Runners taking part in the London Marathon are being told to prepare for travel disruption following news of train strikes next weekend.

It comes as the trade union for train drivers Aslef announced that 12 companies across the UK will be walking out on October 1 and 5 in a dispute over pay.

The union will be joined by members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union who represent staff including conductors, train cleaners, station staff and Network Rail signallers on their national strikes on October 1.

Those travelling to the London Marathon on Sunday, October 2 will be impacted by the 24-hour strikes taking place on the two days.

The strike on October 1 will have a major knock-on effect the following day, the day of the marathon, with early morning trains affected and no service before 7.30am.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “Transport workers are joining a wave of strike action on October 1, sending a clear message to the government and employers that working people will not accept continued attacks on pay and working conditions at a time when big business profits are at an all-time high.

Adding: “We want a settlement to these disputes where our members and their families can get a square deal.

“And we will not rest until we get a satisfactory outcome.”

Aslef general secretary, Mick Whelan said: “We don’t want to go on strike – withdrawing your labour, although a fundamental human right, is always a last resort for this trade union, but the train companies have been determined to force our hand.”

A Rail Delivery Group spokesperson, representing train operators, said: “We want to see the industry and its people thrive - we are asking the unions’ leadership to do the right thing, call off these damaging strikes and work with us to make that happen.”

What rail companies are striking in October?

There are 12 companies striking, including long-distance services and London-based transport.

The companies striking are:

  • Avanti West Coast
  • c2c
  • Chiltern Railways
  • East Midlands Railway
  • Greater Anglia
  • GTR (Thameslink, Southern, Great Northern and Gatwick Express in the London area)
  • LNER
  • London Northwestern Railway
  • London Overground
  • Southeastern
  • South Western Railway