DLR strikes: How to get to the London Marathon during weekend walk out

Here's what you need to know about picking up your race number and making it to the start line

The DLR strike coincides with the London Marathon 2018 (Daniel Lynch)

​A strike on the main transport network covering the London Marathon area will jeopardise travel plans for runners, spectators and residents, and make life difficult for passengers using London City Airport.

Thousands of runners could fall foul of the strike when they endeavour to pick up their running number, timing tag and kitbag. The registration location is ExCeL, an exhibition centre normally reached on the DLR.

They are being urged to walk (or, presumably, run) from Canning Town Underground station. Alternatively, they can take the Jubilee Line Tube to North Greenwich and take the Emirate Air Line cable car – which is operating from 9am to 6.30pm free of charge because of the strike.

Registration ends at 5pm on Saturday.

When is the DLR strike?

Staff working for KeolisAmey Docklands (KAD), which operates the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), are stopping work at 4am on Friday for four days. Normal service is due to resume at 4am on Tuesday 24 April.

Normally the DLR provides access for many residents and spectators, particularly on the Isle of Dogs on the north bank of the Thames. It runs for much of its course on elevated tracks. Alternative bus services cannot run because of widespread road closures. Canary Wharf Tube station, which will be open, is expected to be much busier than usual.

Transport for London (TfL) said: “We aim to offer a limited service over the four days.” Some extra buses will be running, but on Marathon day their routes will be seriously restricted.

Why are DLR staff striking?

The dispute is over working practices and outsourcing of some roles.The strike has been called by the RMT union, whose general secretary, Mick Cash, called on the London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, to get involved in negotiations.

Mr Cash said: “RMT members employed by KAD have had enough of being treated like dirt and have made it clear that they are prepared to stand up and fight for their fundamental rights.

“RMT recognises the impact that our action will have and the responsibility for that will be entirely down to the company

KAD has pledged during its franchise to introduce “a series of service improvements to make journeys better for passengers”.

Abdellah Chajai, managing director of KeolisAmey Docklands, has apologised for the disruption and said it is “very disappointing” that the strike is going ahead.

The firm started running the DLR in 2014, and has the franchise until 2021.

How can I get to the London Marathon 2018 startline, or to the route as a spectator?

On Sunday, the day of the Marathon, Southeastern trains will be running to Greenwich and Blackheath, giving access to the start.

The Marathon route parallels the DLR line from Limehouse via Shadwell into the City. Overground services will provide some alternatives.

However, even Santander Cycles, the rent-it-here, leave-it-there bicycle network, will be impacted; many roads are closed, along with nine docking stations.

What will the effect be on London City Airport?

The DLR links from the airport to Canning Town, Stratford and the City will be hit by the strike. Alternative bus services will be running to Canning Town. The normal curfew at the airport from lunchtime on Saturday to lunchtime on Sunday means that there will no operations during the first part of the Marathon.