London Marathon- where to stay

[ItsTotesGodsWill]

Hi!

DP has got a place in the marathon next year. I am looking to book the accommodation but have a couple of questions. We don’t know anyone who has done the marathon before!

Is it best to stay near the beginning or near the end of the route?

Would You recommend staying the night after the race as well (so Saturday and Sunday)? We live about 2 hours away by train and my concern is getting to the station then if the trains are packed, having to stand all the way after he has ran 26 miles!

Thanks

Definitely prioritise convenience in the morning. He’ll want an easy route to the start and you’ll probably head to Greenwich to watch him come by. Bear in mind he’ll have to go to the excel centre in east London on the Saturday to pick up his number too, but that’s easy via the Elizabeth line.

A hotel near Charing Cross or London Bridge would be perfect for both the start and the finish.

if he’s a slow runner I’d stay over and then you can relax in the evening and he can shower after the race. If he’s fast I’d be more likely to get the train home.

I would choose a hotel on the jubilee line. The race starts in Greenwich and ends at the mall (green park) and both are on the jubilee line, this should make everything a bit easier. I'd have a look at premier inns and Travelodges and stay for two nights.

The Greenwich start is nowhere near Greenwich North though and he might end up on the blue start in Blackheath.

I just took whatever hotel was not beyond extortionate and available for those dates. It’s near a tube station. I’m on a few running forums and found it to be popular with runners so I’ll just follow them on the day.
I am staying fri-mon to get my bearings and relax after the race.
Accomodation is slim pickings at this stage.

I booked at Hyde park Corner, about a half mile from the finish line. No idea where the start line is 🤷‍♀️ I am going down Saturday and coming back Monday so I figure on Saturday we will work it out!