FAQs

Pre Race Questions

1. How do I enter the race

Visit our charity home page and choose from the list of selected charities there. Click on their logo to go to their website, find their contact details and then contact them direct. Or you can enter a corporate team of 6 or 10 runners.

2. When do I receive my race number and pack?

We’ll send you your race number and pack approximately 6 weeks before the race takes place.

3. Can I walk or ‘power walk’ the race?

Please note that this event is a road race designed for runners, within which a limited number of walkers are accommodated. If you haven’t recently had experience of walking 13 miles in 3 hours or less, then the race organisers strongly advise you not to enter the event. Roads will re-open to traffic once those runners/walkers at a 3 hour pace have passed, after which normal traffic laws will apply. If you do intend to walk, then we must ask you to line up towards the rear of those participating, and that during the race you keep to the side of the road and allow runners to pass.

4. How long is the course?

The half marathon course is 13.1 miles, 21.0779km

5. Where can I find advice on pre-race training?

You can visit our training pages on the website. We've teamed up with our Race Ambassador James Cracknell and Nokia to provide you with some suggested schedules and highlight new technology which can help you plot your route.

6. What’s the course like?

The course winds gently through four of London’s Royal Parks, starting and ending in Hyde Park. It’ll take you past some of the capital's most iconic views including Wellington Arch, Buckingham Palace, The Houses of Parliament, The London Eye and the Albert Memorial.

7. I’ve received a race t-shirt – do I have to wear it?

You don’t have to wear it if you don’t want to… but it IS a naturally wicking t-shirt made of a material derived from bamboo, and we promise it would be very comfortable for you to run in!

8. I’m injured and can’t run, can I have a refund?

Unfortunately we can’t offer any refunds. There are a great deal of costs involved in the staging of an event of this proportion, particularly for its first year, such as paying for staffing, infrastructure, road closure and medical cover which aren’t recoverable.

9. Can I run with a child’s buggy?

Sorry, but for the safety of other runners we can’t allow buggies on the course.

10. Is the course suitable for wheelchairs?

We’re more than happy to accommodate anyone wishing to race in their wheelchair. Please contact the organisers directly at info@royalparks.com for further information.

11. What accommodation is available near the route?

Please contact Visit London www.visitlondon.com/accommodation

Race Day Questions

12. How do I get to Hyde Park?

By Tube:
Lancaster Gate & Marble Arch - Central Line
Hyde Park Corner & Knightsbridge - Piccadilly line

By Bus:
North London: 6, 7, 10, 16, 52, 73, 82, 390, 414
South London: 2, 36, 137, 436
West London: 9, 10, 14, 19, 22, 52, 74, 148, 414
East London: 8, 15, 30, 38, 274

By Car:
We strongly recommend that visitors avoid coming by car as there is limited car parking and many roads will be closed prior to and post race. Please check your travel plans with www.tfl.gov.uk in advance taking particular note of any planned engineering works.

13. What time should I arrive?

We recommend that participants should try to arrive at least an hour before the race begins, to give themselves enough time to drop off any baggage, make use of the facilities and prepare themselves for running.

14. Do I need to register upon arrival?

No, you just need to ensure that you arrive in good time with your race number, timing chip and a bag with a change of clothes in.

15. Will I be able to put my bag somewhere safe?

There will be a baggage drop facility available for runners only. Please ensure that your numbered baggage tag which you would have received in your race pack is securely tied to your bag, and that you join the appropriate queue as per your race number. Please do not leave any valuables with your baggage – the race organisers cannot accept any responsibility for the security of these items.

16. Will there be any information points?

Yes, we’ll be providing two manned information points.

17. Is there a changing/showering facility?

Unfortunately we can’t provide changing or shower facilities. Please arrive ready to run and bring some warm clothes with you to wear immediately after the race.

18. Will the start be split according to anticipated finishing times?

It’s beneficial for everyone to run alongside those running at a similar pace to themselves, so the start funnel will be clearly marked with anticipated finish times. We strongly recommend that you join the appropriate area within the start funnel.

19. Will there be water and energy drinks on the course?

We’ll be establishing water stations at approximately mile 3, 6, 8, 10 and 12, which will also provide ‘sports drinks’ at intervals too. Make sure you take water at every opportunity, as well as ensuring you’re well hydrated before the event.

20. Are there mile/km markers on the course?

We’ll be putting markers at every mile for you to keep track of your progress!

21. Will there be any medical/first aid facilities available?

We’ll be providing first aid facilities at both the start and finish lines, at various stages throughout the course and also within the athlete village. However, if you feel unwell on the day or you’ve been ill during the previous week, we recommend that you don’t participate in the run.

22. Will there be plenty of toilets?

Portable facilities will be provided within the athlete village, along with some individual units on the course at miles 3, 6, 8 & 10, but please note these will be of a limited number! Disabled facilities and baby changing units will also be available within the village.