Gordon Ramsay Restaurants The Best Places to Watch the London Marathon 2019
Thursday 25 April 2019
The 39th London marathon is fast approaching, with this year’s event set to take place on Sunday 28 April. Sir Andy Murray will be the official starter of the race, with the elite wheelchair races setting off from Blackheath at 8:55am, and then at 10am the mass race will begin.
Marathon day is always an incredible experience, as the whole of London turns out to cheer on the runners and enjoy the spirit of the run. Last year, a record 40,255 people picked up their medals after competing in the hottest London marathon on record – including #TeamRamsay runners Jack & Holly Ramsay, who both raised funds for the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH). This year, Jack will be running again to raise money for GOSH.
If you want to head out and support the runners, or perhaps you know somebody who’s running this year, then we’ve put together a list of the places to go (and avoid) this year.
Tower Bridge
If you’re early enough (and lucky enough) then you might just get a prime spot at Tower bridge, where you’ll be able to get amazing photos of the runners as they storm over the iconic bridge. This location does get very busy though, so it isn’t the best place to take small children (unless they can sit on your shoulders!)
Canary Wharf & Limehouse
If you’ve seen them run past Tower Bridge and you want to escape the crowds, then jump on the DLR to Canary Wharf. There are multiple points in Canary Wharf where you can see runners, and if you’re quick enough you can beat them to different points around the course. You can also watch the London marathon from the comfort of our very own gastropub – The Narrow in Limehouse – as the Marathon runs straight past us along Narrow Street.
On Sunday 28 April we will be open from 8am, with a delicious breakfast menu of bacon, sausage, and vegetarian baps. Enjoy drinks and a BBQ on the terrace including beef, chicken, and vegetarian burgers, or dine on a delicious Marathon Day Sunday Lunch – just £28 for two courses. Dogs are welcome so why not make a day of it with the whole family!
Surrey Quays
This is a very quiet spot to take in the marathon, between miles 8-11, so it’s great if you’re a larger group or you have small children, or dogs with you. Salter Road is a particularly good place to see runners – whilst it’s not the most atmospheric or pretty place to watch the marathon, you’re guaranteed a prime view without having to stand non tip toes! Plus, the runners appreciate encouraging voices all the way around the course.
Very Busy Places
If you want to keep away from the crowds, we suggest avoiding the start and finish of the race, as both will be incredibly busy, and you may find yourself unable to move for quite a while. Anything from mile 24 onwards will be very crowded and The Mall will be especially packed! If you’re heading to the end of the race to meet a runner than agree a meeting point beforehand and expect to be waiting for a while! The Cutty Sark and Greenwich town centre will also both be very busy.
We’re looking forward to joining in on Marathon Day & wish all of the runners the best of luck!
