The best London runs

Whether you're after a gentle jog or fancy embarking on the biggest challenge you've ever put your legs through, London has a route for you. Here are the best London runs to take on this year.

The best runs in London

Richmond Park Half Marathon

The Richmond Park Half Marathon, also known as "Run Fest", typically commences at 9.30 am and starts and finishes at Old Deer Park. The route is easily accessible by public transport. Participants should make their way to Richmond Station, and Old Deer Park is only a five-minute walk away.

Runners embark on one of the most scenic half marathons in the capital, covering the River Thames. Joggers pass landmarks such as the Richmond Bridge, Teddington Lock, and Ham House. Expect a mix of roads, paths, towpaths, and grass as you pound the pavement of a flat, but fast course.

After the race, attendees can enjoy a festival of music, food, and a fitness expo at the Old Deer Park.

Regents Park 10k and Fun Runs

Regent's Park 10K and Fun Runs take place in Regent's Park, one of the capital's Royal Parks. During your journey, you will pass a boating lake, the Broad Walk of Regent's Park, and the iconic Ready Money Fountain. It also famously passes London Zoo, so be sure to look out for your favourite animal as you jog by.

The route offers fitness fans three race options. The 10K route, of three laps, a 2-mile Fun Run, one lap and the junior run, which will cover approximately 700 metres. The events usually start at 9.00 am, and the junior race starts a little earlier at 8.45 am.

The race is perfect for runners of all abilities, even first timers, as the course is relatively flat, with a gentle incline per lap. Furthermore, all finishes receive a bespoke medal. How fantastic is that?

Battersea Park Half Marathon

Battersea Park Half Marathon is suitable for anyone aged 18. Organised by RunThrough, the event happens several times a year, so be sure to keep an eye on their website for the next one.

This route is particularly flat, and runners will enjoy a scenic course with plenty of riverside views as it passes along the River Thames and through park paths. Ask family and friends to come and cheer you on as you jog this looped course.

It's essential to bear in mind that the Battersea Park run is a multi-lap course, which some runners may find mentally tougher or easier depending on how you like to tackle your runs.

Supermove London 5k

Supermove London 5k is the perfect family-friendly event catering to anyone over 11 years old. This 5K route around Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park takes in iconic venues from the 2012 Olympic Games.

Starting and finishing at the ArcelorMittal Orbit, runners head north alongside the popular Stratford Waterfront, the iconic Olympic Park, which hosted the London 2012 Olympics, the London Stadium, and the Aquatics Centre.

The route is traffic-free and usually takes one hour to complete. All runners will receive an LED head torch to ensure their safety during their route. Additionally, to tie in with the early evening start and the "light-up" theme, participants are encouraged to wear fluorescent, glowing, or flashing clothing.

Kingston 10k and Half Marathon

Kingston 10K Half Marathon, is suitable for anyone over 18 years old. It costs around £35-£37 to take part and starts at 9:00 am. The race starts and finishes at the Kingston Hawker Centre. Runners pass through Kingston Town Centre and along the River Towpath, embarking on a one-lap course.

The most scenic sections cover the high street, across the Kingston Bridge, and along the Thames towpath. The race has a superb atmosphere and supports amazing charities, such as the Kingston Hospital Charity and Alzheimer's Research UK. All runners will receive a medal for finishing as well as loads of goodies at the finish, including water, juices, fruit and a chocolate bar! Worry about the calories later; you deserve your sugary treat after that run.

Hampton Court Palace Half Marathon

Hampton Court Palace Half Marathon is open to anyone aged 17 and over. Starting and finishing inside the Palace grounds, this route follows the Barge Walk, crosses the Kingston Bridge, and goes along the Thames Ditton Footpaths. It then returns via Barge Walk a second time before turning into Home Park for the final stretch.

Fitness fans can enjoy water stations along the route, around the 3-mile course, plus other refreshments. Additionally, this course has chip timing, so you know exactly what time you finish the race. All runners receive a themed royal finishing medal that can take pride of place anywhere in your home.

London Landmarks Half Marathon

London Landmarks Half Marathon is a renowned and celebrated journey taking in some of the capital's most cultural landmarks and heritage, as well as the city's quirky and hidden secrets. Delight in passing Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral, Nelson's Column, The Shard, Tower of London, and the London Eye. This half-marathon covers 13.1 miles of spectacular central London with closed roads, so runners don't have to worry about traffic. This run has the "wow-factor", with musical performers, DJs, dancers, and themed cheer stations to "pump-up" runners along the way.

The race is run for charity, benefiting organisations like Saint Francis Hospice, Teenage Cancer Trust, Heart Research UK, and the British Red Cross, to name a few.

The London Marathon

The London Marathon is regarded as the creme de la creme of Marathons and the most famous marathon in the world. Participants from more than 190 countries descend on the capital each year to run the 26.3 miles. 

The marathon starts at Greenwich Park and finishes on The Mall near Buckingham Palace. Other key attractions include Cutty Sark, Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and St James' Park. So, if you aren’t too focused on the race, it’s a great way to see the city.

It's estimated that a world-record 1,113,813 people have entered the ballot for the 2026 event.

Need a lay down after all that running?

You've jogged and sprinted past some of London’s most significant landmarks; you really have put those miles in. Need to lie down after your run? You've definitely earned it. Why don't you do so in an UNCLE apartment? We have some beautiful apartments across London, ready to move into today. Contact us to arrange a booking today.