Remember last year when you tried to drive to Ikea on marathon day? It took you two hours to go one mile. Don’t be that person. The map is your friend. It protects you from your own optimistic driving habits.
Security Notifications - Marble Arch London
Think of the road closures like a special edition of the Tube map. They remove certain lines to give you a better experience elsewhere. You might discover a cute little bakery on a side street you never noticed. Suddenly, you’re eating a croissant and watching runners high-five children. It’s better than Ikea.
The closures start from early morning, usually around 6:00 am. By midday, some roads open back up. The very last roads, near The Mall, stay shut until the last runner (and the last dustcart) goes through. Check the specific times on the official map. It’s like a treasure map that tells you exactly when the treasure will stop blocking the bus lane.
The Social Side: How to Not Be a Grump
I know, I know. “But I have to get to my yoga class in Woolwich!” I get it. We all have things to do. But on this one Sunday, the city is doing something amazing. Embrace the detour.
Instead of driving, walk. Take the Tube (which runs fine, by the way). The DLR and the Overground are excellent. You will see people in foil capes. You will see a man running dressed as a phone box. You cannot be in a bad mood while looking at a running phone box.
If you live on the route, you have a front-row seat. You can bring out a hose for cooling down runners. You can hand out orange slices. You become a local hero. It’s way more fun than worrying about parking.
