London Marathon

Charter a Private Jet to the London Marathon

Every spring, tens of thousands of runners make their way around the Thames River in the London Marathon.

The 26-mile race keeps growing in popularity. In 1981, its inaugural year, 20,000 runners applied to run and about 6,300 crossed the finish line. Almost a quarter of a million applied for the 2016 race with 50,000 expected to participate.

We Can Get You There

If you are a runner or want to watch a runner in the marathon, Paramount Business Jets can arrange a charter flight for you into any nearby London airport, including:

• London Heliport, EGLW, London, United Kingdom (3 miles)
• London City Airport, EGLC, LCY, London, United Kingdom (8 miles)
• Northolt Airport, EGWU, NHT, Northolt, United Kingdom (13 miles)
• Biggin Hill Airport, EGKB, BQH, Biggin Hill, United Kingdom (14 miles)
• Heathrow, EGLL, LHR, London, United Kingdom (14 miles)
• Stapleford, EGSG, Stapleford Tawney, United Kingdom (16 miles)
• Denham, EGLD, Denham, United Kingdom (17 miles)
• Fairoaks, EGTF, Chobham, United Kingdom (22 miles)
• Gatwick Airport, EGKK, LGW, London, United Kingdom (25 miles)
• Luton Airport, EGGW, LTN, London (Luton), United Kingdom (27 miles)

Race Q&As

When was the first London Marathon?

March 29, 1981. It has been held every spring since then.

How are participants chosen?

Since many more runners apply than can be accommodated, lucky participants are selected in a random lottery. Runners sign up over a pre-determined time period months before the actual race. In 2016, 247,000 signed up for about 38,000 slots. There are actually places for about 50,000. The balance of the runner slots are for those running for charity.

Is the race a big charity event?

Absolutely. The London Marathon Charitable Trust uses money raised – more than $80 million in the 35 years the race has been run – to provide grants to recreational projects in London and surrounding areas.

In addition, runners competing for the charities of their choice have raised more than $1 billion.

How many are first-time marathoners?

More than 135,000 first-timers applied to run in 2016. That’s considered a victory by marathon promoters who see the race as a way to increase interest in the sport of marathon running.

How many runners are women?

About 42 percent of the applicants in 2016 were women.

Runners of the 2013 London Marathon

For The Runners

Adventure journalist Tobias Mews, who has run in more than 30 marathons, including six in London, wrote a story for the London Telegraph detailing the 10 things a runner should know before the marathon. So, out of the horse’s mouth, here are some valuable tips:

• Train well.Here is a comprehensive guide on how to plan and prepare for your marathon run.
• Getting to and from the race is not easy. Public transportation is free for runners, all 50,000 of them. That’s a lot of people to cram into a train car.
• Mind your pees … there are many more people wanting to use portable toilets than there are portable toilets. Keep that in mind as you pass up a place to relieve yourself.
• … and queues. The idea of having lines of people cheering for you sounds more fun than it actually is. The noise level in some spots is almost deafening. And, a wall of shouting, beer-drinking spectators can give a person agoraphobia.
• And your toenails and nipples, too. Tender spots of your body need care. The friction that running causes between your clothes (and shoes) and your skin can cause great pain and suffering after the race. Make sure to protect yourself.

For The Spectator

There are good viewing spots and places to avoid for the million spectators expected to watch the race.

These downloadable maps will help you find the best places to watch the 26-mile flat course race around the Thames River.

• Make sure you have your runner’s race number. It is the easiest way to keep track of them. An app to track your runner is available at the online app store.
• Thirsty? Look for pubs along the route that are open or have drink specials during the race.
• Most roads are closed so plan on using public transportation. And remember, the runners ride free (packing the transport system) so leave early or start walking.
• Travel light. Pack only what you need for hours of standing and walking. And leave valuables at home.
• Dress comfortably. Walking shoes are a must for a typical sunny, rainy, windy day in London.
• Be prepared to walk long distances. And not just on flat land. Expect stairs and escalators and think twice before bringing kids in strollers that you have to lug.
• Avoid these busy areas: Greenwich town center, the Cutty Sark and Tower Bridge.

Picture 1 Source

Picture 2 Source