We want your visit to the 10km Marathon Swimming to be as memorable as possible. Make sure you’re prepared for your London 2012 experience by reading the information below.
If you have a ticket for 10km Marathon Swimming, go to the visitor information page for Hyde Park
Collecting tickets from this venue? See the latest London 2012 box office information
When is it?
The women’s 10km Marathon Swimming is at 12 noon on Thursday 9 August and the men’s at 12 noon on Friday 10 August.
Find out more about London 2012 Swimming events
Where is it?
The entire 10km Marathon Swimming takes place in the Serpentine lake in Hyde Park. It is a looped course made up of six laps of the lake. There is a feeding pontoon where the swimmers stop in order to boost their energy levels. There are many non-ticketed areas. View the route map
Top tips
If you’re thinking of going to watch the 10km Marathon Swimming, it’s important you plan your day in advance. Here are our tips on how to enjoy a memorable day:
- Plan your day in advance – read the information on these pages and sign up to our dedicated e-newsletter
- Stay local – if you’re lucky enough to live close to the route, please walk or cycle to your nearest viewing point.
- Get there early to secure a good spot – London will be much busier than usual and viewing capacity will be limited, so think about a couple of places where you might want to watch, arrive early and be prepared to wait. Download a route map to start planning now
- Don’t drive – there is no parking available anywhere near the venue.
- Check online before you set off – journey times and routes may change during the Games, so check the most up-to-date travel information before you leave home.
- Be prepared to wait – with increased numbers of spectators in and around London at Games times, there will be longer queues for everything from the Tube to the toilets.
- Come prepared for all types of weather – this is an outdoor event so check the weather forecast the night before the race.
Want to make a day of it? Search our events listings for information on what is going on around the Marathon route.
Estimated race times
The men are expected to take between 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours 15 minutes to complete the swim. The women are expected to take between 1 hour 55 minutes and 2 hours 25 minutes.
Be prepared for crowds
London will be much busier than normal around Games time. If you plan to attend the 10km Marathon Swimming, you should think carefully about where you want to watch as some locations will be very busy. Large crowds are expected to attend and space will be limited. Arrive early, be prepared to wait and make sure you know how to get there. It is a good idea to have a plan B in case your preferred viewing area doesn’t work out.
Get information and advice on planning your travel to the 10km Marathon Swimming
Download a map of the 10km Marathon Swimming route
Sign up for more information
Sign up now to receive dedicated emails on the 10km Marathon Swimming and be first in line to get event updates, travel advice and other tips to help make the most of your day.
Download the official London 2012 Join In app – a mobile guide to help you plan, enjoy and share your Games experience.
