Royal Parks Half Marathon 2026: Route map, road closures, best places to watch and nearest stations

The event was first launched in 2008, and bills itself as the first and only half marathon through the centre of London.It was set up by The Royal Parks charity as an annual fundraising initiative to help conserve and enhance London’s Royal Parks, while enabling charities of all sizes to be involved in a major challenge event. The event has raised over £80 million for more than 1,900 UK charities.Two sections of the route pass along The MallRoyal Parks Half MarathonThis year’s event comes as a record 1.33million people entered the London Marathon 2027 ballot, showing a growing popularity for mass-participation running events in the capital.Everything you need to know about the Royal Parks Half Marathon 2026 What is the Royal Parks Half Marathon route?The 13.1-mile Royal Parks Half Marathon route takes in many of the capital’s world-famous landmarks.The full Royal Parks Half Marathon routeRoyal Parks Half Marathon Starting in Hyde Park and finishing in Kensington Gardens, more than 18,000 runners will pass Horse Guards Parade with views of the London Eye, run along The Mall twice, and pass both Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace.Although there are some gentle undulations, it is a generally flat course, making it a good option for both beginners and experienced runners attempting to set personal best times. Participants will cross the finish line in front of two iconic London landmarks - The Albert Memorial and the Royal Albert Hall. The finish line takes in both the Albert Memorial and the Royal Albert HallRoyal Parks Half MarathonThe event village in Hyde Park is a short walk from the finish line.What time is the Royal Parks Half Marathon?The Royal Parks Half Marathon officially kicks off at 8.45am. The Event village and Baggage Tent will be open from 7.30am, with wave loading opening from 8.05am.Participants have until 2pm to complete the race, with the Event Village closing by 4pm.How to get to the Royal Parks Half Marathon?Due to local road closures, public transport is your best bet to reach the event - whether you’re a spectator or a participant.Many Tube stations are within walking distance from the start and finish lines, including Hyde Park Corner, Green Park, Knightsbridge, South Kensington, Victoria, Marble Arch, and Lancaster Gate.Directions from each nearby station can be seen on the Royal Parks Half Marathon YouTube page here.Runners and spectators have been advised that there are planned engineering works on Race Day on the Circle line from Edgware Road to Aldgate via Victoria and on the District line from Tower Hill and Edgware Road to Ealing Broadway, Kensington (Olympia), Richmond and Wimbledon. What are the best places to watch the race?There are plenty of great places to watch along the route, with sponsors and charities at spots along the route to cheer runners on and keep them moving.Read MoreThe Mall is located between Mile 1 and 2 and between Mile 4 and 5 on the route, allowing spectators to spot runners in two directions.Runners pass Horse Guards Parade with views of the London EyeRoyal Parks Half MarathonSerpentine Road in Hyde Park also sees runners in both directions - between Mile 5 and 6 and between Mile 8 and 9.It is a popular spot, with charities creating a lot of atmosphere.The Albert Memorial is the perfect spot near the finish line to cheer runners home.What roads are closed?Many central London roads will be closed for the event.Roads within Hyde Park will be closed from 12.01am on Sunday October 11 until 5am on Monday October 12.Roads within St James’s Park will be closed from 6am until 6.30pm on Sunday, and roads within Westminster will be closed from 7am until 12.30pm.A map of road closures during the eventRoyal Parks Half MarathonHyde Park and Kensington Gardens will be open to the public as usual throughout the weekend, but users may be directed to different gates to access the Parks on Sunday.Emergency vehicle access will be maintained across the route at all times, and drivers are advised to plan their journeys in advance and allow additional time.