When is the London Marathon 2021? Date, route, events and 2022 ballot details

Scenes of plucky runners sprinting, jogging and crawling down the Mall will again take place in autumn.

The 2020 London Marathon’s traditional spring date was abandoned due to the coronavirus pandemic, with a scaled back version of the race taking place the following October.

This year’s race will be in stark contrast to last year’s race which only allowed elite runners to participate - 2021 is set to be the biggest ever London Marathon with 50,000 runners set to complete the 26.2 miles.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2021 race.

When is the 2021 London Marathon?

The race will take place on the morning of October 3, 2021.

What’s the route?

The route starts at Blackheath, and passes through Greenwich before crossing the Thames over the world-famous Tower Bridge.

It then continues through central London, winding around the peaks of Canary Wharf and along Victoria Embankment before finishing on the Mall in front of Buckingham Palace.

What events are there?

As well as the main event, there will be a series of shorter-distance races.

The Virgin Money Giving Mini London Marathon is the official British Athletics three-mile road championships for young athletes aged between 11 and 17.

You can also join thousands of runners of all ages and abilities at London’s community running festival the Vitality Half, with distances ranging from a half marathon down to a one-mile fun run.

How do I apply for the 2022 race?

Details of how to apply for the 2022 race have not yet been published.

More information about how to enter the ballot for the 2022 event will be available later in the year.

Typically the ballot is launched in the weeks following the race.

What’s the event’s charity of the year?

The event’s charity of the year is Macmillan Cancer Support

Claire Rowney, the charity’s executive director for fundraising, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on our income, at a time when people living with cancer need our support more than ever to help navigate through this anxious period.

“The vital funds raised through runners and supporters of this year’s event will help us continue to do whatever it takes to be there for everyone living with cancer.”