No1 son is running his first Marathon in London this year and I’m trying to figure out the best way to get in and out.
I’ve booked an Airbnb for the family the night before in Woolwich so we’re an easy distance to the start.
Coming from North Oxfordshire (M40) should we park near an underground and do the rest by public transport, so we can get out after the race and drive from there?
Driving to the Airbnb means after the race we head south and then have a long drive.
I never travel to London so forgive me if there’s an obviously better way.
There's an Elizabeth Line station in Woolwich - whether that will be open on marathon day is another question.
Anyone done it and have any tips on what it’s like getting about on the day?
Last time I ran London my girlfriend and sister went to watch me in three different spots and I didn't notice them once 😀
I’ve done it a couple of times.
Like you stayed in London the night before but then got train back to Leamington with the family
No issues at all with tubes or trains….in fact it was quite nice as plenty of other runners and people tend to make sure you get a seat (if you’re proudly wearing your medal/look like a mess!).
Hope he enjoys it!
Not sure how helpful this is, I've been a runner and spectator. Train from Banbury to Marylebone and no hassle on the tube, also used the TFL boat on the river. Having said that, last year I ran it and think my Mrs couldn't get from cutty sark though the Greenwich tunnel, but otherwise travel on the day to watch was ok. Have tracked/been tracked using the app or Google maps and it makes it easy to see where runners are, but did prep a pace/time/miles sheet to roughly know before hand. We've always stopped Sunday night, but transport seemed like it would be ok to go home
Thanks colonelwax we’ll be travelling from Banbury as well.
As a spectator I presume your priority is seeing your son rather than enjoying the atmosphere, in which case I'd avoid London Bridge area and the main fan zones - they get very busy.
The tube stations get busy because everyone is doing the same thing, but doable. When following someone specific, I do the following:
Get to Bermondsy early. Get a good spot nearish to the tube station, and you'll be able to see the leaders through.
Tube to Canary Wharf. A bit quieter and you can see him twice as the course loops.
Tube to Westminster. It's busy but the crowd moves as most people are waiting to see one person through. From here you can walk to meet him after the finish.
Otherwise around mile 20/21 is good as it's quieter and generally where people start to struggle so appreciate the support.
North Oxford here too. Parked at Thornhill, travelled down on the bus then underground to start - got there earlier than expected.
Getting out and home was fine, even had time to stop for a pint before catching the bus back.
As a spectator, watching my sister, did similar to Mark88.
Bimbled to Greenwich first thing, saw her just before 10k. Took the foot tunnel to the Isle of Dogs and saw her twice more where the course goes bascially either side of a pub. Jumped on the tube and saw her for a final time at Westminster.
The speed of your runner will determine what you can do on the day. It is busy but not to the extent that you can't get where you want to go.
Enjoy the day and hope your son goes well
I travelled up from the SW few years back to watch a friend, I just google mapped tube stations and overgrounds around the M4 and then street viewed for those with what looked like on-street parking to see any parking restrictions. Found somewhere free pretty close to M4 and was all fine.
One tip from me is, don't go into Canary wharf to watch, it's hell getting out! We didn't get to the Mall/finish straight due to Canary wharf, but I think it can be pretty packed on the Mall/finish straight too.
I think the marathon app was really useful for getting around when I went up, that and using the city mapper app. I seem to recall we did Surrey Quays area, Canary Wharf and missed the Mall so met afterwards in Trafalgar square on the stairs. Map is on the website, looks like the Elizabeth line could get you into and out of Woolwich for miles 4-5, pick somewhere between miles 13-14 to view and then choose somewhere close to the end to see them a 3rd time before finish.
Thread marked as I’m running this year and Mrs Lunge is panicking about where to watch.
Thread marked as I’m running this year and Mrs Lunge is panicking about where to watch.
If she’s got an iPhone, then carry an AirTag tucked in a sock or somewhere about your person, she’ll be able to see exactly where you are at any given time, there’s so many people with iPhones going to be everywhere, it’ll get picked up pretty much every inch of the route.
You'll be aiming for a good time I presume @lunge?
Keep in mind the movements I suggested are unlikely to work at your pace, but on the positive side she'll be ahead of the masses moving round.
@mark88, I'll be trying to give it a nudge, yeah. Under 3 hours is the goal, we'll see how it pans out.
