London Marathon 2023 weather: what’s the Met Office forecast and what temperatures to expect?

It is now only a few hours to go until the London Marathon 2023 begins in Greenwhich and once again it is set to be a star-studded event.

Runners from all over the world will be participating in one of the most famous courses in the hope of both breaking records and raising money. 2022 elite men’s race winner Amos Kipruto will be featuring once again, as well world record holder Brigid Kosgei as the Kenyon looks to break a 20-year-old record set by Paula Radcliffe.

Joining them on the streets of London will be Mumford & Sons lead singer, Marcus Mumford, who has announced he will be racing the Marathon to raise money for the Grenfell Foundation - a charity which supports the bereaved families and survivors of the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire and the local community. Team GB’s Eve Muirhead is also set to compete along with Rugby’s Chris Robshaw and 2016 Paralympic gold medal-winning rower Grace Clough.

However, it is not just the participants that make the London Marathon so special, but the thousands of people who line the streets in support. So whether it be for participating or supporting, here is all you need to know about what the forecast is looking like for the 43rd event...

When is the TCS London Marathon 2022?

The marathon takes place this Sunday 23 April 2022.

Schedule:

• 8.30am: Mini London marathon
• 8.50am: Elite wheelchair races
• 9am: Elite women’s race
• 9.30am: Elite men’s race and mass start

BBC will be following all of the event with coverage of the race being shown on BBC 1, BBC 2 and BBC iPlayer for those wishing to stream the event.

What will the weather be like in London this weekend?

The Met Office is predicting heavy rain for throughout much of the day on Sunday - meaning runners will have to contend with adverse weather conditions. The rain is expected to begin with showers at 9am before turning heavier.

Heavy rain is forecast from 10am onwards and downpours are expect for the rest of the day. Highs of 12C and lows of 6C are forecast for London by the Met Office.

What to wear for London marathon this weekend

Many participants wear old clothes or a bin liner to keep themselves warm while they wait at the starting line up. While April is usually a month where shorts and T-shirts can be worn, old but warm clothes are vital to wear while waiting for the race to start. In mild weather, the TCS London Marathon website recommends wearing lightweight cover-up pieces, such as a long-sleeved T-shirt.

For those wearing shorts and t-shirts, wicking fabrics are suggested that can draw the sweat away whilst also featuring extra ventilation at key body zones (these will differ between men and women).