The London Marathon course remains mostly unchanged and features many iconic landmarks, both old and new, such as Greenwich’s Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, and the Mall at the finish line. These landmarks serve as useful markers for runners to track their progress along the flat course, thanks to London’s smooth concrete roads providing ideal running conditions for all athletes.

The 2024 London Marathon route starts between Greenwich and Blackheath, where the event kicks off with the sound of a klaxon amid a gathering of thousands. The course then winds through various boroughs, passes through Greenwich Park, and heads towards the bustling Cutty Sark area. Crossing over the River Thames around mile 13 signifies the halfway point, before continuing along the river’s edge and eventually taking runners inland. Mile 20 presents the challenge of overcoming the ‘Wall’ before circling back to Tower Bridge.

Runners will then follow the Thames towards the embankment and Westminster, offering a view of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben in a single sweep. The course also includes a stretch alongside the Thames, passing by iconic landmarks like the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and ultimately reaching the finish line at the Mall, where cheering crowds await the victorious participants.

For a detailed breakdown of the route, interested individuals can visit the London Marathon website. The marathon covers a total distance of 26.2 miles, as all marathons are standardized at 42.195 kilometers, a length established by the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) in 1921.