Our mini guide to The London Marathon 2023

The London Marathon is back to its usual spring slot after three years away with over 40,000 runners ready to take part this Sunday (23rd April). 

The 26.2 mile race was first held in 1981 and since then it has grown into one of the most talked about sporting events in the calendar. As a London-based business, we look forward to the event every year with race 42 being no exception! 

As the second most-ran race in the UK, more than a million people have completed the course, raising more than £1 billion for so many good causes and charities.

The race will begin in three different locations between Greenwich and Blackheath and start at staggered times (all around 9:30 am) to avoid congestion early on in the race. You can take a look at the route map here to start planning your route and visiting different landmarks along the way. 

We’re on hand to help with a mini guide on how you can see the capital’s marathon in quieter locations and perhaps popping into our Neal Street store and trying on one or two of our watches on your way… 

Location one: Woolwich 

If you're up early and heading out to catch the first stages of the race, you can head to Woolwich around the 3 mile mark, which tends to be quieter (as many people are rushing to get to the landmarks after the race begins eg. Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, The London Eye etc!) 

Woolwich is based just south of the River Thames - once you’ve cheered on the participants, you can make a pitstop at our shop before heading back to the marathon to cheer on the runners at another low-key location.

We’re super easy to get to, just jump on the Elizabeth line at Woolwich heading west to Tottenham Court Road and we’re only a 5 minute walk away.

You can also make a day of it and grab lunch in the Seven Dials market and browse all the other independents Seven Dials has to offer before heading back out to see the marathon.

Location two: Isle of Dogs 

 You’ll want to head here around the midpoint of the race. Simply head back to Tottenham Court Road tube station and from there catch the Central line east to Bank and then change onto the DLR (Docklands Light Railway) line heading east to Crossharbour. 

From here, you’re only a minute walk to the Isle of Dogs -  this is just over half way at the 14 mile mark, so double check the expected time the people you are supporting are likely to be there (and get there early to avoid disappointment!) 

At this point in the race, most people will head to Canary Wharf to get a glimpse of the action, which is not too far from the Isle of Dogs if you want to follow and be within the crowd! 

Our tips to spectators of the London Marathon:

• Due to the popularity of the event, prepare for longer public transport journeys than normal (and maybe a bit of elbow nudging!) 
• Wear comfortable shoes - your step count will be through the roof! 
• If you’re cheering someone on in the race, agree on meeting points beforehand so you can find each other.

If you’re running the London Marathon this year, we wish you the best of luck!