London Marathon
Sunday, April 26, 2026
Elevation Gain
30m
Elevation Range
50m
Avg Temperature
52°F / 11°C
Course Profile
flat
Course Map & Elevation
Course Overview
A flat, fast loop course with only 30m of total elevation gain, descending gently from Blackheath in the opening 4km then running virtually dead flat along the Thames to The Mall. The one thing that makes London unique is the unbroken wall of crowd support through every neighbourhood, creating the most continuously electric atmosphere of any World Marathon Major.
Key Segments
Blackheath to Greenwich
Terrain: Gentle descent from 30m to 5m in the first 4km, then dead flat through Greenwich
Challenge: The downhill start and enormous crowd energy through Woolwich and past the Cutty Sark tempt a fast opening
Tactic: Let gravity carry you gently down but do not bank time. Settle into goal pace by km 4. The Cutty Sark atmosphere is intoxicating — absorb it, do not surge.
Deptford to Tower Bridge
Terrain: Dead flat riverside running through South London, with a brief cobblestone section near Tower Bridge
Challenge: The cobblestones approaching Tower Bridge (km 20-21) can jar tired legs, and the iconic bridge crossing triggers adrenaline surges
Tactic: Lock into rhythm on the flat. Watch foot placement on cobblestones. Cross Tower Bridge at goal pace — the roar is deafening but the race is only half done.
Isle of Dogs and Canary Wharf
Terrain: Flat loop through Wapping and around the Isle of Dogs, with a brief rise over the minor Limehouse Link elevation
Challenge: The out-and-back loop through the Docklands can feel mentally long. This is where the race is won or lost as glycogen depletion begins.
Tactic: Take your final gel by km 28-30. Use Canary Wharf's crowd energy at km 30 as a mental boost but do not accelerate. Focus on cadence and form.
Embankment to The Mall
Terrain: Flat along Victoria Embankment with a minor rise (~4m) through Blackfriars at km 38, then flat past Big Ben to the finish on The Mall
Challenge: Exposed Thames Embankment can produce headwinds. Fatigue peaks as you pass landmarks you have seen all your life on television.
Tactic: Shelter behind other runners if headwinds are present. The crowd crescendo from Westminster to Buckingham Palace will carry you — let it. Right turn onto The Mall, sprint to the line.
Race-Specific Training
- •Practice running at goal pace on completely flat terrain for 20+ km to build the specific monotony tolerance London demands — there are no hills to break rhythm
- •Run at least one long run that includes a cobblestone or uneven surface section to prepare your ankles for the Tower Bridge approach
- •Train for crowd-noise pacing discipline: practice holding back in the first 10km of races despite feeling incredible
Conditions & Environment
Altitude
Start at 30m, course sits at 5m for the vast majority. No altitude concerns.
Weather
April race. Typical race-morning temps 8-14C (46-57F). Occasionally warmer years push to 18-20C (64-68F). Overcast and drizzle is common, which is actually ideal for running.
Sun & Wind
Thames Embankment (km 34-40) can be exposed to easterly headwinds. Cloud cover is frequent but when the sun is out, there is little shade on the riverside sections.
What to Wear
Dress light — singlet and shorts for most conditions. A disposable bin bag for the Blackheath start area is essential as you wait 30-60 minutes outdoors.
Pacing Strategy
| Segment | Pace | Note |
|---|---|---|
| km 0-10 | Goal pace or 5 sec/km slower | Let the Blackheath descent settle you in. Do not chase early splits despite the downhill. |
| km 10-21 | Goal pace | Flat terrain, massive crowd support. Lock in rhythm. Take gel at km 18-20 before Tower Bridge. |
| km 21-34 | Goal pace | Isle of Dogs loop — stay disciplined. Take final gel by km 28-30. This is the working section. |
| km 34-42.195 | Goal pace or faster if legs allow | The Embankment to The Mall. If you have run patiently, the crowd and the landmarks will pull you to the finish. |
Race Day Tip
The bag drop and start logistics at Blackheath are well-organized but the walk from the DLR or buses to your start pen can take 20-30 minutes. Wear throwaway warm clothes and old shoes you can discard at the start — charity bins collect them. Also, the three separate start points (Red, Blue, Green) merge around km 5, so do not be alarmed if you cannot find friends from different start groups until after Greenwich.
Race details subject to change. Verify with the official race website.
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