TCS LONDON MARATHON
PRE-RACE BRIEFING
WELCOME TO LONDON!
MEET THE TEAM
MEET & GREET DRINKS
HOTEL / VENUE /
SPORTS TOURS SHAKE OUT RUN
SATURDAY 26TH APRIL
Enjoy a gentle three-mile run, taking in the sights of the surrounding area. Friends and family are welcome!
Meet at the reception of your hotel at 07:00AM for a 07:15AM start.
BIB COLLECTION
THE RUNNING SHOW EXPO:
The ExCel Center, 1 Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London, E16 1XL
OPENING TIMES:
• Friday: 10am – 8pm
• Saturday: 8.30am – 5.30pm
GETTING THERE:
We will guide you to the Expo via public transport immediately after this briefing. Alternatively, make your own way there via the Elizabeth Underground line to Custom House station.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
• Your registration with a QR code
• Photo ID (passport or driving license)
WHAT YOU WILL COLLECT
A BIB NUMBER…
With timing chip attached & safety pins to fix it to your race vest. Bibs cannot be attached to your leg or back.
A PLASTIC BAG…
A clear plastic bag for the bag drop & a sticker with your bib number & bag-drop truck.
OFFICIAL RACE T-SHIRT
If you opted to receive a T-shirt, the collection point is next to the bib pick-up, near the exit to the Expo.
GETTING RACE READY WITH GREG MCMILLAN
RACE DAY MORNING BREAKFAST TIMES
The Dorchester 5am
100 Queens Gate 6am
The Westminster 6am
RIU Plaza Victoria 6am
Marriott Marble Arch 6am
Marriott Kensington 6am
The Londoner 6am
The May Fair 6am
Sheraton Grand 6am
GETTING TO THE START
COACH TRANSFERS
Our reps will provide you with a token/ticket required for your coach transfer to the start. Collect your ticket from our reps before Saturday evening. Non-runners will not be allowed on coaches.
Last coaches depart from all hotels at 7am.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Runners can choose to travel to the start via public transport. The nearest station is Greenwich on the DLR line (15-minute walk to the start area). Show your race bib for free use of public transport on race day.
COACH TRANSFER: MEET AT 6:45AM
Meet in the reception area of your hotel at 6:45am.
Bring your coach token/ticket
Last coaches will leave by 7am
Journey time: 45 minutes
THE START
THE MASS PARTICIPATION START IS AT 9:35AM
• The start is located on Blackheath, near Greenwich
• The five coloured start assembly areas are clearly signposted
• Your area and wave number are indicated on your race bib
• It is not possible to change your area colour or move to an earlier start time
• Spectators should not travel to the start
THE START
START ENTRY & BAG DROP
SECURITY GATES
• Security lines move quickly – staff will check the contents of your official race bag (no other bags allowed)
• Make sure your bib-number sticker is attached to your bag
BAG DROP
• Drop your bag in the assembly area at the truck corresponding with the number on your bib
• Collect your bag in the finish area from the same truck, corresponding to your race number
• Don’t leave valuables in your bag; prohibited items include weapons/sharp objects and clothing with political statements
START WAVES & PACERS
START WAVES
From 10:00 to 11:30 a sequence of start waves join the course with short gaps in between to control the flow of runners.
You can’t move forward to an earlier start wave, but you can drop back to a later wave.
PACERS
Pacers will run at 5-minute intervals from 3hr pace and at 10 to 15-minute intervals from 4hr20 pace up to 7hrs. Look out for the tall bright flags attached to the pacers’ backs.
AID STATIONS
AID STATIONS:
• Water stations are situated every 3 miles on the course from mile 3
• Lucozade Sport (energy drink) will be available at miles 7, 15, 21 and 23
• Lucozade gels will be available at mile 14 and 19
MILE/KILOMETER MARKERS:
Each mile and 5km point will be clearly marked on the course.
TOILETS:
Toilets (porta potties) are situated in the start area, at every mile marker up to mile 24, and at the finish.
MEDICAL STATIONS:
26 medical stations are along the course. Sweep buses will pick up runners at every medical station, dropping you off at the Finish Area medical tent.
CUT OFF TIMES
8 HOURS TO FINISH FROM THE LAST RUNNER’S START TIME
Drinks stations and timing mats will stay in place until the eight-hour pacer has finished.
If you’re unable to maintain an eight-hour pace but still wish to continue you will be required to run on the sidewalk for safety reasons.
Tail walkers will provide support and guidance through to the finish.
THE BLUE LINE
A broken blue line on the road indicates the shortest route to the finish, representing the exact measured distance.
AMBASSADOR YIMMY’S LONDON
COURSE GUIDE
THE COURSE
THE BEGINNING
THE MIDDLE
MILES 7 – 22 ST CHEER ZONE
FINISH AREA
STAY WARM
When you finish on The Mall, you will be provided with an aluminum foil sheet to keep you warm.
FINISH AREA
The finish area is a half-mile long secure area with no public access. Once you cross the finish line, you’ll be able to collect your finisher’s medal, a bottle of water and a bottle of Lucozade Sport.
GETTING BACK TO YOUR HOTEL
Please refer to your itineraries for directions back to your hotels, or speak to your rep for more information. Runners receive free use of public transport up to 06:30PM on marathon day.
SPORTS TOURS CHEER ZONE
We encourage friends and family to join us at the Sports Tours Cheer Zone.
Look out for us at mile 22 (on the runners’ right)!
Reps will provide an escort from our hotels, leaving at 08.45am and traveling to the cheer zone using public transport.
THE AFTER PARTY
DON’T MISS THE BIGGEST MARATHON AFTER PARTY IN LONDON
WHERE? WHAT? WHEN?
Marriott Grosvenor House
Hotel, in the Great Room –
originally an ice rink in 1929!
A buffet and open bar! With entertainment including live music, magicians, karaoke & more.
TICKETS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
7PM – 11PM. Coaches from your hotel or a rep escort (walking). Bring you ticket!
Tickets must be collected from your rep before race day. Under 18s not permitted. Additional tickets for non-Sports Tours guests can be purchased on the night for £125 (credit or debit card only).
Don’t forget to wear your medal!
ANY QUESTIONS?
