How to track runners taking part in the 2025 London Marathon

So, you didn't sign up to run the London Marathon this year. No one’s judging: 26.2 miles is a looong way, and we can’t all don comedy outfits and pace around London. No – your destiny is to be a supporter, cheering on runners in person or from your living room. And maybe, among the record-breaking 56,000 people taking to the streets to run the course this weekend, there’s a special sprinter who you’d like to cheer extra loud for – a friend, a family member or that colleague who won’t shut up about protein.

You’ve staked out the best spectator spots, made your witty sign, packed the energy-boosting gels to disperse at opportune moments, and even planned how your preferred pacer is going to maximise their access to marathon freebies. But how on earth are you going to work out when to meet them at the finish line with a well deserved beverage if you don’t know where they are? How are you going to know when to send a ‘congrats!’ message from your sofa, if you’ve got no clue if they’re close to the end?

Fear not. Here’s your comprehensive guide to tracking your fleet-footed fave on marathon day.

🏃‍♂️ Your winning guide to the London Marathon 2025
🏅 All the best freebies for London Marathon runners 2025
🌤️ The 2025 London Marathon weather forecast.
⏱️ All the race waves and start times.

When does the race start?

Timings are staggered throughout the morning, with the elite wheelchair race beginning at 8.50am. Elite women will hit the ground running at 9.05am, and the elite men will follow at 9.35. All other runners will begin the course from 9.35 onwards, in staggered waves to ensure the course doesn’t bunch up. 

Your runner should have been sent their start time and zone ahead of time. 

How to track runners

The best and easiest way to track your top trotter is to download the official TCS London Marathon app. Once it's on your phone, you can enter your loved one’s name or bib number into the tracking system. Every time they pass a 5K split, you’ll get a notification, and you’ll also get their predicted finish time based on their pace. You can add multiple runners to your list, in case you’re from a particularly sporty family, friendship group or office. 

If you want to get even more accurate with where your runner is, you can ask them to share their live location with you in the app (ahead of time, of course - no one wants to be faffing around with GPS at mile 13). They can share with up to three people at a time.

✅ How to enter the 2026 London Marathon ballot.
💨 The fastest way to run the 2025 London Marathon, according to F1 experts.

How to view the final results

The TCS app and website both have results pages which will be updated throughout the day as participants start to reach the finish line. 

There are other specific sites, like RunThrough and MarathonGuide, which will also be tracking London Marathon results.

Other methods to track runners

If you don’t want to download the Marathon app, you can simply enter your runner’s name or bib number on the tracking page on the TCS website. 

Or, you can just get them to wear something super identifiable - but in a sea of 56,000, it’s probably best to let the tech take care of it.

Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel.