2025 TCS Mini London Marathon – Your Quick Guide

If you’ve been scrolling through marathon calendars, the 2025 TCS Mini London Marathon is probably the event that caught your eye. It’s shorter than the full marathon, but the excitement and crowd vibe are just as big. Below you’ll find everything you need to know to sign up, train, and enjoy race day without any hassle.

How to Register and Key Dates

First things first – you can’t run the race without a bib, so grab yours early. Registration opens on 1 May 2025 and closes on 15 July 2025. Early‑bird tickets cost £45, while the standard price is £55. If you’re a charity runner, you’ll get a 10 % discount, and the extra money goes straight to the cause you choose. Keep an eye on the official TCS Mini London Marathon site for any last‑minute extensions; they sometimes pop up when spots open up.

Route Highlights and What to Expect

The 13‑mile course starts at the iconic London Eye, rolls through Southbank, and loops past the Tower Bridge before finishing at the historic Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. You’ll get a mix of flat river stretches and a few gentle climbs near the Docklands, which keeps the race interesting without over‑taxing beginners. Spectators line the streets, especially around the bridge and the final sprint – a perfect boost when the legs start to feel heavy.

Weather in September can be tricky. Expect temperatures between 12 °C and 20 °C, with a chance of light rain. Dress in moisture‑wicking layers and bring a lightweight waterproof jacket you can toss in a belt pouch. Most runners find a hat and sunglasses useful for the early morning sun.

Training Tips for the Mini Distance

Because the Mini Marathon is shorter than the full 26.2 miles, you can follow a 10‑week plan that mixes three runs a week with one long run that builds from 5 km to 20 km. Include one day of cross‑training – cycling or swimming – to protect your knees. Warm‑up with dynamic stretches (leg swings, high knees) before each session and cool down with static stretches to avoid tightness.

Fueling matters even for a 13‑mile race. Eat a carb‑rich snack (like a banana or a granola bar) about 90 minutes before the start, and carry a gel or sports drink for the halfway point. Hydration stations are placed every 3 km, so you don’t need a full bottle on your belt.

Charity Options and Fundraising

One of the best parts of the TCS Mini London Marathon is the charity platform. Over 150 charities are listed, from youth sport groups to medical research foundations. You can set a personal fundraising target, and the race website provides a ready‑made page to collect donations. Tips for success: share a short video telling why the cause matters to you, and use social media challenges to engage friends.

Race‑Day Logistics

Arrive at the start area by 07:00 am to pick up your bib, safety pins, and a race packet that includes a timing chip. The start line opens at 08:30 am, and the event runs until 12:30 pm. If you’re using public transport, the nearest tube stations are Waterloo (Jubilee & Northern lines) and Canary Wharf (DLR). Bike racks are available, but they fill up fast, so consider a drop‑off point if you’re coming from outside London.

After you cross the finish line, grab a free recovery drink and a snack from the finish‑line tent. Your timing results will be emailed within 24 hours, and you’ll receive a digital medal to share on social media – a nice bragging right for the next coffee chat.

With the right prep, the 2025 TCS Mini London Marathon can be a personal highlight and a chance to support a good cause. Register, train smart, and enjoy the classic London scenery as you run. See you on the streets of London this September!