We want your visit to the Race Walk to be as memorable as possible. Make sure you’re prepared for your London 2012 experience by reading the information below – and don’t forget to plan your travel in advance.
Please note that The Mall is only accessible to ticket holders. If you have a ticket for the Race Walk, go to the visitor information pages for The Mall
Collecting tickets from this venue? See the latest London 2012 box office information
When is it?
The men’s 20km event takes place at 5pm on Saturday 4 August. The men’s 50km event starts at 9am on Saturday 11 August, and the women’s 20km event on the same day at 5pm.
Find out more about the Race Walks
Where is it?
The Race Walks take place on The Mall and Constitution Hill. The start and finish line is at the ticketed area on The Mall, and athletes compete multiple laps of a 2 kilometre course. The 20km athletes will complete 10 laps, the 50km athletes 25 laps.
The section up Constitution Hill after the Queen Victoria Memorial is a free viewing area.
Get information and advice on planning your travel to the Race Walk
Download a map of the Race Walk route
Download the official London 2012 Join In app – a mobile guide to help you plan, enjoy and share your Games experience.
Top tips
If you’re thinking of going to watch the Race Walk, 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, as many roads will be closed.
- Get there early – London will be much busier than usual and viewing capacity will be limited, so arrive early and be prepared to wait. Download a route map to start planning now
- Don’t drive – there will be road closures throughout London during the Games, and there is no parking available. For details of road closures in London, visit the Get Ahead of the Games website
- 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.
- If you are thinking of making a day of it, you can search our events listings for more information on what is going on around the Race Walk.
Estimated race times
As the athletes complete multiple laps in both the 20km and 50km events, Race Walks spectators on all parts of the course will be able to see them at very regular intervals (approximately every 5 minutes).
Road closures
London will be much busier than normal during the Games, with some temporary changes to roads and public transport required to help keep London moving. On Race Walk days, there will be road closures around the route.
For details of road closures, visit the Get Ahead of the Games website
If you plan to attend the Race Walk, you should think carefully about where you want to watch as 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 Race Walk
Download a map of the Race Walk route
Download the official London 2012 Join In app – a mobile guide to help you plan, enjoy and share your Games experience.
Sign up for more information
Sign up now to receive dedicated emails on the Race Walks and be first in line to get event updates, travel advice and other tips to help make the most of your day.
You can also download the official London 2012 Join In app – a mobile guide to help you plan, enjoy and share your Games experience.
