London Marathon 2011

The annual long-distance race starts from three different points in Greenwich Park and covers 26.2 miles. The biggest crowds of spectators gather at Tower Bridge and Embankment and the emotional finish of the Marathon takes place on the Mall in front of Buckingham Palace. Around 35,000 runners take part, nearly 80 per cent of whom are fundraising for charity (Marathon places are allocated by ballot). Spectators can plan where to watch using an interactive map of the course online. For Time Out's viewing guide go to www.timeout.com/marathon