sports star serving some refreshments! Finally, on the last stretch with the goal in sight, Embankment is the perfect location to look out for your family and friends and on a lovely Spring day (hopefully), it would make a picturesque photo opportunity. Being near the River Thames, you will of course find plenty of landmarks to gaze at and pubs to relax in as you wave on each runner that comes past. With the race coming to an end towards Buckingham Palace (just minutes from our front door), this is where the hard-core spectators will be, as this spot will be the busiest of all. This would be an area to avoid if you are not too good with large crowds, but the atmosphere will certainly be buzzing as the exhausted runners are spurred to the finish line. And don’t forget to take your selfie with the stunning palace in the background!
The excitement of the marathon will quickly spread as the over 30,000 runners make their way through the city; so even if you don’t know any participants, there’s going to be great entertainment and a cheerful mood in the capital. So join the community, celebrate the occasion and if you are participating, best of luck!