London Marathon - Route
Guide to London Marathon
Over 30 years old, the London Marathon is arguably the largest running event in the world. While marathons may be held in the likes of Barcelona and New York, the London Marathonis probably the most famous of the World Marathon Majors.
Like all marathons in major cities, the 26 mile 385yards (42km) route takes in many sights of London. The course is mainly flat and sees 
runners race along the River Thames andaround Blackheath before finishing in The Mall near St. James Palace.
The marathon route has undergone a few changes in its time, including the moving of the finishing post from Constitution Hill to Westminister Bridge in 1982 due to construction work. The finishing line stayed there for 12 years, before it was moved back to the Mall.
As well as being a way of people to push themselves to their physical limit, London Marathon is also a way for people to raise money for charity. In fact, the London Marathon is a record holder in that it is in the Guinness book of Records for being the largest charity fund raising event in the world. Since its founding in 1981, the marathon has raised over £450 million for charity, raising £47.2 million in 2007 alone.
Each year, approximately 30,000 people take part in the race, but even more (around 500,000) line the streets of London to cheers the runners on. The marathon attracts all sorts, from elite athletes to people doing it for fun (normally in fancy dress). In fact, the slowest time to complete the marathon is held by Lloyd Scott, who in 2002 did the route in a 110lb deep sea diving suit.
