The most important updates, if any, will be listed here. Everything else will be listed below.
Do not call or email the London Marathon if you have concerns as they will simply refer you to me since you booked through Dream Travel.
You may not alter your start color, wave or corral. You may, however, potentially have this altered at the Running Show, but only with proof of a faster time. Request this BEFORE they print your bib.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
It is up to each person to ensure they meet all travel requirements, including but not limited to vaccine status, passport validity, etc.
MASK MANDATES
Currently masks are optional, but since this may change, you may want to bring a mask to the race expo, on the race day transportation and to the start village of the marathon. Watch this page for updates.
YOUR BOOKING DETAILS
Everyone received their hotel booking details from me via email the first week of February. It is your responsibility to ensure that your hotel dates are correct.
The Group Hotel
Holiday Inn Bloomsbury on Coram Street
HOTEL CHANGES/DATES OF STAY CHANGES
Changing your nights is typically only permitted until one month prior to arrival as the hotel will sell out. Adding additional nights are typically not an issue since it will be before or after the marathon weekend. Canceling nights is not permitted by the hotel one month or less prior to arrival. The later you request additional nights, potentially the higher the cost.
RACE BIB COLLECTION
Each runner must pick up their own bib at the Running Show (race expo) using their QR code and either their driver’s license or their passport. There is no race day bib collection.
QR codes will be sent closer to the time of the event.
RACE EXPO
The race expo will be at ExCeL London
Where: Royal Victoria Dock
When:
Wednesday Apr 19 from 10AM – 8PM
Thursday Apr 20 from 10AM – 8 PM
Friday Apr 21 from 10AM – 8PM
Saturday Apr 22 from 8:30AM – 5:30PM
*Times are subject to change
ExCeL is beside the Underground station “Custom House” and accessible by taking the Elizabeth Line in the direction of Abbey Wood
Click here for more information on the expo.
SECURITY MEASURES/PROHIBITED ITEMS
Everyone should be aware of the security measures that will be in place for the marathon as well as prohibited items. An example is that no one is permitted to bring bags (other than the clear plastic bags handed out at the race expo) to the start areas.
Click here for more information.
EMERGENCY CONTACT
In case of an emergency only, my cell number is xxx-xxx-xxxx. If it is not an emergency, please email me. This number will be added roughly one week prior to the event.
Offline Maps / SIM Cards
You may want to consider downloading an offline map of London so that you are able to search for directions upon arrival, even if you don’t have WiFi. Services like Google Maps works well for offline maps.
Or, consider purchasing a SIM card upon arrival. Each airport sells them, but they only work if your phone is unlocked. Purchasing a sim card is typically substantially less expensive than paying your phone service provider for a travel package or their roaming fees!
Getting to central London from LHR, LGW and STN Airports
All three airports servicing London offer train service directly into the heart of London. Staff and tickets are available upon arrival or simply use a service like Google Maps to plan your journey. See below for more detailed instruction.
Checking in to Your Hotel
As this is a group booking, no booking number/reference is required. Simply check in by name, with ID and with a credit card for incidentals.
Meet and Greet
When: 3PM – 6PM on Friday, April 21.
Where: Holiday Inn Bloomsbury on Coram Street
Who: Those who RSVP’d
Why: Casual get together, meet up and Q and A’s
What: There will be light snacks and coffee, tea and water.
DETAILED AIRPORT INSTRUCTIONS
Use Google Maps or the likes to confirm your route before traveling as there may be changes, construction or a faster/better route.
From Heathrow:
Roughly one hour
Transfer to Terminal 2 or 3
Take the Underground.
Piccadilly line in the direction of Cockfosters
Get off at Russell Square for the Holiday Inn or the Kimpton
Get off at Holborn for the DoubleTree
Walk to the Holiday Inn (200m), the Kimpton (150m), DoubleTree (300m)
From Gatwick:
Roughly one hour
Take the Thameslink in the direction of Cambridge
Get off at St Pancras International
Transfer to the Underground, Piccadilly line in the direction of Heathrow
Get off at Russell Square
Walk to the Holiday Inn (200m), the Kimpton (150m) or the DoubleTree (400m)
ASSEMBLY AREA
When you arrive at the Assembly Area, be sure that your bib is displayed as only runners may enter this area. Drop off your kit bag if you are using one. Only the clear plastic bags given out by the race organizers are permitted. You’ll collect your kit bag at the finish area.
You’ll line up in your respective waves. No one is permitted to move forwards in the waves and this is strictly policed. However, typically you are permitted to move backwards to run with someone else. I say typically, as it will depend on whether you need to change color areas (not permitted).
WAVE STARTS
As there will be 55,000+ runners and to alleviate the strain of having everyone start at the same time, the TCS London Marathon will be run in waves.
You will each be assigned a Color for your Assembly Area and then a Wave based on your estimated completion time. Even if you use the same estimated completion time as someone else, that doesn’t guarantee you’ll be in the same color or wave.
Do NOT email/phone the London Marathon and request a new color or wave change as they will not permit it.
THE COURSE
Click here for extensive information on the race course, as well as a map.
THE FINISH AREA
After crossing the finish line in front of Buckingham Palace, remember to collect your clear plastic kit bag.
PERSONALIZE YOUR SHIRT
Are you interested in having Londoners personalize your run? Write your name on your race shirt (or masking tape) in large letters across your chest and people will call out to you and encourage you as you run!