London Marathon 2021 route: detailed map, road closures, times and transport notices for iconic running event

The London Marathon returns this year after being cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

No fewer than 889 days after the last London Marathon in April 2019, the iconic race is back for the 41st time and takes place Sunday 3 October 2021.

Here is all you need to know for the big day!

When is the London Marathon 2021 taking place?

This year’s 26.2 mile route will take place on Sunday 3 October 2021 and the race will start in waves over a 90 minute period between 9.30am and 11am in order to help social distancing measures as much as possible.

Runners will have been sent an arrival time in their registration email which was sent out between Monday 20 and Wednesday 22 September 2021.

What is the route for the London Marathon 2021?

The 41st London Marathon will once again be running the central London course. Starting in Blackheath, runners will pass the iconic Cutty Sark at the Mile 6 mark before running past the Shard at the 9 Mark. Runners will carry on across Tower Bridge to mark Mile 12 before running through Canary Wharf at Mile 18.

The route then carries on along the river and past the London Eye before reaching Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament at Mile 25 and eventually reaches Buckingham Palace and The Mall for the finale.

Where is the start for the London Marathon 2021?

The London Marathon will once again begin in Greenwich Park, however along with the staggered start times, there will also be different starting assembly areas:

• Blue Assembly Area: Train to Blackheath station followed by a 10-minute walk
• Green Assembly Area: Train to Maze Hill station, followed by a 10-minute walk
• Red Assembly Area: Train to Greenwich station, followed by a 15-minute walk
• Yellow Assembly Area: Train to Blackheath Station, followed by a 10-minute walk

Which roads are closed for the London Marathon 2021?

Roads closed from 4am until 1pm on Sunday 3 October:

• Charlton Way (Red route start)
• Shooters Hill Road (Blue Route start)

Roads Closed from 7am until 1pm Sunday 3 October:

• Little Heath
• Charlton Park Lane
• Artillery Place
• John Wilson Street

Roads Closed from 7am until 2pm Sunday 3 October:

• Woolwich Church Street
• Woolwich Road

Roads Closed from 7am until 3pm Sunday 3 October:

• Trafalgar Road
• Creek Road

Roads Closed from 8am until 4pm Sunday 3 October:

• Evelyn Street
• Surrey Quays Road
• Salter Road
• Brunel Road
• Jamaica Road

Roads Closed from 8am until 7pm Sunday 3 October:

• Tower Bridge
• The Highway (South Side)
• Narrow Street
• Westferry Road
• East Ferry Road
• Marsh Wall
• North Colonnade
• Poplar High Street
• Commercial Road
• The Highway (north side)

Roads Closed from 6.30am until 8.30pm Sunday 3 October:

• Byward Street
• Upper Thames Street
• Victoria Embankment

Roads Closed from 6am Saturday 2 October until 6am Monday 4 October:

• Birdcage Walk Eastbound
• Birdcage Walk Westbound
• Spurs Road
• Constitution Hill
• Horse Guards Road

The Mall and Marlborough Road will close 5am Friday 1 October and reopen 6pm Monday 4 October.

Residents of the Rotherhithe Peninsular will have residents access to exit the area while the event road closures are in place.

Bacon’s College on Timber Pond Lane will provide free, secure and overnight parking facilities for local residents from Saturday 2 October at 4pm until Sunday 3 October at 6pm

Free local parking is also available for Wapping residents at Bishop Challoner School from 4pm Saturday 2 October until 6pm Sunday 3 October.

Residents on east and west side of Westferry Road, Isle of Dogs, will be able to exit onto Westferry Road and travel south to Manchester Road until 9am on Sunday 3 October. From 9am until 4pm no vehicle movement will be possible.

The Greenwhich Foot Tunnel will be closed north to south between 10.30am.

Public Transport information.

Runners and spectators have been advised to plan their journey well in advance in order to work around public transport closures and the increased numbers expected to be using the Underground and Buses.

The Central Line will be closed from Queensway to West Ruislip and Ealing Broadway on Marathon Day.

The London Overground will also be closed from Clapham Junction to Willesden Junction.

The London Underground and DLR are offering free travel to participants until 5pm on Marathon Day for those who need to connect with mainline stations.

In order to help plan your journey, click here for more information.

How to watch the London Marathon 2021 on TV.

The London Marathon 2021 will be broadcast on BBC One with coverage starting at 8.30am.

Virgin Money London Marathon are recommending that spectators follow the action at home for 2021.

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