Frequently regarded as one of the UK's most friendly and photogenic half marathons, the Royal Parks Half Marathon certainly deserves a place on anyone's race wish list.
The 2024 Royal Parks Half Marathon will take place on Sunday 13 October in the heart of London's iconic green spaces. It is set to welcome around 16,000 runners to its start line and could be the crowning glory of your autumn race season, so here are all the key details about this year's event.
When will I receive my race number?
Runners will start to receive their race numbers from Monday 16 September and race packs will continue to arrive up to the week of the race (commencing Monday 7 October).
If your pack hasn't arrived by Saturday 12 October, head to the information tent at the event village in Hyde Park on Saturday 12 October (between 08.30am and 2.00pm) or Sunday 13 October (between 07.30am and 09.00am) so can collect it from there.
What time does the Royal Parks Half Marathon start?
The 2024 race will start at 9am, with runners setting off in waves according to their predicted finish times. The last wave is expected to begin between 09.30am and 09:45am. Runners will be emailed their individual start time on Friday 27 September.
Will there be a bag drop?
Yes, you can find this at the event village in Hyde Park. You will receive a baggage label in your race pack which you'll need to attach to your bag before handing it in. The number on your baggage label will match the one on your race bib number. You'll need to show your race bib in order to collect your bag after the race.
What is the Royal Parks Half Marathon route?
The 2024 route will start and finish at the event village in Hyde Park. The nearest tube station to the event village is Knightsbridge, while Hyde Park Corner tube station is also just a 15-minute walk away.
The closed-road route guides you through some of the capital's most stunning spaces, including four of London’s eight Royal Parks – Hyde Park, Green Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens. Along the way, runners will be able to feast their eyes on iconic London landmarks including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square and the Royal Albert Hall.
Although there are some gentle undulations, the course is generally flat, with less than 100m of elevation gain in total. You can view the official course map and Strava route here.
Can I wear headphones during the race?
Runners are allowed to wear headphones during the race. However, organisers ask runners to look out for marshals' for signals, follow all signage and be mindful of others.
Will there be water stations on the course?
Yes, there will be four water stations on the route. These will be located between miles 2-3, 6-7, 9-10 and 10-11. However, no energy gels will be available on the route, so runners are asked to bring their own sports nutrition.
Will there be toilets on the course?
Sydney Marathon 2025: Everything you need to know.
What is the cut-off time?
The 2024 race will have a cut-off time of four hours, after the last wave has started.
Will there be pacers?
Yes, there will be a team of pacers at the event. They will wear large flags on their backs, which will display their predicted finish times.
What are the organisers doing to make it a 'green' race?
The organisers of the Royal Parks Half Marathon will continue their commitment to decreasing the environmental footprint of the race, which is often considered one of the most eco-friendly in the country.
This year, instead of collecting finishers' T-shirts made from recycled materials, runners can choose to fund the planting of snowdrops and wildflowers along the race route. Runners are also encouraged to avoid using single-use plastic bottles during the race and instead use the water refill stations, which will also be equipped with compostable cups to help runners stay hydrated.
The Royal Parks Half Marathon became one of the first major UK running events to go plastic bottle-free in 2019. It has firmly maintained its pledge to ban all plastic bottles along the course and within the event village, and to drastically reduce waste wherever possible.
Can I still enter the 2024 race?
No, registrations for this year's race have now closed.
Can I enter the ballot for the 2025 race?
Not yet – but you can register your interest in next year's race and The best running shoes for 2024, expert-tested. Free half marathon training plans for every goal.
