The annual Virgin Money London Marathon is fast approaching, and many people are getting excited about going down to support a friend or family member.

Many Londoners will also be lining the route through the capital to catch a glimpse of their favourite professional runner or even one of the star competitors, as well as soaking up the atmosphere and supporting charities.

If you're planning on going along and watching from the streets, here's our guide to the event itself as well as when and where to go:

Why is it so important?

The London Marathon takes place every year. This year will be the 35th annual race.

The race is a fantastic way of achieving a huge personal goal as well as raising money for charity.

Last year, individual runners raised £53.2m for good causes. The total amount raised since the race began in 1981 is more than £716m, and 2014 was the 8th consecutive year that London Marathon entrants have broken the Guinness World Record for the largest annual single-day charity fundraising event.

There were 35,868 London Marathon finishers in last year's race.

The race is not without celebrity competitors either, with local Mo Farah taking 8th place last year, as well as famous faces Ed Balls and Helen Skelton running.

The Marathon is an annual event to be proud of, so make sure you get down or tune into BBC to support the runners.

Getwestlondon will also be covering the event live on the day with a blog, photo galleries, video and updates throughout the day.

Where does it take place?

The race starts at three separate points in Greenwich, doubles back on itself from Woolwich to St Katherine Docks, through Canary Wharf. It then goes back westwards towards Blackfriars, through Embankment, with a Royal finish at The Mall by Buckingham Palace.

The race goes through some parts of west London, including Westminster.

When is it?

The event is on Sunday April 26.

The elite wheelchair race starts at 9am. The elite women start at 9.20am. The elite men will start at 10.10am, and the masses at 10.30am.

Are there any road closures?

All roads included in the route are closed.

The only way to get around on the day is via public transport. London Underground, London Overground and the DLR all provide extra services on race day, so it is recommended to take the train or tube anywhere.

How do I get there?

Start line: Three separate points in Greenwich Park. Nearest stations: Greenwich (18-minute walk), Cutty Sark (15-minute walk), Blackheath (22-minute walk).

Midpoints: Various midpoints include: Canary Wharf, Bermondsey, Shadwell, Tower Hill, Blackfriars, Temple and Westminster. These stops are all accessible by tube and the race will be a few minutes walk away.

Finish line: The Mall by Buckingham Palace. Nearest stations: Green Park (11-minute walk), Westminster (14-minute walk), St James' Park (eight-minute walk), Charing Cross (eight-minute walk).

Where should I watch the race?

There will be live bands and entertainment along the route, so anywhere outside will be a brilliant place to watch the runners.

West London pubs taking part in events will be: Red Lion, at Parliament Street and Temple Walkabout at Temple Place.

Avoid busy areas such as Greenwich town centre and the Cutty Sark, which can be uncomfortably busy when the race begins. Tower Bridge is always extremely busy, as is anywhere from mile 24 to the finish in The Mall.

For wheelchair users, the London Marathon recommends you watch from The Highway, Shadwell. The race passes along this road twice.

If you're not able to go down and watch in person, BBC will be broadcasting live coverage and highlights of the race, and getwestlondon will be live blogging from the event.

For more information, head to the official London Marathon website.

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