XR & London Marathon.

Extinction Rebellion has no plan to disrupt the London Marathon, an event where many run in memory of loved ones or for sustainability charities and social movements like Extinction Rebellion. 

XR have publicly acknowledged its goal of keeping the climate crisis and government inaction at the top of the agenda – which the Government and media have consistently failed to do. 

However, we have been in close communication with  London Marathon organisers for many months to make sure we can hold both events at the same time and support each other.

“We are going ahead,” said one of the many coordinators; “We always planned to run alongside the Marathon without interference. In fact, there are XR runners entering the race.  We take direct action to keep the most consequential crisis of our times in the news, but everyone, and all of the groups coming to The Big One understand now is the time to unite to survive for a moment of disruption of a different nature and so do the marathon organisers. We have more in common than many might think: we want peace, unity, clean air. We want the same things.”

XR has pledged to step up its actions if the government doesn’t come to the negotiating table by 5pm on Monday 24th – the day after the London Marathon. 

Stewards and attendees of both events are being asked to protect the safety of all attendees, spectators and runners alike and people are being advised that public transport is likely to be busy around Westminster. 

XR selected the weekend of the 21st- 24th April, as it falls over Earth Day on the 22nd – and with the London Marathon taking place, there are already multiple existing road closures. 

The 3rd day of The Big One, called ‘Running Out of Time’ sees the London Marathon route cross near Parliament Square. Visitors to both events are being advised to allow extra time for travel, especially around Westminster.