Everything you need to know ahead of getting to the start line
We're on countdown to the TCS London Marathon 2026, and we can't wait to cheer you on on the big day!
We're getting our race day plans ready and will keep updating this page as and when it's needed, as event day draws closer and more details are confirmed.
Key dates
31 March – last opportunity to register to attend our exclusive post-race reception (charity place and ballot runners only)
15 April – Q&A webinar with Marie Curie runner, Darran, 6.30-7.30pm
22-25 April – London Marathon Running Show (charity place and ballot runners only)
26 April – race day!
TCS London Marathon Running Show Information
In the lead-up to Marathon Day, you'll receive your official Participant Guide from the race organiser. This guide includes everything you need to know about travelling to the Start Line, collecting your Event Pack, and navigating Marathon Weekend.
You will also be sent full details for the TCS London Marathon Running Show, taking place from Wednesday 22 April to Saturday 25 April 2026 at ExCeL London. This is where you must collect your Event Pack, including your all‑important bib number. Event Packs cannot be collected on Marathon Day under any circumstances. If you're unable to attend someone can collect your pack on your behalf – full instructions of how to do this will be in your Participant Guide.
Marie Curie is at stand C54! We will be at the Running Show throughout the week, and we'd love to meet you in person. Find us at stand C54, near the Centre Stage. We'll also be hanging out goody bags for the team and selling some limited-edition merchandise, perfect as a keepsake of your marathon.
RUNNING SHOW DATES & OPENING TIMES
- Wednesday 22 April - 10am-8pm
- Thursday 23 April - 9am-10am (Show open for neurodivergent and visually impaired participants only) 10am-8pm Open to the public
- Friday 24 April - 9am-8pm
- Saturday 25 April - 8.30am-5.30pm
It is recommended that where possible, you attend on Wednesday or Thursday to avoid queues.
ADDRESS
Excel London
TCS London Marathon Running Show
Halls N5-N8
Royal Victoria Dock
1 Western Gateway
London
E16 1FR
Nearest Tube Station: Custom House (DLR or Elizabeth Line)
FOOD & DRINK
A selection of restaurants and cafes will be open during the event in the main Boulevard, including Costa Coffee, Bagel Factory and Chozen Noodle to name a few.
FIND OUT MORE
For further details and the latest updates, visit The TCS London Marathon Running Show | London Marathon Events
The Running Show is also an opportunity to explore the latest running gear from top brands, enjoy expert talks and marathon tips from industry specialists, meet fellow runners and soak up the atmosphere. Around 170,000 runners and visitors are expected over the four days, making it one of the UK's largest running exhibitions.
Our Marie Curie cheer points
We will have 6 dedicated Marie Curie cheer points along the route to make sure you feel extra supported as you take on this incredible challenge. Make sure to look out for our photographers at the cheer stations and smile for the camera!
Family & friends are welcome at all cheer stations. We will prioritise putting them to the front, we recommend they ask for the cheer station manager and flag they have a Marie Curie runner coming up. Make sure to look through our downloadable friends & family document for more information. We will also have printed out route maps with all Marie Curie locations available at the Running Show, so do come along to our stand!
1. Mile 5 Motivation Station
Left-hand side of the road
The closest station is Maze Hill - 12-minute walk to the cheer station.
The what three words location is = trace.motion.tight
https://what3words.com/trace.motion.tight
2. Mile 10 Melodies
Right-hand side of the road
Listen out for the Love2Sing choir, ready to spur you on with their tunes!
The closest tube station is Canada Water - 22-minute walk to the cheer station.
The what three words location is = ranch.rots.giving
https://what3words.com/ranch.rots.giving
3. Mile 15 Remembrance Runway
Both sides of the road
The Remembrance Runway is here to help you remember your 'why'. Listen out for our steel drum band and cheerers, and look out for our opening and closing messages to you.
The closest tube station is Canary Wharf – 18-minute walk to the cheer station.
The what three words location is = comical.term.money
https://what3words.com/comical.term.money
4. Mile 21 Rainbow Row
Left-hand side of the road
We have a cheer station within the official Rainbow Row section of the route for the LGBTQ+ Community. We'll be there loud and proud!
The closest tube station is Limehouse – 6-minute walk to the cheer station.
The what three words location is = barn.pushes.honest
https://what3words.com/barn.pushes.honest
5. Mile 22 Looks Good on You
Right-hand side of the road
The closest tube station is Tower Hill – 10-minute walk to the cheer station.
The what three words location is = soak.critic.dwell
https://what3words.com/soak.critic.dwell
6. Mile 24.5 The Final Push
Right-hand side of the road
We will have a group of Marie Curie nurses at this cheer station, ready to cheer you on. Make sure to interact with them - a hug, a cry, a picture together.
The closest tube station is Temple – 2-minute walk to the cheer station.
The what three words location is = hers.wrong.cuts
https://what3words.com/hers.wrong.cuts
7. Finish line Meet & Greet
Marie Curie will have volunteers located at the 'M' section of the Meet & Greet area by Horse Guards Parade. They will be there to greet Marie Curie runners, celebrate your achievement, and accompany you to the post-race reception venue.
The what three words location is = hints.cult.puns
https://what3words.com/hints.cult.puns
Please be advised we recommend family & friends meet their runner at the post-race reception venue rather than at the finish line.
Our post-race recovery reception
We will have a reception by the finish line on Marathon Day. A space where you can recover and relax after you've finished and celebrate with friends, family and the rest of #TeamMarieCurie.
Location: Central Hall Westminster, Storey's Gate, London, SW1H 9NH
Timings: Family & friends can arrive from 12pm. Last entrance for runners at 6:30pm (this is due to us needing to be out of the venue by 7:30pm)
Support for runners: a post-race buffet, a massage from training sports therapists, and goody bags donated by Morrisons. We will also have care baskets filled with wipes, deodorant and hand sanitiser to help you freshen up (there are no showers available at the venue).
Celebrate with friends and family! We will have a media wall set up ready for our professional photographer to take pictures of you, your medal, and your loved ones. There will also be a bar open from 12pm onwards with snacks, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and hot drinks available. Please note the bar has a card-only payment policy and there is a 2 alcoholic drink maximum due to the venue being a Methodist church.
The closest tube station is St James's Park – 4-minute walk to the venue.
The what three words location is = major.fields.hook
https://what3words.com/major.fields.hooks
London Marathon Console
For runners who have received a charity place via Marie Curie, you will need to register with the race organiser as well. After completing your registration with us, you will receive an email from Let's Do This prompting you to fill out a form to register with London Marathon.
This must be completed in order for you to take part in the event. The deadline to register via Let's Do This is Thursday 19 March 2026. Please email london.marathon@mariecurie.org.uk if you can't find the email and need it resending.
