Olympic Torch Relay Route Unveiled

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games has confirmed all the communities in the South East through which the Olympic Flame will be carried by Torchbearers during the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.

LOCOG has worked closely with representatives from a number of sectors in the South East to devise the route that will see the Olympic Flame being carried through places such as East Cowes on the Isle of Wight, Bletchley Park and Winchester.

The Olympic Flame is set to visit every county in the South East and the route achieves the optimum mix of proximity to people whilst taking in beautiful natural and urban landmarks to showcase the region around the world.

The announcement of the 1,018 villages, towns and cities on the UK route means LOCOG has realised the aspiration of taking the Olympic Flame to within an hour’s journey time of 95% of the population. In fact, over 95% of the population will be within just 10 miles of the Olympic Flame next summer. The street by street detail of the route will be confirmed next year.

For logistical reasons, not all the landmarks and modes of transport will be accessible to large crowds but LOCOG will continue to work with the Local Authorities and operators to ensure public access information is given in advance.

With the Olympic Flame shining a light on these different communities the Olympic Torch Relay will be an opportunity for the people of the South East to connect with the Olympic Games, its values and its spirit. Many thousands of people are expected to welcome the Olympic Flame and celebrate the achievements of the Torchbearers along the route each day.

People are invited to view the interactive map at www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelaymap  to find their nearest community through which the Olympic Flame will be carried. 

Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG, said: ‘I’m delighted that the Olympic Torch Relay will take the 2012 Games to almost every corner of the South East and that we have achieved our ambition to take the Flame to within an hour’s journey of 95% of the population. Now everyone is invited to plan their welcome and find out where they can go to be part of this historic occasion. The Olympic Games are coming to you as the Olympic Flame gives people across the South East their moment to shine.’

The 70 day Olympic Torch Relay, presented by Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung, will start at Land’s End, Cornwall on the morning of 19 May 2012. On leaving Land’s End, the Olympic Flame will travel an estimated 8,000 miles around the UK giving thousands of communities and individuals their moment to shine as the Olympic Flame comes to a place near them.

On the final day of the Olympic Torch Relay, it is LOCOG’s intention that the Olympic Flame will travel down the River Thames as it makes its way to the Olympic Stadium on 27 July 2012 for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the official start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The Olympic Flame will be carried across the UK by 8,000 inspirational Torchbearers each of whom will have a story of personal achievement and/or contribution to the local community. In December this year, successful nominees will be contacted with a conditional offer and final Torchbearer places will start to be confirmed from February 2012 onwards.