Thousands of runners are hitting the streets of the capital for today's London Marathon. The race, which got underway earlier this morning, is once again made up of a mix of fitness fans, celebrities, and charity fundraisers, who will be looking to navigate their way around the 26.2-mile stretch of Central London tarmac. With the Official TCS London Marathon App, those following from the sidelines can keep tabs on their loved ones. Here's how.
How to Use the London Marathon Tracker App
The London Marathon live tracker app is available to download now via the Apple App Store and Google Play. Users can track an unlimited number of runners, including elite athletes and celebrities, based on the timing chip located in their bibs. The app will send a notification each time the runner completes a 5km split, along with a predicted finish time based on their pace. If the participant is carrying a phone, they can also choose to share their actual live location using GPS, which must be enabled in advance of the race. The map should update every few minutes when the signal is strong, but expect drop-out when GPS signal is lost.
What Other Features Does the App Have?
The app offers details on recommended cheer points as well as estimated arrival times for anyone you are tracking. It also allows followers to send messages of encouragement to those running via the Boost feature. If the message is selected by organizers, it will be displayed on LED screens at the halfway point and at the finish line on The Mall. Those following from home can also use the app to make a donation to a chosen charity cause, as well as keeping up-to-date with the elite race leaderboard. For participants, the app includes a handy checklist to help get started, invite friends and family to track progress, and access items such as your certificate and virtual medal.
Stay updated with the latest London news, including the marathon route and road closures, by visiting the Metro's London news hub.
