Your essential guide to running the TCS London Marathon 2026

It’s almost that time of year again.

One of the standout days on the London calendar is fast approaching, and it’s set to be a big one.

With more than 59,000 runners expected at the Start line in Greenwich on Sunday — after a record-breaking 1.13 million ballot entrants — the 2026 edition of the London Marathon is the most popular marathon in the world.

So, preparation has never been more important.

Knowing exactly where you need to be (and when), where to pick up your race number, and where to find fuel stations and toilet stops can make all the difference on the day.

See also: 10 things I wish I'd known before signing up for the London Marathon
As a fellow runner this year, Standard reporter Megan Howe has put together the ultimate guide to the TCS London Marathon 2026 so you can focus on what really matters: getting around the course and having the best day possible.

Where do I collect my number before race day?

Before the big day, you’ll need to collect your event pack from the London Marathon Running Show, which takes place at the ExCel Centre from Wednesday, April 22 to Saturday, April 25.

Inside, you’ll find everything you need for race day, including your bib number (complete with timing chip) and some safety pins to attach to your running gear on the day.

Getting there may require a little extra planning, as Tube strikes are expected across London next week , which could disrupt journeys to the Centre on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

The nearest station is Custom House, which is served by the Elizabeth line and the DLR, both of which are unaffected by the strike action, so they’re your safest bet.

That said, expect crowds, and don’t be surprised if you have to let a train or two pass before squeezing on.

One key thing to remember: there is no collection on Sunday.

Make sure you’ve picked up your pack in advance, as you don’t want your marathon to end before it's even begun.

To collect your pack, you’ll need your QR code (sent in your official TCS London Marathon email last month, along with your wave and start time) and a valid form of ID.

If you can, aim to visit on Wednesday or Thursday to avoid the long queues that typically form on Friday and Saturday, especially at peak times.

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And if you’re travelling in from outside London, it’s best to pack light; lugging a suitcase through busy crowds is not ideal race-day prep.

Opening times for the London Marathon Running Show are as follows:
What else can I do at the Running Show?

There’s plenty to keep runners entertained at the ExCel Centre, and most people tend to spend around one to three hours there.

With over 250 exhibitors, including major brands like New Balance, Shokz, and Vaseline, you won’t be short of things to browse.

It’s also a great opportunity to pick up official TCS London Marathon 2026 merchandise.

Whether you need anything or just want to make the most of a once-in-a-lifetime experience, that’s entirely up to you.

Personally, I’ll be taking all the race-day motivation I can get.

Beyond the shopping, there are expert talks from elite athletes, vendors offering race-day fuel, and the Charity Village, where runners supporting a specific cause can collect goodies and learn more about cheer points along the course.

Don’t miss out on a chance to visit the Runners Wall (or the Wall of Names), which includes the names of every single participant in this year’s event.

Runners enjoy searching for their own name and taking pictures, but it does involve quite a bit of slow scanning.

Some also like to mark their names with a pen or find their “name twin” — someone else sharing the same name on the wall — it’s entertaining and mildly competitive in a very niche way.

And if you’re heading to the Running Show alone, don’t hesitate to ask a fellow runner to take a photo of you.

Take as many pictures as you can, both at the show and on the day, future you will be very glad you captured as many memories of the event as possible.

What time should I head to Greenwich for the Start?

Race day is a major operation for everyone involved.

Whether you’re running, volunteering, or spectating, the golden rule is simple: plan ahead.

Know exactly where you’re going and what time you need to be there, before the excitement and the nerves kick in.

Runners will already know their wave and expected start time, as well as their estimated arrival time at the start area.

Stick to this guidance if you can — it’s there for a reason, and keeps everything moving smoothly.

All runners can travel for free on the London Underground, Overground, DLR and buses on race day, just show TfL staff your running bib to get through the barriers.

There are three start areas across Greenwich and Blackheath, assigned by colour.

Blue Start is in Blackheath, while Green Start (Greenwich Park) and Red Start (Greenwich Park, Charlton Way) are both based nearby.

For those taking part, here’s how the morning unfolds (staggered start times apply):
Where is the bag drop area at the start?

The bag drop is an important part of race day for runners, making sure any personal belongings you don’t want to carry are waiting for you on The Mall when you finish.

But beware, it gets extremely busy.

Expect queues, and— as with everything on race day— arrive in good time.

On race morning, head to the baggage lorry that matches your bib number in your designated assembly area (Blue, Red, or Green).

Team Green participants follow a slightly different process, dropping bags at St James’s Park on Saturday instead.

You must use the official clear plastic kit bag provided when you collect your bib, as no other bags will be accepted on the transport lorries.

Before you hand it over, make sure to check your pockets; you really don’t want to be running 26.2 miles with house keys jangling in your belt.

After you cross the finish line, follow the signs back to your numbered lorry to collect your bag.

There’s also a charity collection point at the start where runners can donate any unwanted layers.

It’s well worth using, especially as it can feel quite chilly before the race gets underway.

Where can I meet people after the race?

The Meet and Greet Area is located at Horse Guards Parade, where large A–Z letter boards help runners and supporters find each other amid the post-race crowds.

It’s worth noting that phone signal around the course can be unreliable, especially in Canary Wharf, so it’s a good idea to agree on a meeting point beforehand.

What is the support like on the course?

The London Marathon is one of the best-supported races in the world, with water available at almost every mile.

In other words, you might be able to free up a bit of space in your running belt or vest and grab what you need along the way.

Buxton Natural Mineral Water is available every three miles up to Mile 12, then every two miles through to Mile 24.

Lucozade Sport drinks are available at Miles 7, 15, 21 and 23, with Lucozade Sport gels at Miles 13 and 19.

That said, if you haven’t trained with Lucozade gels or you’ve been using something else during your long runs, this is not the time to start experimenting.

Race day is all about sticking to what you know works.

Toilets are available at all start assembly areas, at every mile from Mile 1 to Mile 24, and at the finish.

Accessible toilets can be found at the start, finish and every even-numbered mile.

Queues, as you might expect, can be long, and if you’re suffering from pre-race nerves, it might be the case that you need to go more than once.

Try not to leave it until the last minute, and if you know a stop is inevitable, plan roughly where you’ll go, just remember to factor it into your overall time.

Sanitary products and “Just Can’t Wait” toilet card support are also available at all information points and drinks stations.

Can I book a last-minute hotel?

There’s still time to book a last-minute hotel if your plans have changed, your reservation has fallen through, or if you just haven’t got round to it.

One recommended option is TRIBE London Canary Wharf, which currently has availability from Friday, April 24 to Monday, April 27.

That said, rooms are in high demand, so it’s worth booking sooner rather than later to avoid missing out.

The hotel offers both continental and full English breakfast options, a 24-hour snack bar, and a Californian-style restaurant, Feels Like June, which is ideal if you’re carb-loading beforehand or if you’re looking for a well-earned post-marathon meal and celebratory cocktail.

Location-wise, it’s hard to beat.

The hotel overlooks part of the marathon route itself, making it a great choice if you’re travelling with supporters who would rather stay in one spot than battle the Tube on race day.

It’s also just a short DLR journey to Greenwich, keeping race morning logistics relatively straightforward.

Inside, the hotel has a relaxed, bright and airy feel, with staff on hand to help with any last-minute questions, which is exactly what you want on the build-up to marathon day.

Guests can also get day passes for Third Space gym, located above the hotel, which is perfect for anyone looking to sneak in a strength-session or get a few kilometres in on the running machine to warm up.

The rooms themselves are cosy, with spongey mattresses and blackout blinds, perfect for a solid night’s sleep.

And finally, a small but added bonus, the hotel is offering free protein balls for runners on the day.

You might be thinking, “My goal is to just get round, I haven’t even thought about what happens after”, but it might be time to start.

Finishing the London Marathon is an incredible achievement, but in the following days, it is natural to feel a little lost, with no early alarms to get up for or long runs to work towards.

Perhaps you might want to sign up for another race (it’s all about chasing that runner’s high) or even consider booking a much-needed sports massage.

Cryotherapy is a popular way to speed up recovery after a marathon.

The extreme cold helps reduce muscle inflammation and swelling, easing Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) and helps to get you back on your feet that little bit quicker.

Sessions are usually quite short, typically between three to five minutes, using dry air, which is ideal if, like me, you’re not keen on plunging into an ice bath.

London-based luxury health club, Third Space , offers Cryotherapy sessions, as well as Red Light Therapy and Vibro-acoustic therapy, designed to promote relaxation through sound and vibrations.

Anyone who’s trained for a marathon will know it’s as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one, so getting yourself in the right headspace and feeling ready to go on race day can make all the difference.

A vibro-acoustic session might also be just the thing to help you properly unwind and take the edge off after months of training.

Sitting in a heated chair with a blindfold on, listening to the sound of waves while focusing on vibrations through the body, it’s an effective way of releasing tensions.

Missed out on entry this year?

How to sign up for 2027
If you missed out on a ballot place for the 2026 TCS London Marathon, you’re not alone.

The event is more popular now than it has ever been.

A staggering 1,133,813 people threw their hats into the ring for the 2026 ballot, a 36 per cent increase on the previous record of 840,318 applicants for the 2025 race.

Entry to the TCS London Marathon 2027 ballot will open during the 2026 event, but don’t get too confident, as the chances of securing a spot are a bit like winning the lottery (estimated to be less than 5 per cent).

So, while you’ve got your eye on the ballot, it’s well worth considering a charity place too.

Start thinking about causes you’d be proud to run for, and keep your eyes peeled for when their entries open.