This is London Magazine September Edition 2026 - Flipbook - Page 30
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THE BIG HALF RETURNS TO
LONDON THIS SEPTEMBER
Get ready to lace up your running
shoes as The Big Half returns to London
on 6 September, bringing thousands of
runners together for one of the capital’s
most vibrant and inclusive sporting
events. Organised by London Marathon
Events, the 13.1-mile (21.1km) race
offers participants the chance to
experience some of London’s most
iconic landmarks on a fast, flat course.
Starting beside Tower Bridge, the
route winds through four London
boroughs – Tower Hamlets, Southwark,
Lewisham and Greenwich – before
finishing beside the iconic Cutty Sark in
Greenwich. With fully closed roads,
enthusiastic crowds and entertainment
along the way, the event combines the
excitement of a major city race with a
strong sense of community.
Whether runners are chasing a
personal best, taking on their first half
marathon or fundraising for a good cause,
The Big Half is designed to welcome
participants of all abilities. The course is
relatively flat and offers a generous fourhour cut-off, making it an accessible
challenge for a wide range of runners.
The atmosphere continues beyond the
finish line, with a free festival area in
Greenwich Park where runners, friends
and family can celebrate together. The
event also supports numerous charities,
giving participants the opportunity to
turn their miles into vital fundraising.
With places highly sought after,
The Big Half is a must for anyone
looking to experience the thrill of a
major London race. For spectators,
meanwhile, it promises a brilliant day of
running, cheering, music and
community spirit across the capital.
ROYAL PARKS HALF MARATHON
THROUGH THE HEART OF LONDON
The Royal Parks Half Marathon
returns on Sunday 11 October, giving
runners the chance to take on 13.1 miles
through the very heart of the capital –
with palaces, parks and famous
landmarks providing the backdrop.
Starting in Hyde Park, the route is as
much a sightseeing tour as it is a
sporting challenge. Runners head past
Buckingham Palace, Horse Guards
Parade, Big Ben, the Houses of
Parliament and Kensington Palace, while
travelling through four of London’s Royal
Parks: Hyde Park, The Green Park, St
James’s Park and Kensington Gardens.
There is plenty to keep spirits high
along the way, too. The closed-road
course combines London’s grandest
landmarks with a festival atmosphere
and famously enthusiastic crowds. The
route is generally flat, making it suitable
for both first-time half marathon runners
and those looking to chase a faster time.
And there’s a new finish to look
forward to. Since last year, runners have
crossed the line with the Albert
Memorial and Royal Albert Hall as their
backdrop – a suitably impressive finale
to 13.1 miles around the capital.
But this is a race with a purpose.
Since launching in 2008, the event has
raised more than £80 million for more
than 1,900 charities, while helping
support the conservation and
enhancement of London’s Royal Parks.
With more than 18,000 runners
expected, the Royal Parks Half is a
brilliant way to experience London from
a completely different perspective – one
mile, one landmark and one cheer at a
time.
T H I S I S L O N D O N M A G A Z I N E • T H I S I S L O N D O N O N L I N E • w w w. t i l . c o m • @ t h i s i s l o n d o n m a g
