Athletes across the UK will be preparing like never before as they get ready to take on the London Marathon this weekend.

From sticking to a strict Olympian-style diet, to sticking daily running routines, the competitors will be making sure they are the fittest they can be for the 26-mile run on Sunday, October 2.

Along with making sure your body and mind are at their best, you also have to make sure you are organised and ready for the event.

This will include checking that you have all the information you need from the bib number, start line, the route, how to get there and start times.

And lucky for you, we’ve saved you the job of searching around for the answer to all those questions and rounded up all the information you need.

One of the main pieces of knowledge and arguably the most important is the start waves for the London Marathon.

What are the London Marathon Start Waves?

Before heading to the start waves area, you will need to access the Assembly Area as only those taking part in the marathon can do so.

You will need to make sure your bib number is clearly displayed on your chest before arriving at the spot.


READ MORE: London Marathon Tracker App: What is it and how to use it?

READ MORE: Why is the London Marathon in October?

READ MORE: London Marathon 2022 Route: What is the course?


The start waves will take place from 9.40am to 11am with short gaps in between to allow the course ahead to clear, meaning runners have plenty of space along the course.

Start waves and times are allocated based on your predicted finish time, which you will have given to organisers ahead of time.

Although you can not join an earlier start wave, you can join a later start wave with there being no need to tell staff, just join on the day.

Find out more information via the London Marathon website.