How Long Does It Take To Walk London Marathon

So, you’re thinking about the London Marathon. Maybe you’ve watched it on TV, seen the runners in their colorful outfits, and wondered, “Could I do that?” It’s a fair question, and the first one that pops up is usually: how long does it actually take to walk it? The official distance is 26.2 miles, which sounds like a long stroll through a city. And honestly, it is a long stroll, just with a lot of cheering and some seriously impressive costumes.

Let’s get the obvious out of the way: walking the whole thing will take you way longer than running it. While elite runners finish in just over two hours, a relaxed walker is looking at a very different timeline. The average walking speed for most people is about three miles per hour. Do the math, 26.2 miles divided by 3 mph, and you get roughly eight and a half to nine hours. But wait, don’t let that number scare you! That’s pure walking time without any breaks. In reality, you’ll need to factor in toilet stops, water stations, and that moment you stop to take a photo of a runner dressed as a telephone box.

The Real-World Walking Time

Most charity walkers, the ones who aren’t speed demons but are determined to finish, aim for a time between 7 and 9 hours. This is a pace of about 15 to 20 minutes per mile, which is a brisk but comfortable walk. Think of it like a full day at a theme park, except you’re the main attraction and the queues are for portaloos instead of roller coasters. It’s a long day, sure, but it’s also a day filled with incredible energy.

If you’re a power walker or someone who naturally takes long strides, you could shave an hour or two off that estimate. There are people who finish in under 7 hours by keeping a steady, fast pace. But here’s the cool part: the goal isn’t really about the clock. The London Marathon is famous for its amazing crowd support, and stopping for high-fives or to read funny signs is part of the experience. If you rush, you miss the vibe, you know?

How Does It Compare to Other Things?

To give you a fun comparison, walking the London Marathon is like walking from Hyde Park to the Tower of London about four times. Or, it’s roughly the same distance as a full day of shopping at IKEA, but with better snacks and no flat-pack furniture. Another way to think about it: it’s about the length of 300 football pitches lined up end-to-end. That’s a lot of grass, but at least you get a medal at the end, not just a receipt.

Wondering if you could do it in a day? Absolutely. Most people who walk the marathon start between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM, and if they keep a steady pace, they’ll cross the finish line by 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM. That’s a solid 8- or 9-hour shift on your feet. It’s like a very long workday, only you’re outside, moving, and strangers are handing you jelly babies. It’s oddly satisfying.

Why It’s Actually Cool to Walk It

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?

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.