Your guide to lateral flow tests

Keeping yourself and those around you safe

This year, to help ensure the safety of all TCS London Marathon participants, spectators, staff, volunteers, and those who live and work in the area, we’re asking you to present a negative lateral flow test result at the TCS London Marathon Running Show before you drop off your kitbag and collect your bib number.

We’ll also be doing random spot-checks on Marathon Day, Sunday 3 October, so you’ll need to have your negative result with you then too – this can be in the form of a text message (SMS) or email result, shown digitally or printed out.

Spectators: please note if you have been invited by a participant to be their spectator at the TCS London Marathon, or are planning to pass by the route on Event Day, we also ask you to take a lateral flow test before attending.

When to take your test

If you take a test to gain entry to the TCS London Marathon Running Show on Wednesday 29 or Thursday 30 September, you’ll need to take another lateral flow test on either Friday 1 or Saturday 2 October and be prepared to show the negative result at the Start of the marathon on Sunday 3 October.

If you go to the Virgin Money London Marathon Running Show on Friday 1 or Saturday 2 October you can also show this negative lateral flow test result at the Start of the marathon.

If you are a spectator, please take your test on Saturday 2 October.

How to take your test

  • Step 1: order a lateral flow test kit
  • Step 2: take the test
  • Step 3: upload your result

  • Either sign in or create an account, or continue without an account.

  • Answer all the questions and provide the ID number located on the test strip.


Follow the instructions and enter your phone number, email address and test result. You will receive a text message and email with your result. You do not need to bring the actual test with you on Marathon Day.

What to do if you test positive

If you test positive, please do not attend the TCS London Marathon (either as a participant or spectator) and follow the instructions online, as you may be infectious.

You will need to withdraw your entry via the form linked to on this page, which also explains eligibility for deferral for different entry types.

Please note that the withdrawal system closes at 20:00 on Saturday 2 October – this is one of the reasons why you must take your test on Saturday at the latest rather than waiting until Event Day morning.