The London Marathon ends on The Mall. That’s the grand, red-coated avenue that leads straight up to Buckingham Palace.
Imagine this: you’ve just run 26.2 miles. Your knees are having a private argument with your ankles. And then you turn a corner and see that massive, iconic sweep of tarmac leading to the Queen’s gaff. It’s basically the royal red carpet for your blistered feet.
The official timing mats and the famous finish line gantry are placed just past the Queen Victoria Memorial. It’s that huge, golden statue of a lady sitting on a throne, right at the roundabout in front of the Palace gates. That’s your spot. You don’t stop in front of the Palace doors (security wouldn’t love that), but you get close enough to wave a wobbly hand at the balcony.
The Little-Known "Kiss Me" Sign
Fun fact: there’s a specific sign near the end that’s become legendary. It’s a simple, laminated piece of cardboard that says “Kiss Me, I’m finished.” It’s held up by a volunteer who has seen more sweat and tears than a Victorian laundry.
Runners who see it often burst into hysterical laughter or a final sob of joy. It’s not an official landmark, but for many, it’s the emotional finish line. If you manage to get a kiss there, you’ve won the day.
After you cross the line, you don’t just stop dead. Oh no. You get herded like a very tired sheep into Horse Guards Parade. That’s the big gravelly square behind the Admiralty Arch, normally full of soldiers. Now it’s full of people trying to bend down to take their trainers off and failing miserably.
Marathon Finish Line Photos
