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Home : Travel : Join the Human Race :

Join the Human Race

Feel like chasing pavements?

Up to 50,000 runners will tackle the Flora London Marathon on Sunday (13 April) to raise stacks of cash for worthy causes.

But if the mere thought of exercise brings you out in a cold sweat, why not show your support by shouting from the sidelines? Hang up your trainers and head into the city to enjoy the atmosphere as thousands pound the streets of the capital.

You could even spot a celeb in the throng – the marathon always attracts big names keen to do their bit in the public eye.

Famous folk in training this year include: actors Phil Daniels, Amanda Holden, Jason Flemyng, Andrew Lincoln, Jonny Lee Miller and Jason Merrells; chefs Gordon Ramsay, John Torode and Michel Roux; BBC TV and radio presenters Adrian Chiles and Jonathan Pearce; and Floella Benjamin. Even musicians 'Four Poofs And A Piano' are joining in the fun – presumably without their piano.

The fun starts at 9.45am, south of the river, and the route takes in landmarks including the Cutty Sark, Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge, Parliament Square and Buckingham Palace.

Avoid the hotspots

Key vantage points get very busy and there's plenty of advice online about the places to avoid. Getting around the capital is a challenge for spectators as many roads will be closed, so public transport is the best option. Check out the pick of the stations for marathon followers.

There's a complete list of road closures to help motorists to avoid getting caught up in the mayhem.

Get outta town

There's plenty going on outside the capital this weekend if you feel like getting away from it all.

Sport fanatics will go mad for LoveSport, at the Harbourside's Explore-At-Bristol centre. This family affair gives you the chance to try new activities and learn about sporting inventions and technology.

Fashion fans should head to Manchester for the Matthew Williamson exhibition at Urbis; while musicians might prefer the Oxford Folk Festival, in the heart of the university town.

For something a bit different, hit the south coast and take a trip on the Bournemouth Eye before tackling a surf lesson.

Wherever you're heading...

...plan your trip with the AA Route Planner, stock your car with essential accessories from the AA Travel Shop, and check for traffic blackspots before you leave with AA Roadwatch. Find the best places to eat, drink and sleep, and check out our brilliant travel guides.