Here’s the secret: walking the London Marathon is a different kind of achievement. Runners are focused on their heart rate and their split times. Walkers? You get to soak in every single landmark. You’ll pass Big Ben, the Tower Bridge, and the Cutty Sark at a pace that lets you actually look up and smile. You’ll hear the bagpipers at Mile 15 and see the crowds on The Highway, which is basically a street party. Isn’t that more fun than gasping for air?
Walking the London Marathon - Ramblers
Also, you’re not alone. The last finisher often gets the biggest cheer, and the event has a strict cut-off time of around 7 to 8 hours from the start of the last wave. But honestly, the organisers are super supportive of walkers. They know it’s a challenge, and they keep the route open for you. The hardest part isn’t the time, it’s the mindset. Can you keep moving for eight hours when your feet and back start complaining? That’s the real test, and it’s a mental victory as much as a physical one.
Final Tip: Plan for the “Wall”
Just like runners, walkers hit a wall. Usually around Mile 20, your body will scream, “Why are we still doing this?” That’s normal. But the crowds at the end? They’re like a drug. You’ll hear your name, see the finish line, and suddenly those last two miles feel like a victory lap. So, to answer the question simply: plan for 8 to 9 hours, but don’t be surprised if you finish in 7 or take a bit longer.
And if you ever do it, take a moment to smile at the 26th mile marker. You’ll have walked the same path as thousands of others, and you’ll have a story—and a very shiny medal—to prove it. So, what are you waiting for? Your feet are ready, even if your couch isn’t.
