THIS IS LONDON SEPTEMBER EDITION 2025 copy - Flipbook - Page 38
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PUTTING LONDON’S COMMUNITIES
AT THE HEART OF THE BIG HALF
The UK’s most diverse half marathon,
The Big Half, returns on 7 September,
bringing together over 25,000
participants in a celebration of running
and community. This year, 5,500 runners
from local groups across Tower Hamlets,
Lewisham, Southwark, and Greenwich
will take part, highlighting the city’s rich
diversity and the event’s commitment to
inclusivity. Discounted entry fees help
remove barriers and ensure wider access
for all.
Refugee and women-led groups play
a central role. The Coopah Refugee Run
Club, supporting refugees and asylum
seekers, has designed this year’s longsleeved finisher T-shirt and medal,
featuring circular rings symbolising
unity and London landmarks like the
Cutty Sark to evoke belonging. Members
Rawand and Paul shared how running
and community support have helped
them integrate, build confidence, and
find joy despite challenging
circumstances.
Female-only collective Sole Striders
will bring 40 women, their largest group
yet, offering a safe and empowering
space for women of all abilities. Since
its founding in 2024, the group has
reached over 800 women and launched
the Active Movement Series,
encouraging members to explore new
sports and embrace an active lifestyle.
The Big Half festival also features The
Big Mile, a family-friendly one-mile run,
and The New Balance Big Relay, where
teams of four each cover 5K of the halfmarathon route. The course starts near
Tower Bridge and finishes beside the
historic Cutty Sark in Greenwich,
providing runners with an unforgettable
route through some of London’s iconic
landmarks.
NEW BALANCE PERFORMANCE
HATS FOR MARATHON SEASON
As the autumn marathon season gets
underway with Berlin, Chicago and New
York on the horizon, runners everywhere
are fine-tuning their kit to stay cool,
focused and comfortable from the first
stride to the finish line. One simple but
effective upgrade? The latest range of
New Balance performance hats.
Far from being just an accessory,
these hats are designed as performance
tools. Lightweight and breathable, they
feature moisture-wicking fabrics, clever
ventilation, and adjustable or women’sspecific fits to keep runners comfortable
over long miles. Whether you prefer a
sleek, minimal look or something more
eye-catching, there’s an option to suit
every style and occasion.
And whilst they’re built with race day
in mind, New Balance hats are versatile
enough for all your autumn training.
From outdoor workouts to weekend long
runs, they help you manage the season’s
shifting weather while keeping your head
cool and your focus sharp.
Functional, stylish, and made to move
– New Balance performance hats are set
to become an essential for runners
chasing their goals this autumn.
For the full range and other New
Balance products, visit the website at
www.newbalance.co.uk
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