The routes for the marathon and walk competitions of the 2017 World Athletics Championships were announced here on Thursday and will offer both fans and athletes a stunning sporting spectacle.

Organizers said that the 42.195 kilometer marathon route will start and finish at Tower Bridge in central London. With the backdrop of the start of the races provided by the historic Tower of London, the route will comprise four laps of a 10km course on closed roads, heading west along Victoria Embankment towards the Houses of Parliament, then back alongside the River Thames to St Paul's Cathedral, and returning to the Tower of London.

The London worlds will be the first time ever that two marathons are held on the same day. Medallists from both men's and women's races will receive their medals in front of the Tower of London where a medal stage and supporter zone will be created to make the most of the day' s world championship atmosphere.

The men's marathon will set off at 10:55 on Sunday 6th August and the women's marathon will begin at 14:00.

On the following Sunday (13th August) the three walk events will be staged on The Mall, St James Park with the kind permission of The Royal Parks on a 2km loop between Buckingham Palace and Admiralty Arch. The 20km races will see athletes perform 10 laps of the course, whilst the 50km race will be 25 laps of the circuit.

The Race Walk medals will also be presented on The Mall providing a beautiful backdrop for the ceremonies.