Royal Parks Half Marathon
Sun 12 Oct 2025 London, UK

Royal Parks Half Marathon

A stunning central London half marathon taking in four Royal Parks and some of the capital's world-famous landmarks on closed roads. Charity places now available for 2025.

Get charity place
  • Sun 12 Oct 2025
Green Park, London > Hyde Park, London

Royal Parks Half Marathon

09:00

Age 17 & over

FREE-£60

  • 13.1 miles road running

Overview

2025 date and details to be confirmed.

The Royal Parks Half Marathon has been called Britain's 'most beautiful half marathon' by virtue of its blend of expansive parks decked in autumnal finery and the capital's iconic landmarks. With huge crowd support, a flat, fast course and a food festival at the finish line, there's something for everyone at this popular event.

Highlights

  • Britain's 'most beautiful half marathon'

    Run through four of the eight Royal Parks; Hyde Park, The Green Park, St. James’s Park and Kensington Gardens.

  • World-famous landmarks of the capital

    Run past Buckingham Palace, The London Eye, The Houses of Parliament, the Royal Albert Hall and much more.

  • Multi-award-winning with green credentials

    Sustainability leads the way over the flat and fast course to the inspirational Food and Fitness Festival.

Fundraising event

The Royal Parks Half Marathon, presented by Royal Bank of Canada, was set up by The Royal Parks charity as an annual fundraising initiative to help conserve and enhance London’s eight Royal Parks for everyone, while enabling charities of all sizes to be involved in a major challenge event. 

Since then the event has exceeded all expectations, raising nearly £65 million for over 1,200 UK charities. It’s a key part of raising awareness of The Royal Parks as a charity, funded by donations and events like the Royal Parks Half.

The money raised by this event for The Royal Parks helps to keep the magic of eight vital green spaces alive, teach children and adults about the natural world, care for wildlife and conserve historic monuments.

Green credentials

The aim is to make race day as green and sustainable as possible and have committed to reaching net-zero by 2027. Right now 66% of all waste from the event is recycled and more work is being done. This event aims to protect, not just the parks but also, the wider world around us for everyone.

Event video

  • Event village
  • Families
  • Fancy dress
  • Newcomers
  • Spectators
  • Traders at event
  • Wheelchair users

2025 details to be confirmed.

Awards

  • 2019 - The Running Award - Bronze for Best Half Marathon over 5,000 Participants 
  • 2018 - UK Sponsorship Awards - Most Effective Use Of Mass Participation Sponsorship
  • 2017 - Runner's World Personal Best Awards - Best New Race of the Decade
  • 2016 – Shortlisted at the BT Sport Industry Awards and Running Awards
  • 2013 – Third Sector Excellence Awards – Best Fundraising Event
  • 2011 – Event Awards – Best Outdoor Event
  • 2009 – Hollis Sponsorship Awards – Sponsorship Award (Charity & Community)
  • 2008 – Runner’s World Awards – Best New Event

  • Bag storage
  • Bar
  • Cafe
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Park
  • Toilets
  • Urban

Event HQ

Green Park
London
Greater London
W1J 7NF
UK

The race now starts on the most iconic road in the world – The Mall. Arrive at The Green Park, as this is where the start village is located. You will go through the start village to access the race start, so do not head directly to The Mall itself. 

  • 1 lap
  • Distance markers
  • Entertainment
  • First aid
  • Food stations
  • Marshals
  • Point to point
  • Toilets
  • Traffic free
  • Undulating
  • Water stations

overview

  • 13.1 miles through the heart of London
  • One lap on closed roads, starting and finishing in Hyde Park
  • Takes in many of the capital’s world-famous landmarks
  • Runs through four of London’s eight Royal Parks – Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens
  • Four water stations at mile 3, 6, 9, and 11

Description

The Royal Parks Half Marathon, presented by Royal Bank of Canada, is a unique challenge event. Run on closed roads with a festival atmosphere, it’s a landmark day for both runners and supporters alike.

This stunning course threads its way through the beauty and majesty of four Royal Parks and past iconic landmarks including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and the Royal Albert Hall. Although there are some gentle undulations it’s a generally flat course, making it fantastic for both beginners and experienced runners.

Route highlights

  • Wellington Arch
  • Buckingham Palace
  • St James's Park
  • The Green Park
  • Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
  • London Eye
  • Trafalgar Square
  • Admiralty Arch
  • Marble Arch
  • Hyde Park
  • Kensington Palace and Gardens
  • Royal Albert Hall

Map

map

  • Bring your own cup
  • Plastic bottle free
  • Public transport links
  • Recycling
  • Sustainability policy
  • Trees not tees

Sustainability is at the top of the agenda! The aim is to make race day as green and sustainable as possible. Sixty-six percent of all waste from the event is recycled and now avoids landfill sites. More is being done with every event that is put on. It is important not only to protect the Parks but to reduce any impact on the wider world.

Environmental policy

The commitment is to make the event as sustainable as possible, whilst maintaining the high-quality race experience that you’d expect. The environmental policy details the steps to help achieve this. Partners, charities and runners are encouraged to follow the principles outlined in the policy.

Key principles

  • Plastic bottle free
  • Race shirts made from bamboo and recycled bottles
  • Plant a tree instead of collecting a finisher t-shirt
  • Medals made from FSC-certified Beech wood
  • Food waste from the festival is composted
  • Banana peels are composted in special banana bins
  • All cutlery is biodegradable
  • Unwanted clothing donated to Traid

Ditch the plastic

Runners are self-sufficient with their own hydration on-course with regular water refill points and compostable cups which help the event to be plastic bottle free. The Royal Parks Half was one of the first major half marathons in London to go plastic bottle free.

  • Chip timing
  • Eco medal
  • Eco t-shirt

Included

  • Technical bamboo race shirt
  • Numbered race bib with timing chip
  • Uniquely designed wooden medal
Eco medal
Medals are made from FSC-certified Beech wood. The lanyards are made from recycled plastic bottles, and a split ring attachment to the wooden medal encourages re-use.

  • Fundraising materials
  • Fundraising support

Every year thousands of runners take part in this event and fundraise for charity. While this is hugely beneficial to the charities it gives the runner advantages too, from supporting a cause that is close to your heart to securing a place in this highly sought-after event and much more.

Benefits of running for charity

Committing to raising money for charity gives you motivation to get outside and run, plus all of these extras which will elevate your event experience:

  • Fundraising support

    Charities know that raising money is all part of the challenge, which is why they provide advice, branded materials and a personalised online fundraising page to help the donations roll in. Think videos for social media, branded imagery and testimonials from previous runners.

  • Training support

    Whether this is your first run or your fifth, you'll need to train for it! You'll receive an in-depth training plan with guidance, plus many charities have access to expert coaches and elite runners too, who can provide exclusive tips for your race preparation. Experts include Runningwithus, Full Potential and Olympic champs.

  • Branded running kit

    When you show up on the day, people need to be able to see clearly that you're supporting a charity. Most charities will give you a branded and personalised t-shirt or vest to run in on the big day, and often a training top too.

  • Support on the day

    When you're partway through your run and your energy is flagging, what you need is a boost from cheering spectators to keep you moving. Many charities set up a cheer station along the route, keeping an eye out for you to send up a huge cheer as you run past!

  • Post-race recovery

    Refreshments and an indulgent post-race sports massage are often provided by charities for their runners. This is the perfect way to recover alongside other people who have run for that cause.

  • Exclusive social groups

    You won't be the only person running for that charity, so it's well worth meeting other runners through the charity's invite-only social media pages! You can organise to meet up for training runs, chat with the charity's expert coaches and share tips and stories with each other to keep the motivation levels running high.

What are charity places?

Charities buy places in this event, then give them to runners who agree to raise money for the charity – these are called charity places. Charity places are a great way to support a good cause and get a place in the event, especially if ballot entries are closed.

Running a half marathon and charity fundraising go hand-in-hand - which charity will you run for?

Charity places

These charities have places in the event. To secure your place, select a charity, complete the form and follow the instructions.

Free sign up Homelessness

Missing People

The only UK charity that reunites missing children and adults with their loved ones.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Fundraising incentives
  • Training guide
  • Dedicated contact
  • Pre-event meet-ups
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Post-race reception
  • Refreshments
  • Exclusive social group

Sign up
FREE

Fundraise
£400

  • Age 17 & over
  • 16000 places
  • Ballot not yet open
  • Charity entries open
  • Ballot
  • Charity places
  • Enter online
  • Event merch available
  • Race pack by post

2025 fees to be confirmed.

How to enter

There are 2 ways to secure your place in this fantastic event:

  • Ballot entry - the ballot opens early in the new year and results are usually announced February to March
  • Charity place - join a charity team and raise money for your favourite cause

 

bALLOT ENTRY

Places in the event are allocated using a ballot system. All you need to do is fill in an application form and submit it before the deadline - you'll get a notification if you've been successful. Don't worry if you're not one of the lucky ones, you'll still be able to join a charity team to secure a place.

Charity place

Skip the uncertainty and hassle of the ballot by securing a charity place today.

If you'd prefer to run as part of a charity team or you weren't one of the lucky ballot applications, you can still secure your place at the start line with a charity partner. Charity places are available from free + sponsorship pledge.

Great Half-Marathon around the most beautiful parks and surroundings of London! The arrival in Hyde Park is amazing. Renaud B

This was a really lovely half marathon... there were so many landmarks to see along the way. You got to see a lot of them more than once, as the route often looped back. Kerry

Great route through heart of London. Excellent support all the way, entering into Hyde Park is the biggest buzz with all the crowds willing you on. Mat

Always an outstanding race as it's closed roads and through London. Jane

A very good half marathon, very enjoyable, good goodie bag at the end, great location in Hyde Park with all the fair with all the stalls. You had the feeling that you were part of a great event. Luis

This was my sixth Royal Parks Half and still my favourite half. Also the first year accompanied by torrential rain but my goodness the charity support was still as strong as ever. A big thank you to All the supporters and organisers. Jeanette

Great race and highly recommend. Nick

The route was lovely taking in the streets of London followed by the parks... The support, especially in the parks was brilliant... The wooden medal is lovely and possibly one of my favourites. Erica

My first half marathon and what a perfect way to start. The course was truly beautiful and took in some amazing sights of London., running down the Mall a highlight! Miranda C

Simply beautiful race through London’s Parks and past the cities iconic sites! Ian B

This is without a doubt my favourite event ever. Well organised, great route etc etc. This year was the first time I have run an event with a pacer and I have to say it made the experience even better, especially as someone who normally runs alone, I felt I was part of a team. I have done the London Marathon 3 times and this race still for me is so much better, great atmosphere and the route far more interesting. Gemma P

A fantastic event and a beautiful course, flat and fast and without doubt a PB course. Lee C

Reviews thanks to RaceCheck

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