There’s something rather magical about marathon morning in Blackheath. Every year, thousands of runners gather, each carrying their own story and their own reasons for taking on those legendary 26.2 miles through our capital’s streets. And on Sunday, 27 April 2025, the TCS London Marathon returns, with The Clarendon Hotel standing ready, as it has for generations, right beside the start line.
For those fortunate enough to secure a place in this historic race, The Clarendon Hotel offers a uniquely placed base for your marathon weekend. We’ve been part of countless runners’ marathon stories, providing a calm space to rest and prepare before the big day.
Stay in Blackheath – Close to all the Action
The gentle walk from The Clarendon to the start line has become something of a marathon morning ritual. While others set early alarms to navigate stressful morning transport across London, our guests find themselves enjoying those precious extra moments of rest, knowing they’re already exactly where they need to be!
Your Pre-Race Preparation Made Simple
All participants must collect their Event Packs, including race bibs, from the TCS London Marathon Running Show, held at ExCeL London between Wednesday, 23 April, and Saturday, 26 April 2025. The Clarendon offers convenient access to ExCeL, so you can pick up your pack without hassle and immerse yourself in the pre-race excitement.
Getting to ExCeL from The Clarendon
There are several ways to travel between The Clarendon and ExCeL London, depending on your preference:
- Uber or Taxi: A quick and convenient choice, the journey takes around 20–25 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Bus and DLR: Take the 108 bus from Blackheath to North Greenwich, then transfer to the DLR for a direct route to ExCeL.
- Cable Cars at The O2: For a unique and scenic experience, take the bus to North Greenwich, then hop on the Emirates Air Line cable cars to Royal Victoria Dock. From there, it’s a short walk to ExCeL.
- Driving: For those with a car, ExCeL has plenty of parking, and the journey takes about 20 – 25 minutes.
Once you’ve picked up your race number and soaked in the pre-race atmosphere, you can head back to the calm of The Clarendon to relax and prepare for the exciting challenge ahead.
A Home for Race Weekend
Marathon weekends always have their own rhythm, and over the years we’ve come to understand exactly what matters. Our kitchen serves breakfast that provides the sustenance needed for those 26.2 miles, while our peaceful rooms become a sanctuary for that all-important pre-race rest.
After crossing the finish line, many runners make their way back to celebrate in our restaurant, sharing stories over seasonal British dishes and well-earned refreshments!
Supporting the Supporters
But the London Marathon is about more than just the runners (though they’re a pretty important part of it!). The event brings together friends and family who’ve shared every step of the training journey. From The Clarendon supporters can witness the spectacular start, then return for a relaxed breakfast or coffee before heading out to their chosen spectating spots. Throughout the day, our lounge often becomes a gathering place, filled with stories of spotting runners and planning the next cheering station – the perfect place to soak up that marathon spirit.
Why Choose The Clarendon?
The London Marathon transforms our capital into a celebration of human achievement, and The Clarendon places you at the heart of it all. Our elegant, historic hotel combines comfort with convenience, while our friendly team understands exactly what runners and their supporters need.
Given how quickly accommodation near the start line gets booked up, we recommend securing your room early. Whether you’re running, supporting, or simply soaking up the incredible atmosphere, The Clarendon promises to make your marathon weekend truly memorable.