The London Marathon is very nearly with us again, one of the biggest
distance-running events in the world, bringing together people of all
ages and abilities on one course.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH NOW RACE LIVE
Such an epic 26-mile undertaking means that entrants need all the
support they can get, and thanks to advances in technology it's now a
great deal easier to track your friends' progress than it was back in
1981, when the Marathon was born.
So whether you're at home, on the go, or spectating around the
course, here are a few tips on how to follow your runners throughout the
day.
Official app and online tracker
The Virgin Money London Marathon ran its own mobile app, powered by
TCS, for the first time in 2015, to make it easier for friends and
family of participants to track the race as it progresses.
The service was available on Android for the first time in 2017,
having previously been an iPhone exclusive, while last year's was
downloaded 360,000 times.
New features for 2019 including tracking an unlimited number of
friends and family, with progress monitored every five kilometres.
Marathon app screenshots
Credit: VIRGIN MONEY LONDON MARATHON
People will be able to donate directly to their runner's chosen
charity through the app. Spectators will also be able to keep an eye on
the world's best athletes through the 'Ones to Watch' segment.
Split times and race times will be regularly updated, as well as the
overall leaderboard. Updates are calculated using timing mats that
runner cross every five kilometres.
The android version is available here and the iPhone version here.
Running apps
There is a range of other apps available on both Apple and Android
that use GPS tracking and automatically deliver live updates to
followers online.
These smartphone apps can provide more detailed and personal way to
follow a friend than the official website. Set up before the marathon
starts, the smartphone will send progress reports via email and social
media throughout the race.
WATCH LIVE ON TWITTER
London Marathon | Where to watch
1. Woolwich Arsenal (3 miles)
Just after the converging point for the runners from different
starts. Catch runners while they still have the energy to smile and
wave.
Runners pass: from 9:05 (men’s wheelchair), with the average runner passing at 10:34
2. Surrey Quays (8 miles)
Somewhat busier, but another chance to catch runners while they are relatively fresh.
Runners pass: from 9:23 (men’s wheelchair), with the average runner passing at 11:05
3. Tower Bridge (13 miles)
One of the most popular places to watch the race. Official advice is
to avoid this spot because it gets so busy, but getting there several
hours early means you can stake out a place.
Runners pass: from 9:37 (men’s wheelchair), with the average runner passing at 11:40
4. Mudchute (17 miles)
One of the quieter vantage points on the Isle of Dogs, but offers a good view of the race.
Runners pass: from 9:53 (men’s wheelchair), with the average runner passing at 12:16
5. Westferry (14.5 miles / 20 miles)
Offers views of runners going two ways, to the north and south of the station.
Runners pass (south): from 9:50 (men’s wheelchair), with the average runner passing at 12:05
Runners pass (north): from 10:03 (men’s wheelchair), with the average runner passing at 12:40
6. Embankment (24 miles)
Gets very congested, especially close to the finish. Watch the race some distance from the Mall, walking down from Blackfriars.
Runners pass: from 10:17 (men’s wheelchair), with the average runner passing at 1:22
More detailed guide here
* Average runner times based on a based on a 3hr 30 marathon time
Some of the running apps are free, but to access the live-tracking
facilities with the likes of Garmin Fit and RunKeeper you’ll have to
sign up for the paid subscription service.
To avoid the battery running out mid-race, make sure you pull back to
the Home screen so that the app is only operating in the background.
It’s also best to be aware that during past London Marathons, these mobile means of tracking have had problems with overload.
Arithmetic
If you’re out on the course looking to spot a specific runner, you
can also use good old-fashioned mental arithmetic to ensure you’re in
the right place at the right time.
Provided your charge has done a modicum of training – enough that
they can take a stab at their average minutes-per-mile – and you know
what time they start, you can make a fair guess what time they’ll hit
each mile marker around the course.
Three hours 48 minutes is the average time for male racers, while four hours 23 mins is the average time for female finishers.
