Running the Borough with Run the Boroughs
To run the city is to really know it. Which is what makes Run the Boroughs experts in their home turf.
Formed in 2018, Run the Boroughs started bringing people together through runs that were open and accessible, with a sense of community and inclusivity. In their eight years of existence, the club have run routes across London and Paris, including half-marathons and full ones. But their home ground, and main base for training runs, is East London.
Local to the borough, they've mapped routes that pass some of their favourite spots, leading both to discovery of new ones — places to meet at, to refuel at, to celebrate at, and to send family and friends who are cheering them on during their marathon run.
As part of our London Marathon spectator map, they talk us through some of their favourite East London spots.
1
526 Roman Rd, Old Ford, London E3 5ES
“This traditional pie & mash shop is an East London staple and a quick, filling and cheap lunch. Add chilli vinegar and white pepper, turn your pie upside town before you eat it and order a cuppa with it,” Amy, Run The Boroughs
2
Sierra Quebec Bravo, 77 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SH
“Nina and Dean’s is the spot that everyone needs in their life. From drinks to pastries, I’ve been here a few times to meet group-led runs - it’s a hot spot for the running and fitness community,” Tyler, Run The Boroughs
3
14 Watts St, London E1W 2QG
“Proper London boozer with a rich history - the Tom Hardy fight scene in the Kray twins film, Legend, was filmed here! It’s reasonably priced and spitting distance from the Wapping stretch of the marathon, so it’s a good spot to camp up at if you’re spectating and fancy a pint,” Amy, Run The Boroughs
4
1 Clove Cres, London E14 2BA
“A really nice spot if the weather is nice. It serves both hot and cold drink and, of course, amazing gelato. You’ll also see runners go past around mile 18/19,” Tyler, Run The Boroughs
5
114 Glengall Grove, London E14 3ND
“One of the old school pubs still left in the area with affordable prices. During the warmer seasons the garden is used so people can sit outside, so it’s a great spot to meet-up either before or after the marathon,” Tyler, Run The Boroughs
6
22 Wapping High St, London E1W 1NJ
“Despite my severe shellfish allergy, I’ve navigated the menu of this family-run fish restaurant like a ninja! It’s a good option for a post-marathon celebratory dinner with really great food,,” Amy, Run The Boroughs
7
St. JOHN
94-96 Commercial St, London E1 6LZ
“A friend introduced me to their wine and doughnuts years ago, and I haven’t stopped consuming both since. Nose-to-tail dining, great wine and bakery, where you can casually smash 12 madeleines for desert. Special setting for sharing a meal, a bottle of wine, or just some baked goods after the marathon,” Amy, Run The Boroughs
8
Beigel Bake
159 Brick Ln, London E1 6SB
“The absolute best beigel shop. another food spot that I’ve been coming to my entire life. I go here for lunch almost every Thursday, my family gets a few dozen plain every Christmas, a proper staple spot. Salt beef is piled on so much that you can get an extra plain beigel and make yourself two salt beef bagels with the surplus filling. It’s both an ideal pre-marathon carb loading option and also ideal mid-marathon spectator snack,” Amy, Run The Boroughs