TCS London Marathon AbbottWMM Six Star Journey
NOTE: This package does NOT include an entry. You must secure this on your own.
If you have questions regarding Marathon Tours & Travel’s London Packages please: EMAIL OUR TRIP DESIGNER or CALL 617-242-7845
The TCS London Marathon has become one of the most sought after Abbott World Marathon Majors races. Known for its flat scenic course, world-class competition and excellent organization, this gem of a marathon will have you feeling like royalty when you cross the finish line on the Mall in front of Buckingham Palace.
The first London Marathon was held on March 29, 1981 and more than 20,000 applied to run. From this pool only 6,747 were accepted and 6,255 crossed the finish line on Constitution Hill. Seeing an opportunity to create a unique running experience for our clients, Marathon Tours & Travel immediately established a relationship with the London Marathon team and hosted our first trip in 1982. Entering our 44th year supporting London we are pleased to continue to be the official North American travel agency for the 2025 TCS London Marathon.
Our AbbottWMM Six Star Journey Package is available to anyone who already secured their own entry. This special package includes hotel accommodates at the St. James Hotel, a welcome reception, an optional guided tour of Windsor Castle, guided walking London City Tour with a cruise on the Thames River and visit to the TCS London Marathon Expo, pre-race dinner and post -race celebration. The St. James Hotel is a short walking distance from the finish, as well as iconic places such as St. James Park, Buckingham Palace, and the Houses of Parliament.
The TCS London Marathon is an AbbottWMM Marathon Tours & Travel World Age Group Qualifying Race.
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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Thursday, April 24
Arrive in London and transfer on your own to the St. James Court London Hotel. You will be greeted at the hotel by a team member of Marathon Tours & Travel. The rest of the day is on your own to enjoy the fabulous city of London! This evening enjoy a Welcome Reception with your running peers and meet your Marathon Tours & Travel Host(s).
Friday, April 25
Enjoy a morning city walking tour of London with a local guide that includes a trip down the River Thames. See and experience the splendor of this great city from the relaxed comfort of a modern, purpose-built, all-weather City Cruises Sightseeing boat. Once you reach Tower Pier, we will board our coach bus for a trip to the TCS London Marathon Expo where each runner needs to collect their bib. At your leisure make your own way back to the St. James Court. The rest of the day and evening are on your own. (Breakfast included)
Saturday, April 26
Join us for the optional morning shakeout run around James Park where you can view your future TCS London Marathon Finish area! Today you can choose to have a free day to explore on you own or you can join an optional guided tour of Windsor Castle. The tour of Windsor Castle is $150 per person and must be pre-booked. Tonight we will gather for a pre-race pasta dinner and the camaraderie of your fellow runners. (Breakfast and dinner included)
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Extensions
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Optional Day Tour | Saturday, April 26, 2025
Guided Windsor Castle Tour | $150 per person
Join us on Saturday for an optional day tour of Windsor Castle. As the world’s oldest occupied castle, Windsor Castle offers a rich blend of history, architecture, and royal tradition. Enjoy a guided tour around the castle grounds, where you’ll be able to see the beautiful gardens, changing of the guard, St. George’s Chapel and more!
Duration: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
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Packages & Rates
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London Marathon AbbottWMM Six Star Journey | Deluxe Four-Night Package: April 24 – 28, 2025
Features:
- Four night hotel accommodation
- Buffet Breakfast Daily
- All Hotel Taxes
- Welcome Reception on Thursday, April 24
- Half-Day Guided City Tour (including Expo stop) on Friday, April 25
- Optional Guided Tour of Windsor Castle on Saturday, April 26 ($150 additional cost)
- Pre-Race Pasta Dinner on Saturday, April 26
- Private motor coach transportation for runners to the start
- Post-Race Celebration Reception on Sunday, April 27
- AbbottWMM/MTT swag
- Services of Marathon Tours & Travel staff in London
Please Note:
- This package does NOT include a Guaranteed Race Entry.
- Rates may change due to currency fluctuations and city taxes.
- Upgraded rooms are available upon request.
- Additional nights available upon request.
Not Included:
- International roundtrip airfare to London
- Travel Insurance
- Airport transfers
- Gratuities and tips, unless noted above
- All meals unless noted on itinerary
You should plan to fly in and out of London Heathrow Airport (LHR) or London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian ResidentsRates (all prices are per person in US dollars)
Additional nights available upon request
London Marathon | AbbottWMM Six Star Journey Package Double Occupancy Single Occupancy St. James Court London, A Taj Hotel $2100 per person $3510 Optional Half-Day TourGuided Windsor Castle Tour $150 per person
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Hotels
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St. James, Taj Hotel
St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, London is a discreet Victorian masterpiece, typifying the concealed charm of one of Britain’s finest luxury hotels. Crisp and elegant, with the signature Taj warmth, St. James’ Court strives to make each visit more pleasurable and memorable. Located in central London SW1, the hotel is footsteps from Buckingham Palace and St. James’ Park, walking distance from Westminster and Victoria Station and conveniently close to the West End and Mayfair, perfectly positioned to explore London, for business or pleasure.
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Event Information
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Race Date: April 27, 2025
Start Time: 9:30 AM
Minimum Pace/Cut-Off Time Policy: Competitors will only be eligible for a medal and to feature in the results if they complete the course before the official cut off time which is currently 19:00 on the day of the event (subject to variation at the organizers’ discretion).
Course: The point-to-point course is very flat with only one small rise. The triple start winds out of Greenwich Park and Blackheath Park, loops through Greenwich and across Tower Bridge. Circling Canary Wharf the course runs along the Thames past the Tower of London through Trafalgar Square and onto The Mall where you will finish in front of Buckingham Palace. The course is one of the worlds fastest and previously boasted the women’s world record.
Entry Fee: This package does NOT include a guaranteed entry.
Number Pickup: You must pick up your race bib and packet at the TCS London Marathon Expo. Details can be found here.
Temperature: Average temperatures on race day are between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Awards: Medal and Finisher Shirt are presented at the finish line.
Difficulty: Easy
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Registration & Booking
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Rates: All prices are based on current exchange rates, which may change due to currency fluctuations.
Reservations and Payments: A completed tour application together with a deposit of $500 PER PERSON must be received before confirming your reservations. Final payment must be received before January 15, 2025. Final payments received after January 15, 2025 will be charged a $50 late payment fee.
Cancellations: All payments, including your deposit, are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Non-transferrable includes applying your balance to another person, another year or another trip. Should you cancel for any reason, you will forfeit your trip investment. Therefore, travel insurance for every trip is highly recommended. All cancellations must be received in writing.
Not included in price: All items not specifically listed under tour features.
Insurance: For your protection, trip cancellation, baggage, health and accident insurance is highly recommended for all participants. However, no representation or description of the insurance made by our staff constitutes a binding assurance or promise about the insurance.
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian Residents
Security Policy: Marathon Tours & Travel’s security policy requires that anyone staying in our room block must be registered as part of our package. If a registered client attempts to house a non-registered guest and /or invite them to attend any of our scheduled activities, the registered guest’s tour package will be forfeited and parties may be denied access to future tours. Please note that no exceptions will be made as this policy will be strictly enforced.
Responsibility: These tours are operated by Marathon Tours, Inc. of Chelsea, MA who acts only as an agent for the passenger to the companies offering such services and assumes no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity caused by any reason whatsoever by any party offering such services. The right is reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure with a refund, less applicable credit card and processing fees, made as full settlement to the passenger. Marathon Tours, Inc. may make any changes or alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary for the proper handling of the tour and may refuse any person as a member of the tour. The sole responsibility of any airline used is limited to that set out in the passenger contract evidenced by the ticket. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that the passengers are not on board their aircraft.
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Testimonials
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The Marathon Tours & Travel staff were amazing..." - 2024
Haley and the rest of the Marathon Tours & Travel staff were amazing! Wonderful experience! Can’t say enough good things about the London Marathon or travelling with Marathon Tours. Thanks for making this once in a lifetime experience possible.
"The Marathon Tours & Travel team has done an excellent job..." - 2024The Marathon Tours & Travel team has done an excellent job in selecting great properties to stay at. The bus to the start was excellent as was the early breakfast.
"This was my first marathon experience with Marathon Tours & Travel and it was excellent..." - 2024This was my first marathon experience with Marathon Tours & Travel (MTT) and it was excellent. A high quality hotel with access to breakfast each day and a nice pre-race dinner was invaluable to my pre-marathon preparation. Transportation to the start line/corrals was also excellent. I ran a personal best in London and I truly think that MTT played a part in my performance! Not having to stress about essential meals or transportation was so helpful.
"Good balance of scheduled time and free time..." - 2024Good balance of scheduled time and free time. Hotels (London and Edinburgh) were high quality and conveniently located for our group and personal activities. Marathon Tours & Travel hosts were attentive, polite, and knowledgeable. Transportation to race start area is a definite bonus!
"The overall experience was wonderful..." - 2023The overall experience was wonderful. The staff was amazing; very organized, great communication, and they ensured everyone was well informed. The Hotel was incredible and the location made it easy to access the Underground. Thank you very much for the opportunity to travel with your group
"Traveling is hard enough and stressful so..." - 2023Traveling is hard enough and stressful so having your amazing team do all the hard work makes my life and marathon so much more enjoyable!
"Loved the MTT London Marathon experience..." - 2023Loved the MTT London Marathon experience. Hotels excellent. Shake out run on Saturday was fun. Dinner was very good. Hannah Allyson and Karen were excellent guides.
"This is my third trip with Marathon Tours & Travel..." - 2023This is my third trip with Marathon Tours & Travel and am always impressed with the thoroughness of the pre-trip planning and dissemination of information.
"Running a marathon in a large city..." - 2023Running a marathon in a large city, especially a major, can be isolating and scary given all of the moving pieces. Marathon Tours & Travel takes those fears away and makes the entire experience enjoyable.
"Our overall experience was excellent..." - 2023You make it easy and take the stress out of doing an international marathon. Thank you for that. Our overall experience was excellent. And MTT does a great job picking really good hotels in outstanding locations.
"Being part of this Abbott World Major..." - 2022Being part of this Abbott World Major and making friends with other runners = Priceless! I also appreciate how Marathon Tours makes it so easy to participate by taking care of registration, finding ideal lodging, breakfast, and dinner the evening before, and getting us to the expo and the start of the race.
"Great job Marathon Tours!" - 2022Great job Marathon Tours! The experience and support received before we actually departed to London is unparalleled. Enjoyed being welcomed upon arrival at the host hotel. Amazing carb load dinner, the evening before race day. Trip addition to Edinburgh, Scotland was amazing. Thank you, Thank you!!
"What did I like the most? The people..." - 2021What did I like the most? The people – MTT hosts and runners are instant friends and family. The opening night talk by Jeff and Tom saying more about the mission and purpose of MTT helped me understand why I would want to stay connected to MTT for my destination marathons.
"Allyson was amazing!!" - 2021Allyson was amazing!! We felt so very prepared going to London…no question went unanswered. We were so grateful to be going with Marathon tours! Loved the race morning bus, that was so stress free!
"Exceptional company, best customer service..." - 2021Exceptional company, best customer service, above and beyond professionalism during these challenging times, cares so much about their clients we practically feel like family.
"We had previously experienced the quality..." - 2021We had previously experienced the quality and calibre of a Marathon Tours and Travel trip to the Berlin Marathon and felt the experience that was provided was incredibly well planned and coordinated and was good value for the level of service and experiences that were provided.
"I learned a good deal regarding what MTT was all about..." - 2021I learned a good deal regarding what MTT was all about and the real value you bring to the distance running community over time and finally joined the Berlin tour in 2018. That’s when I knew I would try to trave/race with MTT anytime I could in the future.
"... an exceptional experience..." - 2021Our trip to London and participation in the London Marathon was an exceptional experience resulting from the thorough and detailed planning of Marathon Tours and Travel!
"The pre-trip emails, recommendations, covid rules and testing was absolutely invaluable..." - 2021The pre-trip emails, recommendations, covid rules and testing was absolutely invaluable. Feeling comfortable with what we were supposed to do and not worrying about our options made the trip infinitely better. I also liked the transportation to the start from the hotel, talk about making it easy on us! Well done!
"The MTT staff and fellow runners..." - 2021The MTT staff and fellow runners. All so friendly and welcoming and helpful to a first-timer on traveling with MTT.
"I did not have to 'think' much about the days..." - 2021I did not have to ‘think’ much about the days MTT was in control and had planned. We did our own thing before and after the MTT 4 days, which went fine, but was exhausting from a planning and follow-up stand point. It is worth it to have experts do this!
"Absolute exceptional organization!" - 2021Absolute exceptional organization! Working with Marathon Tours and Travel is the best way to experience any marathon major!
"Top notch service!" - 2021Top notch service! The information of Covid travel special made for our fellow Canadian is very clear and very detailed, for sure it is a great help, I don’t know I could survival without it. Allyson helped us to deal with the very last min change with our travel plan, much appreciated.
"Great locations in very nice hotels..." - 2019Great locations in very nice hotels with great MT staff support. We arrived two days early and left two days later and everything was ready for us. You make it easy for us.
"...This was the trip of a lifetime..." - 2019The purpose of this trip was to complete a marathon but I got so much more – this was the trip of a lifetime.
"Amazing experience in London and Edinburgh..." - 2019Amazing experience in London and Edinburgh with a nice mix of structure activities and down time.
"I felt like finishing my final race in the Abbott WMM..." - 2019I felt like finishing my final race in the Abbott WMM was a huge accomplishment thanks to Marathon Tours.
"Stephanie was great answering all of my questions..." - 2019Stephanie was great answering all of my questions and helping us arrange additional nights in both London and Edinburgh. Made it all seamless for us.
"Stephanie did a fantastic job lining up the London Marathon!" - 2018Stephanie did a fantastic job lining up the London Marathon! It was great meeting everyone else at the hotel.
"Jacqui and Stephanie were amazing hosts..." - 2018Jacqui and Stephanie were amazing hosts and I would love to take another trip that they are hosting in the future. They are both very fun, knowledgeable, and helpful.
"Incredible support for a very memorable run..." - 2018Incredible support for a very memorable run… Marathon Tours looked after the details so I could focus on the run!
"Awesome unforgettable experience!" - 2018Awesome unforgettable experience! Marathon Tour made my overseas marathon race event peace of mind!
"It was a memorable marathon..." - 2018It was a memorable marathon, and Marathon Tours helped make it so by expertly handling all the logistics.
"Fantastic hotel..." - 2016Fantastic hotel! Conrad St James VERY comfy bed, Awesome breakfast, and perfect location. Thom and Staff were hospitable and friendly as always. Brilliant trip. One of the best City Marathons in the World to run – iconic scenery, wonderful generous crowd, and fast course. Loved it.
"I have never been so comfortable and relaxed..." - 2016I have never been so comfortable and relaxed leading up to my race, knowing that I would be transported to the marathon site. My experience has usually been scouting out the area , and getting there alone. Racing and running is difficult enough without having to be concerned with this problem.
"The staff clearly knows the location and the race..." - 2016The staff clearly knows the location and the race. I feel comfortable knowing that I am traveling with an organization that knows what they are doing. This trip was as enjoyable as the trips I have taken with Marathon Tours to Tokyo and Berlin.
"This was my first international trip..." - 2016This was my first international trip let alone running my first international marathon and I am extremely grateful for the overall experience Marathon Tours (Jane and Jacqui) provided. From the hotel & tour in London, to the hotel and tour in Edinburgh, the trip was absolutely incredible. I will definitely book with you again in the future and also recommend you to many of my running friends.
"Appreciated the overall organization of Marathon Tours..." - 2016Appreciated the overall organization of Marathon Tours. From Jen assisting me with all my bookings and questions, to the the constant communication from our guides while actually in the UK.
"...Always prompt and friendly, you are amazing..." - 2015PS – A big shout out to Jen Ryder… Thanks for being my point of contact in the long lead up to race day and answering any questions along the way. Always prompt and friendly, you are amazing!
"Welcome reception to meet other runners was great..." - 2014Welcome reception to meet other runners was great. Having the package with hotel organized together and the hotel was close to finish line. Transport to start was very much appreciated.
"Great communication before the trip..." - 2014Great communication before the trip. Welcome reception was very nice, wish I could stay longer. The location of the hotel Park Plaza was excellent. The continental breakfast was great in the morning.
"We loved the hotel choice, a landmark for London..." - 2014We loved the hotel choice, a landmark for London. Also it was great to meet Marathons Tours staff in person and all the other runners at the dinner (food was great!). It makes all the difference to have someone else take care for you to get to the start line in time.
"The race experience was exceptional..." - 2014The race experience was exceptional. Marathon Tours was organized. The people I met were awesome and made me feel at home.
"One of the best marathons I've run..." - 2012One of the best marathons I’ve run; the best expo I’ve been to; location of hotel great; hotel itself great — better than expected. Bus trip to start was crucial.
"London Marathon was a wonderful experience..." - 2012London Marathon was a wonderful experience and it was fun to meet a lot of other runners at the welcome reception and also staying at the hotel. The buses to the start were a big plus.
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Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Group World Championship
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This event is an Abbott World Marathon Majors Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Championship Qualifying Race. If you achieve the automatic qualifying time for your age group, found here, you’ll be invited to the 2025 Age Group World Championship race (destination still to be announced). For more information on the Age Group World Rankings and Championship click here.
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Meet the Reps
Karen Hoch
Business Development Officer | Senior Trip Designer
Karen Hoch
Business Development Officer | Senior Trip Designer
With more than twenty years of experience in travel logistics, conference planning, and marketing it has been a dream to blend her passion of running and travel with her career. Karen has completed 30 marathons, including Boston (2011, 2022, 2023), one ultra-marathon, and many half marathons and local races. She earned her Abbott Six Star Finisher Medal in London (April 2023).
Karen is certified as a running coach with Road Runners Club of America, a member of USATF and Marathon Maniacs, is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), earned her MS in Marketing Communications from the University of Kansas and BS in Economics/Finance from Bentley University. In addition to working on Marathon Tours & Travel marketing efforts, Karen manages our programs to Bermuda, Israel, Kenya, the Italy Coast to Coast Relay, Madagascar, Scotland, Athens and supports our U.S. packages to Big Sur and Boston. She is always looking forward to the next adventure!