Got a hankering to run 21km in front of a crowd of thousands? You’re not short of options here in London. Sure, getting a space in the ultra-popular Hackney Half feels as much of a mission as getting Glasto tickets, but it’s far from the only half marathon worth signing up to. This weekend, it’s the turn of the . 

As the name suggests, runners will be trotting around four of the city’s eight Royal Parks for 13.1 miles. The route takes you through Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Green Park and St James’s Park, passing by some of London’s most majestic landmarks including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and the Royal Albert Hall. Over 16,000 people will take part. 

Runner or spectator, this is all the essential info you need – including start times, route and transport. 

When is the Royal Parks Half Marathon 2026?

The popular race is taking place on . 

When does the race start?

As with most running events, runners will start the race in waves. Lining up will begin at 8.05am and the race will get going at 8.45am.

Everyone will have been sent an email with a recommended arrival time, wave loading time and race start time based on their predicted finish time. The final wave is expected to begin between 9.30am and 9.45am. 

Where does it start?

Participants will set off from the event village on the southeast side of Hyde Park. 

Last year, the event introduced a refreshed route and brand-new finish line in front of the Albert Memorial and Royal Albert Hall. This year’s runners will get the same epic backdrop. 

The changes to the route included running past Horse Guards Parade with views of the London Eye, traversing The Mall twice and going by Kensington Palace as well as Buckingham Palace. See the full map below. 

How to get to the Royal Parks Half Marathon

There are several nearby stations to choose from. If you’re on the Piccadilly line, you can alight at (a 15-minute walk from the start line), (12-minute walk) or (20-minute walk). 

There’s also  station, which is served by the Piccadilly, Jubilee and Victoria lines and is a 20-minute walk to the event village. 

If you’re willing to walk a little further, you can get off at station (Victoria line), (Central line) or (Central line), which are all a 25-minute stroll away. (Central, Elizabeth and Jubilee lines) is 35 minutes. 

Be warned that there will be engineering works happening on the Circle line from Edgware Road to Aldgate and on the District line from Tower Hill and Edgware Road to Ealing Broadway, Kensington (Olympia), Richmond and Wimbledon. 

Buses will drop participants off at Knightsbridge, Bayswater or Park Lane. Here are your options: 

• North London: 6, 7, 16, 52, 274, 390
• West London: 9, 14, 19, 22, 52, 74, 148

Are there toilets and water stations on the route? 

Water stations will be located at four different points along the route. There are also toilets between miles 1 and 2, 4 and 5, 6 and 7, and 9 and 10. 

The best places to watch runners

You’ll be able to see the runners along the whole route, but organisers recommend four particularly vibey spots for spectators.

• There’s the start line at
• You could park up somewhere in to see them at miles 1, 2, 3 and 4.5.
• If you find a spot in you’ll be able to catch your runner somewhere between miles 6 and 10
• To see them as they cross the finish line, go to . 

How to track runners

To track a runner, all you’ll need is their bib number and the Oysho Royal Parks Half app. If they enable GPS tracking on the app, you’ll be able to see them as they make their way along the route. It’ll also notify you when they’ve crossed the timing mats at 5km, 10km and other points on the route. 

Is the 2026 Royal Parks Half sold out?

Registration for the 2026 event is now closed, so if you want to take part you’ll have to wait until next year. Spaces aren’t available yet but you can register your interest here. The ballot will open in early 2027. 

Where can I drop my bags?

There’s a bag drop available for small bags or backpacks only. You will have a received a baggage tag in the post with your race package, so simply attach it to your bag then drop it at the baggage tent. 

Weather forecast

Sunday in London will be a . Ideal conditions for a big run if you ask us.  

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