Royal Parks Half Marathon
Sun 8 Oct 2023 London, UK

Royal Parks Half Marathon

A stunning central London half marathon taking in four Royal Parks in autumn and some of the capital's world-famous landmarks on closed roads. Charity places now available for 2023.

Get charity place
Missing People
Sign up for FREE Fundraise £350

Missing People

Get a FREE place with Team Missing People for the charity's 30th Anniversary and help more families affected. Enjoy face to face team meet-ups, goodies, cheer points on the day and more!

Mind
Sign up for £35 Fundraise £350

Mind

Join Team Mind for this beautiful city run and join the fight for better mental health! Wear your Mind running vest with pride and enjoy a fantastic support package.

  • Sun 8 Oct 2023
Green Park, London > Hyde Park, London

Royal Parks Half Marathon

09:00

FREE-£50

Age 17 & over

  • 13.1 miles road running

Overview

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.

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

Fundraising event

This award-winning event was set up as an annual fundraising initiative, raising sustainable funds for the Royal Parks to support London’s eight Royal Parks, and enabling charities of all sizes to be involved in a major challenge event.

Over the last twelve years the event has exceeded all expectations in raising £55 million for over 1,000 UK charities.

The money raised by the Royal Parks through this event helps to keep the magic of the Royal Parks alive through restoring monuments and playgrounds, teaching children about the natural world and caring for wildlife.

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. 

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

The course is an iconic and picturesque half marathon race through four Royal Parks (Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, St James’s Park and The Green Park) and past some of the capital’s most historic landmarks. Although undulating in parts, the course is not hilly and is great for either experienced or first-time half marathon runners.

Royal Parks Half Marathon route map
ROYAL PARKS HALF MARATHON ROUTE MAP
Pretty flat through central London on closed roads featuring four Royal Parks.

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

  • 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

If you’d like to join a charity team to secure one of their guaranteed entries, you'll need to fundraise.

There are lots of charities taking part ranging from those with large teams through to those with much smaller teams. Charities ask their runners to fundraise an agreed amount but fundraising targets will differ. Get in touch with a charity that resonates with you and fundraise for an incredible cause!

Charity places

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

Missing People
Featured Homelessness

Missing People

Get a FREE place with Team Missing People for the charity's 30th Anniversary and help more families affected. Enjoy face to face team meet-ups, goodies, cheer points on the day and more!

  • Personalised 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
£350

Mind
Featured Mental health

Mind

Join Team Mind for this beautiful city run and join the fight for better mental health! Wear your Mind running vest with pride and enjoy a fantastic support package.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Post-race reception

Sign up
£35

Fundraise
£350

Animals

Cats Protection

For a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

  • Running vest
  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Dedicated contact
  • Exclusive social group
  • Certificate
  • Submit fundraising up to 1 month after event

Sign up
£35

Fundraise
£375

Homelessness

St Mungo's

Ending homelessness, rebuilding lives.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Bespoke training plan
  • Pro training advice
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Post-race reception
  • Refreshments

Sign up
£20

Fundraise
£300

Health and Medical

Diabetes UK

Know Diabetes. Fight Diabetes.

  • Running vest
  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Supporter cheer packs
  • Training plan
  • Pro training advice
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Refreshments
  • Exclusive social group
  • Memento
  • Submit fundraising up to 1 month after event
  • Pre-event training sessions

Sign up
£30

Fundraise
£350

Health and Medical

St John Ambulance

The nation's leading first aid charity, to teach everyone simple, life saving skills.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Pro training advice
  • Certificate

Sign up
£10

Fundraise
£250

Mental health

SANE

Supporting those affected by mental illness to change mental health for good.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£350

International

CAFOD - Catholic Agency for Overseas Development

CAFOD is there, wherever the need is greatest to ensure that no one is beyond reach.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£20

Fundraise
£400

Disability

Whizz-Kidz

Wheelchairs, equipment and services to empower young wheelchair users.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training guide

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£300

Cancer

Target Ovarian Cancer

Raise awareness, fund research and save lives.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Training guide
  • Online training zone
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£5

Fundraise
£350

Homelessness

Centrepoint

Providing the support needed to give homeless young people a future.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Cheer squad on the day

Sign up
£30

Fundraise
£350

International

Street Child

Helping children into education in the world's toughest areas.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£350

Cancer

Leukaemia Care

Providing vital care and support to all those affected by a blood cancer.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training guide
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£350

Animals

Dogs Trust

Running rehoming centres to save over 16,000 abandoned dogs annually.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Cheer squad on the day

Sign up
£30

Fundraise
£350

Health and Medical

Scleroderma & Raynaud's UK

Providing support and funding research to improve lives everyday.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Dedicated contact
  • Exclusive social group

Sign up
£20

Fundraise
£400

Environment

WWF

Global conservation work to ensure people and nature both thrive.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Training guide
  • Training days
  • Online training zone
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Post-race reception
  • Exclusive social group
  • Submit fundraising up to 1 month after event
  • Pre-event training sessions

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£350

Cancer

Macmillan Cancer Support

No one should have to face cancer alone.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Online training zone
  • Cheer squad on the day

Sign up
£35

Fundraise
£350

Cancer

DKMS

We Delete Blood Cancer.

  • T-shirt
  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact
  • Certificate
  • Memento

Sign up
£50

Fundraise
£300

Children

Childhood First

For children aged 5-18 who have experienced severe abuse, neglect and early-life trauma.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Fundraising incentives
  • Dedicated contact
  • Certificate
  • Submit fundraising up to 1 month after event

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£350

Health and Medical

MS Society

For a world free from the effects of MS.

  • Running vest
  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Supporter cheer packs
  • Training plan
  • Training guide
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day

Sign up
£17.50

Fundraise
£350

Heart

Heart Research UK

Funding pioneering medical research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£350

Children

Rainbow Trust

Supporting families with a seriously ill child.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£10

Fundraise
£350

Cancer

Blood Cancer UK

The blood cancer research charity.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Training plan
  • Pro training advice
  • Cheer squad on the day

Sign up
£20

Fundraise
£350

Heart

British Heart Foundation

Coronary heart disease is the UK's single biggest killer but the BHF is leading the fight against it.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Pro training advice
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Refreshments
  • Free massage

Sign up
£30

Fundraise
£350

Cancer

The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity

Pioneering new cancer treatments to create a future beyond cancer.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Post-race reception
  • Refreshments
  • Free massage

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£350

International

WaterAid

Providing clean water and decent toilets to everyone, everywhere.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Bespoke training plan
  • Pro training advice
  • Training guide
  • Online training zone
  • Dedicated contact
  • Pre-event training sessions

Sign up
£30

Fundraise
£350

Children

Winston's Wish

Supporting grieving children and young people to ensure they don't face their grief alone.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact
  • Certificate

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£300

Children

The Children's Society

It’s time to support children in the UK who feel scared, unloved and unable to cope.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£350

Health and Medical

Epilepsy Society

Transforming the lives of people with epilepsy through world-leading research, advocacy and care.

  • T-shirt
  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Training guide
  • Online training zone
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£350

Cancer

Anthony Nolan

Saving the lives of people with blood cancer and blood disorders.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Pro training advice
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day

Sign up
£30

Fundraise
£350

Health and Medical

Brain & Spine Foundation

Providing expert support and education to those affected by brain and spine problems.

  • T-shirt
  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Supporter cheer packs
  • Training plan
  • Training guide
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Exclusive social group

Sign up
£5

Fundraise
£350

Environment

The Royal Parks

The Royal Parks charity cares for the eight Royal Parks in London for everyone to enjoy.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Fundraising incentives
  • Dedicated contact
  • Post-race reception
  • Refreshments
  • Memento
  • Prize draw

Sign up
£30

Fundraise
£350

Free sign up Social welfare

Alcohol Change UK

Working to end serious alcohol harm in the UK.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
FREE

Fundraise
£350

Human rights

Refugee Action

Helping refugees build safe, hopeful and productive new lives in the UK.

  • Technical t-shirt
  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day

Sign up
£35

Fundraise
£400

Cancer

The Institute of Cancer Research

Making the discoveries that defeat cancer.

  • T-shirt
  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Supporter cheer packs
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Refreshments
  • Certificate
  • Submit fundraising up to 1 month after event

Sign up
£30

Fundraise
£365

Children

NSPCC

Every childhood is worth fighting for.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Bespoke training plan
  • Pro training advice
  • Training guide
  • Training days
  • Pre-event meet-ups
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Post-race reception
  • Refreshments
  • Exclusive social group
  • Pre-event training sessions

Sign up
£10

Fundraise
£350

Children

Dreams Come True

Making dreams come true to bring joy to seriously ill children.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact
  • Certificate

Sign up
£30

Fundraise
£400

Older people

Independent Age

Advice and support for older age.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Certificate

Sign up
£20

Fundraise
£300

Armed forces

Blesma, The Limbless Veterans

Supporting limbless veterans since WWI.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£35

Fundraise
£400

Health and Medical

Parkinson's UK

Find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Online training zone
  • Cheer squad on the day

Sign up
£40

Fundraise
£350

Cancer

Prostate Cancer UK

Funding research to stop prostate cancer killing men.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Post-race reception

Sign up
£20

Fundraise
£350

Dementia

Dementia UK

Providing specialist dementia support for families through their Admiral Nurse service.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day

Sign up
£35

Fundraise
£375

Free sign up Heart

Cardiomyopathy UK

Providing information and support to sufferers of this incurable disease which could affect anyone of any age.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials

Sign up
FREE

Fundraise
£350

Free sign up Health and Medical

JDRF

Improving lives. Curing type 1 diabetes.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Supporter cheer packs
  • Training guide
  • Cheer squad on the day

Sign up
FREE

Fundraise
£350

Children

Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity

Providing nurses and support to help seriously ill children in the UK.

  • T-shirt
  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan

Sign up
£30

Fundraise
£350

Children

Make-A-Wish UK

Creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Online training zone
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Certificate
  • Submit fundraising up to 1 month after event

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£350

Children

Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity

Helping the hospital offer a better future to seriously ill children across the UK.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day

Sign up
£35

Fundraise
£350

Disability

National Deaf Children's Society

Dedicated to creating a world without barriers for deaf children.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day

Sign up
£10

Fundraise
£400

Homelessness

The Passage

Ending homelessness.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training guide
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day

Sign up
£30

Fundraise
£350

Children

Sands

Reducing the number of baby deaths.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training guide
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£15

Fundraise
£300

Health and Medical

Cystic Fibrosis Trust

The only UK-wide charity fighting for a life unlimited, when everyone living with CF can look forward to a long, healthy life.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Bespoke training plan
  • Pro training advice
  • Training guide
  • Online training zone
  • Dedicated contact
  • Exclusive social group

Sign up
£35

Fundraise
£400

  • Age 17 & over
  • 16000 places
  • Ballot closed
  • Charity entries open
  • Ballot
  • Charity places
  • Enter online
  • Event merch available
  • Race pack by post

How to enter the Royal Parks Half Marathon

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

  • Ballot entry - the 2023 ballot opened in January and has now closed
  • Charity place - join a charity team and raise money for your favourite cause

 

Entering the ballot

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 places

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 one of our charity partners. It's easy to find a charity you would like to run for on this page. You can order by:

  • Charity name
  • Charity cause (eg. cancer, disability, children, international, dementia etc)
  • Cheapest sign up
  • Lowest fundraising

Entry fees

Entry fee

£0.00

Entry fee

£50.00

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

Reviews thanks to RaceCheck