TCS London Marathon

The TCS London Marathon guides participants from Blackheath to The Mall along a mostly flat 26.2-mile course encircling the River Thames. This is London's yearly road marathon, typically held in April, originating from a 1981 race established by athletes Chris Brasher and John Disley. The event features a public mass race, elite men's and women's competitions, elite wheelchair races, and a 3-mile mini marathon for participants under 17. The participants range from charity fundraisers and general entrants to some of the world's fastest marathoners and wheelchair racers. Over £1.4 billion has been raised for charity since the event's inception. The elite competition is a component of the World Marathon Majors, and London has been the site of seven marathon world records. A Friday Night Lights 5K in Battersea Park now offers an additional, shorter paid race during marathon weekend.