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Everything you need to enjoy the London Marathon in Canary Wharf

It’s a race to the finish line as the 2024 London Marathon approaches on Sunday 21st April. For those taking part we’re heading into the final weeks of training, while those cheering from the sidelines will want to pick their spots to maximise the view. Before, during and after the race, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your experience in Canary Wharf.

Getting race ready: Where to train for the London Marathon

There’s a reason more than 50,000 runners and thousands of spectators line the streets of London for the annual marathon event, and if you’re amongst those taking part then you’ll want to be race ready asap. To give yourself that final boost, Canary Wharf is filled with inspiration and opportunities to workout inside and out. Go for a lunchtime jog along the Thames Path or get the blood pumping with expert trainers like these:

Marathon motivation at Barry’s

A boot camp like no other, Barry’s is known for its LA-style training, especially when it comes to its treadmill classes. Masters of pushing you to the limit, their high-octane energy gives you the motivating boost of group running, combined with plyometrics to build muscle power and improve your form.

Personal best at Ultimate Performance

Described as the ‘world’s best personal training experience’, Ultimate Performance could be just the USP you need to get that personal best this year. With a space at Wood Wharf, they’ve also now come to Cabot Place because they’re in such high demand. Using time-tested methods and accountability systems, they’re dedicated to achieving ‘maximum results, minimum time’. Prepare for the performance of your lifetime.

Sweat it out at Third Space

Bringing you workouts, personal training and classes at a world-class level, Third Space Canary Wharf invites you to enjoy 100,000 square feet and three floors of training space to get race ready. Join one of their 280 weekly classes, take advantage of their state-of-the-art training facilities and work out any kinks in the Medical Centre and Spa – you’ve got this.

Speedy style: Where to shop for sportswear

All the gear, and hopefully some idea of what you’re doing, performance wear not only helps you look and feel the part on marathon day, but it also supports your wellbeing. Lowering wind resistance, reducing chafing and blisters, maintaining a steading body temperature, supporting your muscles and joints, keeping your body in the correct position and reducing fatigue, here are some of our top recommendations.

ASICS: made for marathons

Widely known for being the runners’ footwear brand of choice, ASICS trainers are known for their neutral cushioning and their curved or semi-curved shape, designed to flow with your gait cycle. Making sure you’re comfortable and supported as you move, they’re probably your most important clothing item … just make sure you wear them in first!

lululemon at high-performance

Hailing from Vancouver, lululemon has become the trademark of the sophisticated fitness fan, and they are precisely the clothing partner you want on side when you have a big race ahead of you. Stylish but also ultra supportive, they blend function and fashion using technical fabrics for streamlined, weightless comfort.

Something for everyone at JD Sports

JD Sports has made a name for itself as the place that has just about everything when it comes to sportswear, from seasonal style to performance fabrics. Providing men’s and women’s clothing and footwear, whether you want a new pair of trainers or running shorts, are a Nike fan or an Adidas devotee, they’ve got everything you need all in one place.

Smart style at John Lewis

Whether you’re looking for that Garmin Smartwatch, at home training equipment or sportswear from the likes of Pocket Sport and Roberto Sports, John Lewis has you covered. Their activewear ranges are designed to help you reach your full potential and to feel good doing it, from leggings and sports bras to shorts and sweatshirts. Embrace your inner athlete and find a style that’s as smart as you.

Champion views: reasons to watch the London Marathon in Canary Wharf

For those who have friends and loved ones running on 21st April, as well as those who simply want to be an enthusiastic observer of all the energy, camaraderie and friendly competition, Canary Wharf is one of the best places in town to watch events unfold.

The race runs from Greenwich, circling Canary Wharf and then carrying on along the Thames, past the Tower of London through Trafalgar Square and onto The Mall before finishing in front of Buckingham Palace. That means Canary Wharf is in a pivotal spot for cheering people on at around mile 19 of the race – exactly when they need all that feel good factor to carry them through.

Thankfully, we have some wonderful places to stand by, keeping your energy up while you watch, wait, and give it your all. As if that wasn’t enough, the Wharf also has:

• Plenty of places to eat and drink with lots of fantastic offers and promotions valid for race day.
• Exceptional views of the race from different vantage points along the route.
• It’s exactly the point where runners need your support.
• Great atmosphere to be part of.
• Plenty of toilets available in the malls and close to most of the outside spaces, including accessible facilities, especially at Canada Place and Churchill Place.
• It’s a great spot for your competing loved ones to come and meet you afterwards to refuel in style.
• Excellent transport links to get here and get home afterwards via the Elizabeth line, Jubilee Line, DLR and Thames Clipper by Uber, which can take you to any one of 24 piers along the Thames between Barking Riverside Pier and Putney Pier.

Fast food: where to eat on race day

Running out of energy? Rest and refuel from start to finish on race day with pre-event snacks and post-run pick-me-ups whether you’re dining with the whole family or looking for a quick bite on the go. There are more than 70 restaurants and bars to choose from, all serving up a feast. Here are a few ideas to take you from dawn ‘til dusk with lots of special offers and promotions dedicated to the big day.

Family fuel

You can really work up an appetite watching all that running, so for those enjoying a day at the races with loved ones it’s just as well that there’s lots of opportunity to find fuel the whole family will enjoy. Tuck into Mexican market eating at Wahaca, grab comfort food (and a free scoop of ice cream) at Emilia’s Crafted Pasta or enjoy legendary PERi-PERi chicken at Nando’s. Gallio, Franco Manca, Patty&Bun and Wagamama are on hand for tasty fare throughout the day, while Obicà – Mozzarella Bar, Pizza e Cucina offers 15% off the total bill for customers dining in on London Marathon Day. Grab a slice of sunshine at Feels Like June and plant-based perfection at mallow. Find full details, terms and conditions for all offers by downloading the Canary Wharf App.

Relax with a roast

Whether you’ve been running or cheering, it’s tiring work out there, and a Sunday roast could be just what you need to refuel and recover. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered with some of the best in the business when it comes to this classic foodie favourite. Head to Hawksmoor Wood Wharf for award-winning roast beef, Blacklock for great value chophouse style, the popular ‘Creedy Carver’ Chicken at No. 35 Mackenzie Walk, Pergola on the Wharf for a soulful Sunday brunch or Boisdale for a celebratory experience complete with 18-hour slow roast dry-aged rib of beef, York­shire pud­dings and goose fat roast pota­toes.

On the move

If you want to grab and go to watch the next stretch of the race, then there’s plenty of places to get a bite and take it to find the best view. Choose from Subway to Greggs to Leon,or The Breakfast Club which will be hosting special offers including a takeaway butty and a hot drink for £6. For one day only the Waitrose cafe will be offering a free children’s lunch bag when you purchase an adult meal from midday until 4pm, and MMy Wood Wharf at Mercato Metropolitano also has an amazing £5 lunch deal available on Marathon day from 11am to 5pm.

Caffeine high

Of course, a day like this couldn’t go by without a high-quality caffeine fix, and we have some perennial favourites as well as new kids on the block when it comes to coffee shops. Visit WatchHouse for seasonal coffees and food, or Grind for delicious blends as well as pastries, sandwiches, juices and smoothies. 640East now has two locations in Canary Wharf thanks to its premium specialty coffee by day and cocktail offering by night, and Blank Street delivers a clean, natural high at affordable prices at Canada Place.

No sweat: where to recover after the marathon

Recovery is just as important as training when it comes to marathons, and those runners definitely deserve some rest after all that hard work. Helping you to recover better, faster and hopefully a little easier, here are some of Canary Wharf’s self-care superheroes you have to visit.

Sports rehab at Third Space Spa

Relax and unwind in style after all that running by booking a massage dedicated to sports rehabilitation at Third Space Spa before you head home. Your body will thank you tomorrow.

Musculoskeletal wellness at Freedom Clinics

All that running can be hard on the joints, but the pros at Freedom Clinics know how to help. Whether you want to see a sports physician, osteopath, physio, chiropractor, or have a massage, the multi-disciplinary clinic has a range of musculoskeletal services available to get you back up and running. They’re also offering an incredible 50% discount on your initial appointment for select services before 30th April.

Chill out at Le Chalet Cryo

Cryotherapy is one of the most popular treatments for sports and fitness fans, helping to reduce inflammation and injury swelling, relieve muscle pain and enhance recovery times. It also happens to be great for the immune system. With that in mind, head to Le Chalet Cryo for Whole Body Cryotherapy and chill out for a bit with their dedicated post run Recover with Le Chalet Cryo offer featuring three cryotherapy sessions for just £99.

Get back your glow at Weather and Palette

The Weather and Palette Skincare Atelier are well known for their facial treatments, using the most renowned skincare brands including Valmont, Dr. Barbara Sturm, Natura Bissé, Skinceuticals and Dermalogica. The perfect pick-me-up to give you back your glow after all that exercise, start with their complementary Skinscope Analysis with bespoke rehydration – simply quote Marathon24 when redeeming the offer.

For full details on special offers and promotions over the marathon weekend, download the Canary Wharf app.