If you’ve ever spectated the London Marathon, or any other huge city race for that matter, you’ll know how stressful it can be to trying to spot a runner you know on the course. This is especially true if this runner is a loved one who has spent months training for this magical race day moment – it’s their big time to shine, after all.
Thankfully, the London Marathon has its own official app which enables you to follow the live progress of not just one but many runners taking part in the race. That way, if you’re cheering on specific people from the roadside, you’ll know exactly where to stand along the London Marathon route – and when.
Even better, if you’re unable to make it to London on the day, you can still use the app to track and cheer on London Marathon runners from afar.
When can I download the 2025 London Marathon tracker app?
The 2025 London Marathon tracker app is now available to download for iPhone and Android from the App Store and Google Play, respectively – and both runners and supporters can use it on their devices. If you still have the app for the 2024 London Marathon on your phone, you’ll need to delete this before downloading the 2025 version.
How do I use the London Marathon tracker app?
Rest assured – even if you’re a technophobe, the London Marathon tracker app is very easy to use.
If you’re a supporter, simply go to the tracking section and search for a participant using either their name or their bib number. Then, hit ‘add’ to include them on your tracking list. The good news is that you can track an unlimited number of participants – and that includes celebrities and elite athletes.
The app will notify you each time a tracked runners hits a 5K split. It will also give you their predicted finish time, based on their current pace.
If your runner is carrying a phone, they may choose to share their live location – which is tracked via GPS instead of the chip attached to the bib number – with up to three spectators. That way, these spectators can follow the runner’s progress continually, in real time, rather than just at the 5K splits.
The app will also include the Wayfinder feature, which enables spectators to identify when tracked participants are likely to reach specific landmarks along the route. Wayfinder offers detailed information about each landmark and gives spectators live directions to them, using public transport or by foot, via Google Maps or Apple Maps.
What other features can I find on the London Marathon app?
Updated: 17 April 2025.
For starters, everyone taking part in the race can use the ‘Augmented Reality’ feature to scan their bib number and receive an inspirational pre-marathon message to get them in the mood for running 26.2 miles. The messages of goodwill continue during the race, too, thanks to the ‘Belief Booster’ function. As in previous years, this fun feature allows app users to write and send encouraging words to participants, many of which are then displayed on LED screens near the halfway point and at the finish line on The Mall. To make sure that these messages aren’t missed, participants receive all their unique Belief Booster messages by email after the race.
The app is also a great fundraising tool. As in previous years, anyone using this year’s London Marathon app can donate to charitable causes via links to runners’ donation pages.
Finally, on race day, you can use the app to check out the elite leaderboard and search results.
How else can I spot specific runners at the London Marathon?
If you want to be doubly sure that you’ll spot your runner along the London Marathon course, it might be worth noting down their predicted mile splits – especially if they're going for a certain time. This will help you to guesstimate when you might see them at certain points.
Another handy tip is to look out for the pacer flags and use those as a gauge on general progress. If you know that someone is following the 3:45 pacer, for example, then you’ll know to get ready to look out for them shortly after the 3:30 pacer runs past.
Making yourself obvious is also a great way to make sure that all your tracking pays off – so think big banners, a bright outfit and loud cheers. Your runner can help, too, by letting you know their What to get for FREE with a London Marathon medal in advance.
