Suffolk runner takes on London Marathon in reverse - finishing before the race even begins
It's as tens of thousands of people will be crossing that finish line today raising money for charity
A runner has described the “otherworldly” experience of completing the London Marathon route in reverse, starting at midnight and finishing before the official race even begins.
Andrew Hendry took part in the London Reverse Marathon in 2025 and again today!. It's an unofficial event which sees participants run the 26.2-mile route backwards in the early hours of marathon day.
The challenge begins at one minute past midnight from the finish line on Birdcage Walk, with runners heading east towards the official start in Greenwich.
Mr Hendry said he discovered the event after missing out on a place in the official London Marathon ballot, despite having completed the race the previous year.
“The ballot is so difficult to get into. I wasn’t successful, so I was just Googling… how do I run the London Marathon without a ballot place? And the London Reverse came up.”
He completed the reverse route in around five and a half hours, slightly slower than his official marathon time, but said the experience was entirely different.
What is it like?
“It’s a completely different experience… you’re running through the night, so there’s no supporters… it’s all very quiet.”
Unlike the official marathon, known for its crowds, music and atmosphere, he said the reverse version offers a more subdued but distinctive perspective of the capital.
“It’s otherworldly because you’re seeing London when everyone’s asleep… you’re just running alongside your fellow runners.”
Despite the quieter setting, Mr Hendry said there is a strong sense of community among participants.
“There’s a real camaraderie between your fellow runners, and at the end you feel great because you’ve got to the finish line — or the start line, however you want to look at it.”
One of the standout moments came halfway through the route.
“I had Tower Bridge to myself… it was all lit up. It’s beautiful.”
He added that while the first half of the course offers iconic night-time views of landmarks such as Big Ben and the London Eye, the latter stages become more challenging.
“After Tower Bridge… it’s just streets and bus stops and foxes and night buses… you just have to slog your way through it.”
Participants who complete the distance on marathon day can still earn an official medal through the “London Marathon MyWay” initiative, alongside the event’s own reverse-themed medal, awarded before the run begins.
“Everything’s backwards… you get the medal before you run it… and then you get the real medal as well.”
Mr Hendry, who typically covers around 60 to 70 kilometres a week through running and general activity, said preparation for the challenge fits around work and family life.
“It’s the best of humanity… such a lovely, feel-good atmosphere”
Beyond the physical aspect, he said running offers a sense of community and adventure.
“It’s about the friends you make and the places you see… you always see something different.”
A keen photographer, he often documents his runs along the way.
“I always take my phone… it’s a way to remember each run.”
Despite completing the reverse marathon before sunrise, Mr Hendry said there was little time for rest, instead heading straight out to support others taking part in the main race.
“By the time you finish, it’s time to get up… I just stumbled into a misty Greenwich trying to find coffee.”
He added that the official marathon remains a unique event, even for those not taking part.
“It’s the best of humanity… such a lovely, feel-good atmosphere.”