South Londoners Champion Brixton Anthem for Marathon Playlist

April 17, 2026

A Reddit user seeking London anthems for their upcoming London Marathon playlist has seen South Londoners passionately championing tracks, with The Clash's "Guns of Brixton" emerging as a firm favourite for its deep roots in the area.

What happened

A local resident preparing for the London Marathon in two weeks turned to an online forum to gather suggestions for a London-themed running playlist. The request specifically sought modern, non-children's songs about the capital, citing Jay-Z's New York anthem as an example of the desired vibe. The TCS London Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 26 April 2026.

What people are saying

The call for songs quickly garnered numerous responses, with many South Londoners putting forward their top picks. One local resident described "Waterloo Sunset" as "an absolute love letter to London".

Other popular suggestions included "LDN" by Lily Allen and "London's Calling" by The Clash. Notably, "Guns of Brixton" by The Clash was highlighted as a "banger" especially for South London by a commuter.

Further recommendations featured "Its a London Thing" by Scott Garcia, "Talking the Hardest" by Giggs, and "Baker Street" by Gerry Rafferty, which was called a "proper classic".

Why it matters

The strong support for "Guns of Brixton" underscores the enduring pride and distinct identity within South London, particularly in areas like Brixton.

Written and sung by The Clash's bassist Paul Simonon, who grew up in Brixton, the 1979 reggae-influenced track captures the social tensions and feelings of discontent prevalent in the area due to heavy-handed policing and economic issues, predating the 1981 Brixton riots.

The song remains a powerful and proud neighbourhood anthem, resonating with the area's rich cultural and musical heritage. For a marathon runner, including such a deeply rooted local track can add a significant layer of connection and motivation as they traverse the capital's streets.

Authors

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South London News Culture Desk

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