RunBlogRun opines: The marathons will both be held on August 6, which is Sunday! RunBlogRun will be everywhere, providing you photos, updates. All you have to do is follow us on FB, Twitter and Instagram. Get the inside view on the two championship marathons from one place! See you soon!
Tsegay, Ghebrselassie, Mutai, medalists from Beijing 2015 WC, photo by PhotoRun.net
The news release below highlights the uniqueness of the marathon courses and viewing options. Please find link for Marathon course pdf here: MAP_Marathon_Public.pdf
HISTORIC FIRSTS CONFIRMED AHEAD OF IAAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS LONDON 2017 MARATHONS
- First time both the men’s and women’s marathons will take place on the same day at an IAAF World Championships
- One of most scenic marathon courses ever at an IAAF World Championships with the whole route perfect for spectator viewing
- First ever event at an IAAF World Championships to start and finish alongside a World Heritage Site
- First ever purpose-built Marathon Spectator Area for the event, located inside the moat of the famous Tower of London
- First time ever at the Championships that marathon medals will be presented to winners outside of the main athletics stadium
In an IAAF World Championships first this Sunday, fans and spectators will have the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with both the men’s and women’s marathons as organisers outline plans for the historic and landmark filled showcase.
The 26.2mile route will create history by starting and finishing at one of London’s most iconic landmarks, Tower Bridge, marking the first time an IAAF World Championship marathon has finished alongside a World Heritage Site.
The marathon course is a loop course, which will consist of four 10km loops on closed roads, giving spectators a free and intimate view of the world’s best athletes on multiple occasions across the entire route.
Starting at Tower Bridge, the course heads west along Victoria Embankment towards another iconic London landmark, the Houses of Parliament, then back alongside the edge of the River Thames to take in the sights of the City including St Paul’s Cathedral, The Guildhall and the Bank of England. All points offer great viewing for spectators.
Located opposite Tower Bridge will be a special Marathon Spectator Area built within the famous moat of the Tower of London. This non-ticketed, 1,700 capacity area will offer fans and spectators grandstand seating, picnic tables and deck chairs as well as catering concessions.
Open from 10am, live footage and commentary will run throughout the duration of both marathons on a dedicated big screen before a fitting ending to an historic day. Both medal ceremonies will take place at the Marathon Spectator Area at the Tower of London, which will be the first time in Championships history that they have ever been awarded outside the main athletics stadium.
Niels de Vos, London 2017 Ltd Championship Director, said: “Creating a purpose-built spectator area will ensure that this Sunday athletics fans can experience the excitement of both marathons in a truly one of a kind setting. It is a milestone moment for the event and we hope as many people as possible can come out and line the whole course and show their support for all of the athletes competing.”
The IAAF World Championships London 2017 marathon joins the Festival of Race Walks on the final day (August 13) in being held in some of London’s most iconic landmarks. The men’s marathon will start at 10:55 and the women’s marathon will start at 14:00.
With 14 track and field sessions also taking place in the London Stadium, the Championships is the biggest event to be staged at the venue since the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games with 2,000 athletes from 200 nations set to compete.
For further information on the marathons, including a video overview of the course and a map, visit the official Championships website here.
For the latest travel news and advise relating to the marathon visit the Transport for London websitehere.
