Don’t sleep on these athletes. The wheelchair marathon starts first, and those racers fly past at speeds that make you question your own fitness. They’re basically human F1 cars with better arm muscles. Watch them at the start line on The Mall—you’ll see pure, terrifying determination.
A shocking stat: the wheelchair course record is just over 1 hour 30 minutes—that’s the length of an average rom-com. Imagine finishing a marathon before you’ve even decided if you’re Team Aniston or Team Rudd. Watching these athletes is humbling and hilarious when you see them casually overtake a jogger in a banana costume.
The Grand Finale: The Mall and the Finish Line
The finish line at The Mall is the holy grail of marathon viewing. You’ll see everyone—from elite runners to the guy who chugged a sausage roll at mile 20—cross under that golden clock. It’s a spiritual experience, but also a logistical nightmare if you need a loo. Plan for a 45-minute queue and bring snacks.
If you can’t get there, watch the live finish-line feed on the BBC or app. The camera lingers on hugs, medals, and people falling into the arms of loved ones. It’s like a wedding, but sweatier and with more lycra. And if you see someone propose at the finish line (it happens every year), just roll your eyes and pretend you’re not crying.
Final piece of advice: wherever you choose to watch, wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be standing, cheering, and possibly running for coffee for hours. And remember—while you’re sipping a latte, someone out there is convincing themselves that mile 24 is “just a state of mind.” Salute them from your seat, and be grateful you’re not the one wearing nipple plasters.
