Sport · Community
London Marathon
The world-famous race begins on Blackheath — cheer the runners from the heath.
The TCS London Marathon — one of the greatest running events in the world — begins right here, on Blackheath. Each April, more than fifty thousand runners cross a start line laid out across our heath, setting off on a 26.2-mile journey to The Mall. Few places in Britain can claim a landmark of global sporting significance on their doorstep; Blackheath can.
The three colour-coded start zones — Red, Blue and Green — are arranged across the open common, and the heath becomes, for one morning, the gathering place for the world's largest annual fundraising event. The runners then stream west through Greenwich and along the river, but the race is born on Blackheath.
What to expect on the heath
Because the race begins on Blackheath, our village is where the whole spectacle comes to life — the nerves, the charity shirts, the waves to family, and the first strides of a 26.2-mile journey all unfold on the common before a single runner reaches Greenwich. Here's what makes the day so special, right from the start line.
The three start lines on Blackheath
Runners set off from three colour-coded start points arranged across Blackheath Common — Red, Blue and Green — before merging towards Greenwich Park and the route into central London. This is where the marathon truly begins.
A community spectacle from the first step
Locals line the heath with banners, music and good cheer right at the start. Charities gather to support their runners, and the cafés of the village fill early — arrive before 8am to claim the best spots on the common where it all kicks off.
A day of giving, born on the heath
The London Marathon is the largest annual fundraising event in the world, raising tens of millions for charity each year — and that extraordinary wave of generosity takes its very first steps on Blackheath.
Marathon on the heath — a photo archive
Moments captured on Blackheath from race days past — the start lines, the crowds, and the community spirit that makes our village the place where the marathon begins.
Marathon news
MyLondon · 9 September 2026
London Marathon Two-Day Format Proposals Raise Disruption Concerns for Blackheath
Proposed adjustments to expand the London Marathon format across a full weekend from 2027 have sparked debate among Blackheath residents and local representatives. As the traditional starting hub on the heath, local stakeholders have demanded clearer guarantees and traffic mitigation strategies to minimize prolonged road closures.
The Greenwich Wire · 31 August 2026
Council Demands Clarity Over Two-Day London Marathon Proposals Near Start Line
Greenwich councillors have called for clearer communication from London Marathon organisers regarding potential plans to expand the event over two days. The start points around Blackheath and Greenwich require substantial local coordination and route closures. Local representatives want guarantees regarding disruption and access for community members across Charlton, Blackheath, and Greenwich.
The Greenwich Wire · 31 August 2026
Concerns Regarding Two-Day London Marathon Disruption
With a two-day London Marathon scheduled for 2027, local residents and businesses are demanding clarity from organizers. There is significant concern regarding the potential for prolonged disruption to the area, as the event will bring an estimated 100,000 runners through the streets of Greenwich and Blackheath.
London Marathon Events · 24 August 2026
2027 Double TCS London Marathon — Everything You Need to Know
The 2027 TCS London Marathon will be a one-off two-day celebration on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April, welcoming 100,000 participants on the iconic Greenwich-to-Westminster route. The expanded format splits elite, championship and ballot places across both days, with the Finish Line closing at 17:30 on Saturday and a secondary finish in Green Park closing at 23:59 on Sunday. The traditional ballot, charity, Good For Age and club entry routes all still apply, and the route remains the same on both days.
Visiting Blackheath for the marathon
Because the start line is on Blackheath, the village is one of the best places in London to experience marathon day. Blackheath station is a short walk from the common, but expect heavy crowds and station queuing on the day. Lewisham and Greenwich offer alternative approaches. Roads across the heath are closed to traffic from early morning until mid-afternoon.
For travel planning, road closures and runner tracking, see the official event site.
Official event site