The weather at the London Marathon this weekend is set to be hot—and not only for the runners.
Tens of thousands of people have been preparing for the big race on Sunday, and it looks like the huge crowds and the runners have the weather on their side as the Met Office forecasts sunshine and warmth.
Runners and supporters alike should lather on plenty of sun cream as temperatures are expected to reach up to 21°C during the height of the race.
A Met Office spokesperson told Metro: ‘High pressure will be building this weekend with temperatures also rising.
‘A fine and dry day to come in London for this year’s London Marathon on Sunday with sunny spells.
‘Highs could reach up to 21°C.’
Those wearing impressive costumes – a tradition at the marathon each year – might get extra sweaty, and like all runners, they should remember to drink plenty. This year’s costumes include a full firefighter’s uniform and a tent.
The marathon will kick off at 8.50am when the elite wheelchairs start, followed by elite women and men when the temperature will still be a cooler 12°C.
Then the general runners will set off between 9.35am and 11.30am.
The temperature will peak in the afternoon around 4pm, but the mercury could hover around 20°C well into the evening.
Running in the inner city can also feel extra hot due to the concrete and metal surfaces if there are no trees, so any shade will be welcome.
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Thanks to the ray of sunshine and reduced cloud coverage at midday, the UV index could reach up to 5, which is moderate.
It means people should not spend too much time in the sun unprotected and ‘sunscreen advised,’ the Met Office says.
The bad news?
If you are suffering from hay fever already this season, prepare for the ‘high pollen’ warning in place on Sunday in London.
This year’s marathon on April 27 could see a record number of runners take on the 26.2-mile challenge, with over 56,000 people expected to race on the day.
Last year, more than 50,000 runners competed on the course from Greenwich to Buckingham Palace.
If you get thirsty and want to get in the marathon mood, beer lovers have put together a map showing where you can stop for a pint every two miles along the route.
It might come in handy for spectators after you’re done cheering the runners on for the day.
As for the runners, many brands are offering freebies and discounts this weekend ranging from pasta in Soho to free TfL travel on Sunday.
This year’s race hasn’t even started and it’s already time to plan for the London Marathon 2026 as the ballot registration opens on Friday.
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