📝 Cheer Squad Planning
- 📱 Use the official Marathon app to track runners and estimate when they'll pass your chosen spot(s).
- 💙 I've highlighted my favourite locations in dark blue. Canada Water/Surrey Quays (south of Tesco) is my absolute favourite spot.
- 🗺️ My usual support route: Canada Water / Bermondsey to view around Rotherhithe, then Jubilee Line to Canary Wharf, then Jubilee Line to Westminster.
- ⚠️ Be prepared to be flexible - many stations may close or have limited access due to crowd management.
📍 Key Supporter Locations
Woolwich / Greenwich Start Area 🏁 Start
Nearest Stations: Greenwich (DLR / Southeastern), Maze Hill (Southeastern)
Why it's good: Historic landscapes near the start. You'll see runners fresh and energetic. Cutty Sark is iconic and a major cheer point. 🎉
Cutty Sark (Greenwich) 📸 Iconic
Nearest Station: Cutty Sark (DLR)
Why it's good: Major river‑front viewing, great photo backdrop and atmosphere. Ideal if you want a classic London landmark. 🌉
Deptford / Creek Road
Nearest Station: Deptford Bridge (DLR)
Why it's good: A quieter southern riverside spot with good views and fewer crowds than Greenwich. 🌿
Rotherhithe Peninsula 💙 Favourite
Nearest Stations: Rotherhithe (Overground), Surrey Quays (Overground), Canada Water (Jubilee)
Why it's good: Long straight stretches where runners are spread out; quieter and easier to spot individuals. 👀
Bermondsey / Jamaica Road 💙 Favourite
Nearest Station: Bermondsey (Jubilee)
Why it's good: A less crowded Thames side street with easier access and good space to cheer. 🎪
Tower Bridge ⏱️ Halfway
Nearest Stations: London Bridge (Underground/National Rail), Tower Hill (Underground), Tower Gateway (DLR)
Why it's good: Classic marathon halfway point with unbeatable landmark views — extremely lively, but expect crowds. 🌉🎊
The Highway / Wapping
Nearest Stations: Wapping (Overground), Shadwell (Overground/DLR)
Why it's good: Two chances to see runners as they loop and return; lively local vibes. 🔄
Crossharbour / South Quay 🚈 DLR Loop
Nearest Stations: Crossharbour (DLR), South Quay (DLR)
Why it's good: Great for quieter viewing within the Canary Wharf loop; excellent under DLR canopy shelter in changeable weather. ☔
Westferry
Nearest Station: Westferry (DLR)
Why it's good: A community cheer zone with music and energetic crowd; easy to spot runners on a long straight. 🎵📣
Mudchute
Nearest Station: Mudchute (DLR)
Why it's good: Quieter Isle of Dogs option with space and local cheer (great for later in the race). 🦙
Canary Wharf Core 💙 Favourite
Nearest Stations: Canary Wharf (DLR / Jubilee / Elizabeth)
Why it's good: Major viewing area with possibility of spotting runners more than once as the loop winds through. Facilities, cafes and rest spots add to spectator comfort. ☕🏢
Poplar High Street (DLR)
Nearest Station: Poplar (DLR)
Why it's good: A community favourite with a long stretch of road to catch runners and plenty of local support. 🏘️👏
Victoria Embankment 💙 Favourite
Nearest Stations: Embankment, Charing Cross, Temple (Tube)
Why it's good: Big city atmosphere, chances to see your runner as they approach the end — applause is loud! 🎉🏙️
The Mall / St James's Park 🏆 Finish
Nearest Stations: St James's Park, Victoria (Tube / Rail)
Why it's good: Milestone moment when they finish — high emotion and celebrations. This area is extremely busy, so arrive early. 🎊🥳
🚆 Isle of Dogs & Canary Wharf / DLR Area (Great for Multiple Sightings)
These are excellent choices if you want easy access via DLR and potentially see runners more than once as the course weaves through and around this part of east London. 🔄👟
👏 your cheers make a difference 👏