Blackheath Marathon Weekend: a smart, low-effort way to short-let (even if you’re usually not a “host”)

If you own a place in Blackheath and you’re away a lot (work travel, long trips, staying with family), you don’t always want the commitment of hosting year-round. But there’s one moment in the calendar that can make a big difference with very little disruption: Marathon weekend.

The TCS London Marathon in 2026 is on Sunday 26 April, and the start area is Greenwich/Blackheath. That means you’re right next to the action — and that’s exactly what a lot of runners and supporters look for.

Why this weekend is different

Marathon guests are usually:

• Early sleepers (big day ahead)
  
  
• Out all day on Sunday (race + meeting supporters)
  
  
• Grateful for simple comforts: a decent shower, calm space, easy check-in
  
  

And demand builds early. Accommodation bookings around Marathon weekend often happen well in advance — one dataset showed average lead time rising to around 83 days for that weekend.

So if you’ve ever thought, “I could short-let, but I don’t want hassle” — this is one of the cleanest opportunities to test it.

The “runner-ready” setup (keep it simple)

You don’t need a themed makeover. You just need the basics done well:

Must-haves

• Blackout blinds/curtains (early nights, early mornings)
  
  
• A proper mattress + fresh linens
  
  
• Clear heating and hot water instructions
  
  
• Somewhere to sit and eat (even a small table)
  
  
• Enough mirrors + plugs (people are pinning bibs, charging watches, etc.)
  
  

Small touches that get mentioned in reviews

• Extra towels (runners love this)
  
  
• A hairdryer
  
  
• A simple breakfast starter: tea/coffee, porridge, bananas
  
  

Pricing and calendar: the low-commitment approach

If you want this to stay “easy”, keep your plan tight:

• Open just 2–3 nights (Friday–Sunday or Saturday–Monday)
  
  
• Consider a 2-night minimum so you’re not doing multiple turnovers
  
  
• Keep check-in straightforward and instructions crystal clear
  
  

This way you get the upside of peak demand without turning your home into a full-time operation.

The part people underestimate: local management matters (a lot)

Marathon weekend is busy. Trains are packed. Guests arrive at odd times. And if something goes wrong, you don’t want a helpdesk that’s “based somewhere in London” but never actually steps foot in your property.

What makes hosting work well in Blackheath is having a local, owner-managed team that can:

• physically check the property
  
  
• handle a lock issue fast (not “tomorrow”)
  
  
• keep standards tight between guests
  
  
• respond to neighbours if anything feels off
  
  

That’s the quiet advantage of a proper on-the-ground setup — it protects your home, your reviews, and your peace of mind.

A quick reality check before you list

If this is your main home, ask yourself:

• Have I cleared space for guests (wardrobe/drawers)?
  
  
• Are valuables/personal paperwork locked away?
  
  
• Is my insurance and building/lease position suitable for short lets?
  
  

Do those few things, and the weekend can run smoothly.

Thinking about Marathon weekend in Blackheath?

If you’re considering short-letting only when it suits you (like Marathon week, holidays, or work travel), Pass The Keys - Greenwich & Bexley can help you set it up in a way that’s calm, local, and properly managed — not remote, not hands-off in the wrong way.

If you want, tell me your property type (1-bed / 2-bed / family home) and whether it’s Blackheath Village or closer to the heath, and I’ll tailor this post into an even shorter version that matches your exact guest profile.