London Landmarks Half Marathon 2019: Date, route, start time, map and everything you need to know

London’s most scenic half marathon returns this weekend and 13,000 runners are set to take to the capital’s streets.

The London Landmarks takes in some of the city’s most famous landmarks including St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London and the London Eye.

The race, organised by baby charity Tommy’s, is only in its second year but it’s already racking up the awards: last month its intricate medal was voted Medal of the Year by Running Bible and the race has just been shortlisted in this year’s BT Sport Industry Awards.

Prepare for a party: 50,000 spectators are set to line London’s streets during the race and there’ll be 180 cheer stations featuring choirs, bands, dance acts and DJs. Whether you’re running the race or coming along to support, here is your ultimate guide to the day.

When is it?

The race takes place this Sunday March 24, starting from 9.30am. It’s an early alarm for a Sunday, but it’s worth getting there with plenty of time to spare as there’ll be large crowds. Aim to get to the bag drop marquee at least 45 minutes before your allocated start time if you want to drop stuff off.

Where is it?

For any London Landmarks returners, the route is the same as last year, starting on Pall Mall and finishing by Downing Street. The closest stations are Green Park, Piccadilly Circus and Charing Cross.

The route itself showcases London’s most famous landmarks including Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, Nelson’s Column, the Gherkin, the Shard, the Tower of London and the London Eye.

There’s also a focus on historical and cultural hotspots including the house of Dr Johnson, the creator of the English dictionary; Postman’s Park, which celebrates the capital’s postal history; and the Bow Bells.

Drinks stations will be at miles 2.9, 5.8, 8.4 and 11, before a (sprint) finish by Downing Street on Whitehall.

Who’s running?

Thirteen thousand brave runners will take to the start line this year – 3,000 more than last year – and many thousands more will be cheering them on: 50,000 spectators are expected to turn out on the day.

Alongside the many thousands of Londoners running, a number of celebrities will also be attempting the 13.1 mile course, including Call the Midwife actress Jennifer Kirby, TV presenter Jenni Falconer and Radio 1 broadcaster Cel Spellman. Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden will be taking part for the second year running, raising money for event organisers Tommy’s, and look out for reality TV stars Michelle Heaton, Jake Quickenden and Love Island’s Eyal Booker.

Where to watch

If you’re coming along to watch or support, Fleet Street (mile 1.6), Queen Victoria Street (mile 8.5) and Cannon Street (mile 8.9) are good spots to catch the runners. All three will have performance stages, while YouTuber Jack Maynard will cheering runners on from Puddle Dock in Blackfriars.

Elsewhere, there’ll be 180 charity cheer stations, with themes from 90s raves to Mary Poppins and Monopoly.

For any supporters who fancy themselves as a bit of a Sherlock Holmes, organisers have laid on a City Selfie Challenge to keep you entertained. Solve the clues, visit the City of London locations, then post a selfie to be in with a chance of winning a prize.

How to get there

It’s going to be busy, so plan ahead. Road closures are planned and there’s no designated parking, so the Tube is your best bet.

The event hub is in Waterloo Place by Trafalgar Square so the nearest stations are Green Park, Piccadilly Circus and Charing Cross, but bear in mind the Circle Line in particular has some engineering works planned, so map out your journey carefully.

If you’re confused or want advice, call TFL or check its website in advance.

What to wear

Temperatures on Sunday are currently expected to be a mild 13 degrees, so you shouldn’t need anything thicker than a t-shirt – your race pack should include a tee designed specifically for this year’s race: a sweat-wicking yellow short-sleeved number, sponsored by luxe London gym Equinox.

Pair it with Shock Absorber’s award-winning Ultimate Run Bra Padded (£38.40, johnlewis.com), which reduces bounce by up to 78 per cent and has a soft seamless inner to eliminate chaffing, while lululemon’s brand new Enlite Hydraffinity Vest (£158, lululemon.co.uk) features pockets that enable you to carry up to 1.5 litres of water comfortably on your back.

2XU’s Print Fitness Midrise Tights (£70, 2xu.com) will help you stand out from the crowd, or for something more neutral Zone 3’s Medical Grade Compression Tights feature compression technology specifically designed to protect your muscles while running (£70, zone3.com).

Shoes are the most important piece of kit you’ll wear on the day. You should have these already but Asics’ new wonder shoe, the Metaride (£225, asics.com), is designed to make longer distances easier and more efficient, featuring an advanced sole technology that’s scientifically proven to reduces energy loss at the ankle joint by almost a fifth. It’s been two years in the making and the magic lies in the curved sole, which shifts the body weight forward and propels the body forward.

Saucony’s long-distance kicks, the Guide ISO 2 (£120, saucony.com), are engineered for runners with mild to severe pronation, while its new lightweight Kinvara 10s (£115, saucony.com) feature an ultra-supportive mesh upper for looking after your feet.

Pair with lululemon’s Speed Socks (£18, lululemon.co.uk), which feature micro-cushioning on the toe and heel, and take some layers for pre and post-race chills. Sweaty Betty’s new Fast Track Run Jacket (£95, sweatybetty.com) has a pack-away hood for any unexpected showers and Clavas’ Cold Climate Half Zip Top (£28, clavas.co.uk) will keep you cosy on the start line.