In just a few short days thousands of runners will be taking to the streets of London as they face the London Marathon.
The 26-mile-long route will take keen athletes all across the capital from Greenwich's Cutty Sark to Buckingham Palace and through Canaray Whalf.
Not for the faint-hearted, runners will have been preparing for months ahead of the big day, from daily runs, and strict diets to making sure they have all their papers and information organised.
But, with less than a week to go, it's important to understand and know all theinformation.
From start times, and the route to whether you get water along the route and if you can take a toilet break during the marathon.
Everything London Marathon runners need to know
What is the London Marathon route 2024?
The London Marathon starts between Greenwich and Blackheath where thousands will be gathered as a klaxon marks the start of the event.
It will then travel through the boroughs before going around Greenwich Park and heading towards the Cutty Sark where crowds will be gathered.
From that point, the route will go towards and over the River Thames where mile 13 will mark the halfway point.
Once on the other side of the Thames, the route will follow the river's curved nature before heading inland.
At mile 20, runners will overcome the ‘Wall’ before following the race route back around towards Tower Bridge.
From there the route goes alongside the Thames towards the embankment and Westminster, where you can see the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben all in one spot.
See What's On. (Image: Newsquest)
The view of the London Eye will mark the final mile, as runners make their way through the City of Westminster and towards Buckingham Palace.
Finally alongthe Mall is where the finish line can be found and crowds will be waiting to praise the braverunners.
What are the London Marathon Start Waves and times?
Before heading to the start waves area at the marathon, you will need to access the Assembly Area which only those taking part in the marathon can do so.
You will need to make sure your bib number is clearly displayed on your chest before arriving at thespot.
The start waves will take place from 9.30am to 11.30am with short gaps in between to allow the course ahead to clear, meaning runners have plenty of space along thecourse.
Start waves and times are allocated based on your predicted finish time, which you will have given to organisers ahead oftime.
Although you can not join an earlier start wave, you can join a later start wave without the need to tell staff, just join on theday.
How to defer from the LondonMarathon 2024
If you have decided to defer your spot from the London Marathonall you need to do is notify the organisers via your participant dashboard which should have been emailed to you in February.
After you have withdrawn you will be given the option to defer your place to the following year, if eligible to doso.
Those who do defer will be emailed by the organiser with all the information needed in due course.
RECOMMENDED READING:
The celebrities running the London Marathon in 2024
It is important to note that the deadline for withdrawal is 23.59 on Saturday 20April, the day before themarathon.
Can you go to the toilet during the London Marathon?
Along the London Marathon route, there are toilets every two miles, so there's no need to panic or stress if nature calls during the running event.
Do you get water during the London Marathon?
Runners can grab some water every two miles in 250ml bottles while energy drinks in cups will be at miles nine, 15, 21 and 23.
