Here’s a secret: a lot of people walk. No shame in that. The average time for a first-timer? Try 5 hours 10 minutes. That includes stretching, crying, and calling your mom at mile 19. I’m only half-joking.
If you’re aiming for a sub-4-hour time, you’re in the top 20% of runners. That’s like being the sprinkles on the cupcake. Good for you. But if you finish in 6 hours? You’re still a finisher. The medal still shines.
The real traffic impact of the London Marathon
What About the 6-Hour Crowd?
Ah, the 6-hour marathoner. The unsung hero. The person who’s been on their feet for half a day. They’ve seen three different weather systems. They’ve eaten four energy gels, two bananas, and one questionable jelly baby from a stranger. That’s endurance.
The official cutoff is usually around 7 hours. So a 6:30 finish? That’s a victory. You get the medal. You get the photo. You get the blisters. And you get to tell everyone, “Yeah, I ran London.” Nobody asks for the time. They just ask if you finished.
