Royal Parks Half Marathon
Sun 13 Oct 2024 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 2024.

Get charity place
Smile Train
Sign up for £15 Fundraise £300

Smile Train

Join Team EMPOWER and turn your miles into smiles! Help provide free cleft treatment to people born with cleft around the world.

St John Ambulance
Sign up for £10 Fundraise £300

St John Ambulance

Help save lives by running for St John Ambulance next autumn! Sign up today for £10 and raise £300 to prevent lives from being lost needlessly. You can be the difference.

  • Sun 13 Oct 2024
Green Park, London > Hyde Park, London

Royal Parks Half Marathon

09:00

FREE-£41.60

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 video

  • Event village
  • Families
  • Fancy dress
  • Newcomers
  • Spectators
  • 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

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.

Smile Train
Featured Children

Smile Train

Join Team EMPOWER and turn your miles into smiles! Help provide free cleft treatment to people born with cleft around the world.

  • Running vest
  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Supporter cheer packs
  • Training plan
  • Training guide
  • Online training zone
  • Dedicated contact
  • Exclusive social group
  • Certificate
  • Submit fundraising up to 1 month after event

Sign up
£15

Fundraise
£300

St John Ambulance
Featured Health and Medical

St John Ambulance

Help save lives by running for St John Ambulance next autumn! Sign up today for Β£10 and raise Β£300 to prevent lives from being lost needlessly. You can be the difference.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Pro training advice
  • Training guide
  • Certificate

Sign up
£10

Fundraise
£300

Children

Rainbow Trust

Supporting families with a seriously ill child.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£10

Fundraise
£375

Social welfare

Turn2us

Information and support for people in the UK to build financial sustainability and thrive.

  • Technical t-shirt
  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact
  • Submit fundraising up to 1 month after event

Sign up
£25

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

Cancer

Prostate Cancer UK

Funding research to stop prostate cancer killing men.

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

Sign up
£20

Fundraise
£350

Children

Sands

Reducing the number of baby deaths.

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

Sign up
£15

Fundraise
£300

Social welfare

The Salvation Army

Transforming lives in every community.

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

Sign up
£15

Fundraise
£325

Cancer

Brainstrust

Helping the brain tumour community to feel less alone and more in control.

  • Technical t-shirt
  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£41.60

Fundraise
£350

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
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£450

Health and Medical

Spinal Research

Every day three people in the UK are paralysed due to spinal cord injury.

  • Technical t-shirt
  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£30

Fundraise
£350

Cancer

Orchid, Fighting Male Cancer

Raising awareness and saving lives for prostate, testicular and penile cancer.

  • T-shirt
  • Fundraising support
  • Certificate
  • Submit fundraising up to 1 month after event

Sign up
£35

Fundraise
£400

Mental health

SANE

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

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

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£450

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

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
  • Cheer squad on the day

Sign up
£20

Fundraise
£400

Mental health

Samaritans

Samaritans is available round the clock, every single day of the year providing a safe place for anyone struggling to cope, whoever they are, however they feel, whatever life has done to them.

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

Sign up
£30

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

International

WaterAid

Providing clean water and decent toilets to everyone, everywhere.

  • T-shirt
  • Technical t-shirt
  • 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

Cancer

Blood Cancer UK

The blood cancer research charity.

  • T-shirt
  • Fundraising support
  • Training plan
  • Pro training advice
  • Online training zone
  • Cheer squad on the day

Sign up
£10

Fundraise
£350

Homelessness

The Passage

Working towards a society where street homelessness no longer exists and everyone has a place to call home.

  • Running vest
  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Fundraising incentives
  • Training guide
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Certificate
  • Submit fundraising up to 1 month after event

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
£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
  • Bespoke training plan
  • Pro training advice
  • Training guide
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day

Sign up
£35

Fundraise
£350

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

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
  • Certificate

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£350

Homelessness

St Mungo's

Ending homelessness, rebuilding lives.

  • Personalised 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

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
  • Certificate

Sign up
£20

Fundraise
£400

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

Free sign up Social welfare

Alcohol Change UK

Working to end serious alcohol harm in the UK.

  • Technical t-shirt
  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Fundraising incentives
  • Training plan
  • Training guide
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Post-race reception

Sign up
FREE

Fundraise
£350

Free sign up Human rights

Stonewall

Working and campaigning to achieve equality for all LGBTQ+ people.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Fundraising incentives
  • Bespoke training plan
  • Pro training advice
  • Online training zone
  • Dedicated contact
  • Pre-event meet-ups
  • Cheer squad on the day

Sign up
FREE

Fundraise
£300

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

Armed forces

Walking With The Wounded

Mentally, physically and socially wounded ex-service personnel and their families are supported to receive the help they deserve.

  • T-shirt
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact
  • Exclusive social group
  • Memento

Sign up
£30

Fundraise
£380

Hospice

Sue Ryder

Giving people compassion and expert care to help them live the best life they can.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Training plan
  • Training guide

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£300

Health and Medical

MS Society

For a world free from the effects of MS.

  • Technical t-shirt
  • 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
£35

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

Mental health

Mind

The mental health charity.

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

Sign up
£35

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

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
£35

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

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

Child Bereavement UK

Supporting bereaved children and families to help rebuild their lives.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact
  • Exclusive social group

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£375

Children

Lord's Taverners

The Lord’s Taverners exists to positively impact the lives of young people facing the challenges of inequality.

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

Sign up
£30

Fundraise
£450

Free sign up Homelessness

Missing People

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

  • 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

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
£20

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

  • 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

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.

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