Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking for your next event or your New Year’s resolution was to get moving, there’s no better place to start than the big smoke itself.
The London 2020 events calendar is packed full of lesser-known fun and quirky running meets, so check out our guide to the ones worth training for and put a spring in your step.
9th February
What better place to start than with London’s largest 10k and the first major event of the season? It kicks off at Trafalgar Square and you can expect some winter-themed perks on your way around the city including DJs, husky high-fives and a penguin party.
The party doesn’t stop once the running is over either and there’ll be live music on Trafalgar square to keep your blood pumping long after. Fundraising is optional but recommended and you’ll need to apply for a charity place to take part via the cancer research website.
16th February
Lap up the beautiful surroundings of London’s most iconic park as you run around its paths and famous curved Serpentine. This one attracts a wide range of runners so don’t panic about ability.
Entry to this much-loved event will cost you £20, or £18 if you’re a UK athletics member. If you’d like a bit more time to train, don’t panic as there’ll be further Royal Park runs in March, June, and October.
Perks: Unique souvenir medal and goodie bag.
1st March
Let’s ramp things up a bit with the little brother of the London Marathon. It kicks off at the landmark Tower Bridge and you’ll cross the line in Greenwich’s Cutty Sark.
This one’s super popular with runners far and wide so entries sold out pretty sharpish, but don’t let that put you off - places can still be found with charities.
Perks: This one’s perfect for the whole family as they host a 2.3 mile ‘Little half’ for families which is free for under 18s and £5 for everyone else, plus there’s the Vitality Big Mile which is free to everyone. Once all the exercise is out of the way, enjoy the Vitality Big Festival afterwards in Greenwich.
15th March
If you fancy dipping your toe in the water of a half marathon then this is as gentle as they get thanks to the flat course. You’ll start and finish in the spectacular grounds of this iconic palace, plus enjoy views of the city throughout your run.
Entry, costing £38, gets you free access to the palace gardens once you’ve finished (be careful in their infamous maze with tired legs), but a word of warning: there’s a strict three-hour cut off to complete this one.
Perks: unique themed medal, finisher’s t-shirt, free official photos and goodie bag.
29th March
This closed roads, central London half marathon is the only one on the list to cross through both London and the city of Westminster. It’s organised by Tommy’s the baby charity and offers a unique way to see the city’s best-loved landmarks.
It kicks off on Pall Mall and you’ll cross the finish line on Downing Street. You’ll need to sign up with a charity to enter and the fee varies depending on which you choose, for an example though, Alzheimer’s Society ask for £35.
Perks: vary depending on the charity of choice, head to individual websites for all the info.
25th May
Ever seen the London marathon and grimaced watching runners drag themselves over the finish line on the Mall? Imagine that moment but after a much more manageable 10k and you’ve got this event.
It starts in St. James’ Park and passes some of London’s famous sites, with water stations along the way. Entry cost is £35 or £33 for UK athletics members.
Perks: goodie bag, finisher’s medal & sized t-shirt.
31st May
This one’s short, sweet and super quirky as you run it with a partner and you’ll be tethered together throughout. Why? Because it supports the RNIB and is inspired by the way many people with sight loss go running.
It takes place in Regents Park and will cost £20 to enter with a £170 fundraising pledge per pair.
Perks:gorgeous setting, worthy cause and great atmosphere.
11th June
Who hasn’t dreamt of becoming a superhero? Well, enter this event and you will be for the day. All participants don a mask and cape and pound the pavement in order to ‘save the world’.
Runners as young as eight can enter (accompanied by an adult), with under 16’s joining in for free. Adult entries will set you back £26. You can partake for fun or in the name of your chosen charity, and you’ll be passing the London Eye, Shard and Tower Bridge to name just a few.
Perks: Cape & mask for every entrant, plus finisher’s medal.
5th July
Join 1,000s of other runners of all abilities for this popular run which passes iconic venues and boasts a live DJ or band every kilometre along.
Early bird entry will cost you £45 or you can sign up for a place with a charity of your choice. A stand-out benefit of this one is it’s plastic-free, making it the first mass participation event of its kind.
Perks: environmentally-friendly, fan hubs, live music, medal, tote bag and ‘swag’.
11th October
The name’s pretty intriguing and the course doesn’t disappoint, whether you opt for the 5 or 10k event you’ll run around the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, including waterways, after dark.
Entry to this one’s not bad either, costing £13 for the 5k and £17 for the 10k.
Perks: dual hybrid connecting medal, finisher’s snacks and water stations.
Itching to put your running shoes on? Hopefully, we’ve introduced you to something new and exciting to get you training for, but there’s plenty more to choose from if not. Here’s a quick rundown of other confirmed events in 2020:
If you’re anything like us, the idea of travelling home after a hard day running is tantamount to sticking pins in your eyes, so why not make a weekend of it? Any one of our luxurious and conveniently located London hotels will offer you some well deserved R&R plus loads of other perks and benefits. We hope to welcome you soon, but all that’s left to say for now is good luck!
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