Running routes London: Best long distance runs to train for a marathon in 2019

On April 28, more than 40,000 people will line up at the starting point of the London Marathon, prepared to put themselves through the ultimate endurance test in the name of charity and personal achievement.

The 26 mile route may seem intimidating, especially to beginners, but given a whole lot of hard work and dedication over months of training, it will become much more achievable.

It's not just the London Marathon of course – there are dozens of half marathons taking place across the city in 2019, as well as plenty of distance races to get involved in across the country too.

While the treadmill may seem like a convenient way to get started, heading outdoors and trying out some of London’s best running routes is really the only way for runners in the capital to prepare for the big day itself.

It's also a great way to discovered areas of the city and see it from a brand new perspective. Here are a selection to try during your next run.

Victoria Park loop run

The loop around Victoria Park is a good place to start. It’s not too difficult to navigate the crowds here, even on weekends in the summer, and it’s one of the most picturesque spots in east London. The highlight of the circular route is the trip around the boating lake and the Chinese Pagoda in the south eastern corner, offering the best views. Just once around the park is a nice, quick run, coming in at 4.23km — the more you train the more loops you’ll be able to do. Unlike some London parks, runners won’t face too many uphill or down hill climbs too, making it a good place for beginners.

Victoria Park, E3 5TB, towerhamlets.gov.uk

Richmond Park run

Richmond Park is home to a five mile circular trail, and while you’ll have to run around groups of families and dog walkers at the weekend, it’s more than worth heading to TW10 for. Lose yourself in the landscape, take in the views and train away to your heart’s content here. Just be wary of the park’s other residents — more than 600 deer run free across the park.

Richmond Park, TW10 5HS, kingston.gov.uk

The Diana Memorial run

Inner city runs can be hectic, given how busy London’s streets get at peak times. However, the Diana Memorial run, which travels past the Princess of Wales’ memorial fountain, is a perfect way to relax into a run and enjoy a little head space in the middle of the city. It’s a slightly more advanced route, clocking in at 11.6km and involving an overall climb of 44ft, but the route from Buckingham Palace through Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, Green Park and St James Park via St James’s Palace and Kensington Palace, is a pretty stunning way to complete a mid-distance run.

St James's Park, SW1A 2BJ, royalparks.org.uk

Regents Canal run

There’s a certain serenity that comes with waterside running, and the Regents Canal run is certainly one of the most rewarding routes. The lengthy course comes in at 15km, and while it’s one of the toughest in terms of distance, it’s also one of the most fun to do. Whip past hundreds of charming barges, encounter intersting characters and let your mind wander as you eat up the ground ahead of you. The route starts at Limehouse Station, past Regent’s Park onward to Little Venice — it’s pretty easy to navigate, and remains pretty traffic free even at the busiest times.

Limehouse station, E14 7JE

Hampstead Heath Circular

Running around Hampstead Heath, one of the most beautiful spots in London, is arguably the most idyllic way to train in the build up to the marathon. Start off at Hampstead High Street, then head past Burgh House, up Parliament Hill, and down via Kenwood House art gallery to Hampstead Grove for this run, which clocks in at around 6.5km. Repeat the route for a more challenging option, or if things get a little too tough, why not go for a dip in the bathing ponds to cool down.

Hampstead High St, London NW3 1QG, cityoflondon.gov.uk

The Jubilee Greenway

The Jubilee Greenway consists of a sprawling 37 miles of pathways and while it’s hardly a route to complete in one go — even Mo Farah would struggle to complete a casual marathon and a half on a Sunday afternoon — different sections of the route are hugely satisfying when tackled individually. The relatively short 4km route from Little Venice to Camden Lock is a joy, and while you’ll be competing for space with London’s cyclists, the waterside route is a lovely route to train on. Wherever you are in London though, these are some of the best routes to try out — just make sure you’ve got your card with you, so you can jump on a tube home when you’ve finished your run.

Blomfield Road, W9 2PF, tfl.gov.uk/jubilee-greenway