London Marathon, Travel Disruptions 2018

19 Apr 2018

The London Marathon is an annual event that sees around 40,000 athletes run 26.2 miles from, Blackheath, to The Mall. The Marathon is set to begin with the elite wheelchair athletes at 08:55 local time on the 22 April 2018. Road closures are expected to be in place from 20 April 2018. The Queen is set to start the 38th London Marathon from the grounds of Windsor Castle. A number of celebrities and elite athletes will take part in the race, increasing the demand for spectators during this event. Many local businesses have planned for live music and drink stations. With temperatures set to rise, parks and local pubs are expected to be frequented by both residents and tourists.

Key Points

  • The annual London Marathon is set to take place on 22 April 2018.
  • Up to 40,000 people will take part in the 26.2-mile athletic race around the capital.
  • Multiple road closures and heightened levels of security personnel are expected over the weekend.
  • The 2018 Marathon is expected to be the hottest race on record.

Situational Summary

Travel Information: The London Marathon is an annual event that sees around 40,000 athletes run 26.2 miles from, Blackheath, to The Mall. The Marathon is set to begin with the elite wheelchair athletes at 08:55 local time on the 22 April 2018. Road closures are expected to be in place from 20 April 2018. The Queen is set to start the 38th London Marathon from the grounds of Windsor Castle. A number of celebrities and elite athletes will take part in the race, increasing the demand for spectators during this event. Many local businesses have planned for live music and drink stations. With temperatures set to rise, parks and local pubs are expected to be frequented by both residents and tourists.

The route for the Marathon will see the first seven miles cover Blackheath to Woolwich and Greenwich. Miles eight to 22 will follow on to The Tower Of London and The Isle of Dogs with the final 23 to 26 miles covering London Bridge and The Mall.

Railway strikes are scheduled to take place across London during the Marathon, specifically along the Docklands Light Railway (DLR). The limited rail services combined with the high levels of expected visitors to the event are likely to cause severe travel disruptions. There will be limited parking across London during the marathon and a number of road closures in place. Heightened security will be implemented across the capital ahead of, and during the event, including additional bag searches and sniffer dogs.

Solace Global Comment

Travel and disruptions

Although spectators often gather along the complete route, there are a number of hot spots that are highly likely to be overcrowded including Greenwich town centre, Cutty Sark and Tower Bridge. Travel around or through these areas is  likely to be challenging and time consuming. Public transport into Greenwich is also expected to experience disruptions and overcrowding. A majority of spectators are anticipated to gather to meet the runners at the finish line on the Horse Guards road.

The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) should be avoided where possible. A planned four-day strike over the 20-24 April 2018 will result in extremely limited services. Rail services that are running are expected to be busy and seats will be in high demand.

As highlighted in the above map, road closures are expected across Isle of Dogs, Greenwich Foot Tunnel, St James’s Park and Canary Warf until the late hours of the 22 April. Residents in the Rotherhithe and Wapping areas are to expect road closures and cancelled public transport. Designated vehicle crossing points will be available across the marathon route and security checks should be expected. Full details on cordons and closures can be found on the official London Marathon website. Travellers are advised to avoid all road closures and ensure they allow for additional time for travel.

Safety and Security

The 2018 London Marathon is set to be the hottest on record. With temperatures predicted to reach around 21 degrees Celsius. Travellers should ensure they have plenty of water to keep hydrated, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing to avoid heatstroke or illness. Weather advice for both runners and spectators will be provided at the event from marathon officials.

Large crowds and busy public transport is likely to pose a crime and safety risk for travellers. Pickpocketing and bag snatching is frequently reported across London, in particular on public transport. Large crowds and a reduced awareness of belongings may allow for travellers to become victims of petty theft. Although no protests have been planned over the 22 April, large crowds could result in civil unrest and if alcohol is involved some small-scale fights are likely to take place.

Live music, drink stations and local public houses will be popular during the event. Warm weather and day time drinking is expected across London. Travellers who will be day drinking or attending the local bars should be aware that drink spiking can occur at any time and situational awareness should be maintained.

Although the marathon heavily relies on stewards to help facilitate movements, undercover and armed police officers will be deployed across London as security is expected to be on high alert against terror attacks. Increased security is often implemented at events of this scale however following recent arrests of planning attacks in Germany and earlier attacks in London itself additional anti-terror squads and police officers will be deployed. Travellers should expect bag searches and should comply with any advice or instruction from local authorities. Travellers should ensure that they are familiar with the RUN – HIDE – TELL – FIGHT procedures in the event that an attack does occur.

SECURITY ADVICE

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Travellers are advised that although this even is often trouble-free, some risks remain. It is advisable to avoid areas of overcrowding to reduce the risk of being a victim of crime or injury. It is important that situational awareness is maintained should there be any suspicious activity, or outbreaks of civil unrest. Any crowds that appear to become agitated should be avoided. Travellers should be sure to avoid any overt signs of wealth and keep all valuables such as money out of sight. A police officer should be informed of any concerns, crimes, or suspicious activity. All police instructions should be adhered fully as they are likely to be on high alert.

Travellers attending the local public houses and drink stations should keep an eye on their drinks at all times to mitigate against the risks of potential drink spiking.

Travellers should be prepared for fluctuation of British weather and come prepared with water and sunscreen, travellers should also stay updated with the local weather forecast to understand if wet weather clothing will be required.

All travelers within the highlighted area above are advised to expect  excessive travel delays. It is advisable to consider rearranging any planned travel to the London area or allowing additional time for travel.

Solace Global would not advise clients of the need to employ enhanced security measures when visiting the United Kingdom however a locally vetted driver can help mitigate against travel disruptions and petty theft in crowded areas. Travellers may wish to use travel-tracking technology with an intelligence feed to stay updated of any security-related events.

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