You, the London Marathon, and the Burning Question: When Does this Running Shenanigan Start?
Ah, the London Marathon! A glorious day of fancy dress runners, questionable weather, and enough cheering to rival a rock concert. But before you can shimmy into your superhero outfit (because let's face it, that's what you're planning) you need to know the crucial detail: what time does the fun begin?
Fear not, intrepid marathoner (or enthusiastic spectator), for this post is your one-stop shop to navigating the starting times of this leg-pumping extravaganza.
The Elite Few: A Head Start on Glory (and Avoiding Costume Clashes)
The pros, bless their gazelle-like legs, get the party rolling well before 10 am. We're talking wheelchair racers, elite women, and the men's field – all itching to conquer the course and secure those bragging rights (and probably a hefty prize cheque). So, if you're hoping to catch a glimpse of Mo Farah absolutely bolting past you, set your alarms for the early hours.
But wait! There's more! For the non-elites amongst us (i.e., the majority who aren't sponsored by sportswear giants), there's a whole different schedule to consider.
The Marathon Masses: A Wave of Humanity (and Fancy Dress)
The beauty of the London Marathon is that it's for everyone (well, everyone who can handle 26.2 miles). To ensure an orderly stampede (because let's be honest, 50,000 runners are basically a stampede), the race is divided into waves. The first wave of these waves typically sets off at around 10 am, with subsequent waves following at intervals.
Don't worry, you won't miss the memo on your wave time! The organizers will send you all the details beforehand, so you can plan your pre-race banana and inspirational playlist accordingly.
Top Tip: If you're rocking a particularly impressive costume (think T-Rex or giant inflatable banana), consider aiming for a later wave. You'll have more time to soak up the cheers and avoid any unfortunate costume malfunctions caused by enthusiastic high-fives from fellow runners.
So, How Do You Know When Your Wave Starts?
Ah, the million-dollar question (well, not literally, but you get the idea). The organizers will send you all the information you need about your wave time in your race pack. This magical package of goodies will arrive a few weeks before the race and will contain your race number, timing chip, and, most importantly, your designated wave time.
Didn't get your race pack yet? Don't fret! You can usually find your wave time online by logging into your runner portal on the London Marathon website.
Still lost? The London Marathon website has a fantastic FAQ section https://www.tcslondonmarathon.com/ that should answer any lingering questions.
Burning Questions Answered: Your London Marathon Starting Time FAQ
How to find out my wave time?
Your wave time will be included in your race pack or can be found online through your runner portal on the London Marathon website.
How many waves are there?
The exact number of waves can vary slightly from year to year, but you can expect around 20-25 waves for the mass participation runners.
What if I miss my wave?
Don't panic! While it's best to try and start in your designated wave, the marshals will usually allow you to join a later wave if you miss yours.
What time should I get to the start area?
The organizers will recommend an arrival time based on your wave. Factor this in with your pre-race routine (bathroom breaks, inspirational speeches, costume adjustments) to ensure you're at the start area nice and relaxed (or at least as relaxed as one can be before a marathon).
Is there a prize for the best costume?
There isn't an official prize, but with a bit of creativity and a dash of showmanship, you might just win the hearts (and cheers) of your fellow runners!
So there you have it! The when, the why, and the how-to of London Marathon starting times. Now get out there, train hard, and prepare to conquer those 26.2 miles (and maybe win the unofficial fancy dress competition).
