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The Royal Parks Half Marathon returned to London today like a stampede of determined gazelles in Lycra—16,000 of them to be precise—charging through the capital’s most treasured greenery. In its 18th year, the Royal Parks Half Marathon proved once again why it’s not just another jog around the block, but one of the UK’s most scenic and meaningful running events.
Starting under the crisp October sky, runners pounded 13.1 miles of autumn-tinted paths through Hyde Park, The Green Park, St. James’s Park and Kensington Gardens. If that wasn’t enough to inspire weary legs, the route also offered a front-row parade of London royalty—Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and the Houses of Parliament all serving as mile markers of motivation.
This year didn’t just break records—it smashed them. Public demand for the Royal Parks Half Marathon has never been higher, with a ballot increase of 35% compared to 2024, itself already a record year.
And alongside the passion came purpose: more than £7.3 million has already been raised this year via JustGiving, pushing the event’s total charity fundraising since 2008 to a mighty £79 million for over 1,200 UK charities.
Celebrities Join the Pack
This wasn’t just a day for amateurs, weekend warriors and charity heroes—TV personalities and sporting icons turned out, too. On the start line were Jenni Falconer, John Terry, Jake Quickenden, Traitors star Minah Shannon, and actors Adam Woodyatt and Stephen Mangan, all proving that running shoes are the great equaliser—once you hit mile nine, fame doesn’t save your hamstrings.
The Most Sustainable Half Marathon in Britain?
In an age of plastic-wrapped everything and environmental guilt, the Royal Parks Half Marathon continues to lead from the front. Sustainability wasn’t an afterthought—it was part of the blueprint.
- 24% of runners opted out of finisher T-shirts, choosing instead to plant snowdrops and native bulbs along the route.
- A separate ballot for international runners was introduced to curb air travel emissions.
- No plastic bottles on the course—just refill stations and compostable cups.
- FSC-certified wooden medals replaced the usual metal trinkets.
- JogOn hosted shoe donation points to stop unwanted trainers heading for landfill.
- All race communications went digital to cut waste.
Some events talk about green values. The Royal Parks Half Marathon actually lives them.
Finish Line Feast & Fitness Culture
The Event Village was buzzing like a festival field. Runners refuelled on Pip & Nut nut butter pouches and Kingfisher Zero alcohol-free beer. Newcomer Virgin Active delivered pop-up Reformer Pilates sessions—presumably for those who finished the race and fancied suffering some more. Pact Coffee kept everyone upright, while Sweaty Betty returned with a new retail space and Pip & Nut unveiled its latest protein bars alongside a fresh energy hit from TENZING.
Organisers Hail a Milestone Year
Head of the Royal Parks Half Marathon Liz Tack praised this year’s competitors and supporters, summing it up perfectly:
“We’re incredibly proud of the Royal Parks Half Marathon and always strive to make each year better than the last.
2025 marks a milestone in our history, with a new route that makes our event even more memorable for our runners and supporters. To see record-breaking fundraising and demand for places this year has been phenomenal – it shows just how much our event means to people, not only as a celebration of London’s iconic landmarks and green spaces, but as a way for people to come together, challenge themselves and raise vital funds for charity.
Congratulations to everyone that took part in today’s race and a huge thank you to the hundreds of charities and volunteers who helped to make it a success!”
A London Event That Keeps Its Soul
Plenty of races try to cash in on spectacle. The Royal Parks Half Marathon offers something richer—purpose, heritage, and community spirit wrapped in 13.1 miles of stunning landscape. It may take place in the heart of London, but it feels grounded in something far older: tradition, effort, and collective pride.
Next year? Expect demand to go through the roof. Lace up early.
