Royal Parks Half Marathon receives record number of ballot entrants

The ballot for the 17th annual Royal Parks Half Marathon, presented by Royal Bank of Canada, was its most successful ever, achieving a record number of entrants and a 43% increase compared to 2023. 

Widely regarded as one of the UK’s most scenic half marathons, the race of a lifetime will take place on Sunday 13th October 2024. The lucky recipients of ballot places will be part of a 16,000 strong group of runners, enjoying a 13.1-mile route through four of London’s beautiful Royal Parks, including Hyde Park, The Green Park, St. James’s Park and Kensington Gardens. 

For those unsuccessful in this year’s ballot, runners can still enter through fundraising, with hundreds of places available via the event’s charity partners, including The Royal Parks, Mind, Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity and many more.  

Having raised over £65 million for over 1,200 UK charities, the money raised by this event for The Royal Parks helps to keep the magic of eight vital green spaces alive, teach children and adults about the natural world, care for wildlife and conserve historic monuments.

The huge turnout for the Royal Parks Half’s ballot falls in line with an upward trend in popularity for mass participation running events since they returned fully post-pandemic in 2022. This demand for the race translates into charity fundraising as noted by, Sean Taylor, Senior Partnerships Manager at the event’s official fundraising partner, JustGiving.  

“Last year on JustGiving we saw a 13% increase in the number of fundraising pages created for running challenges and this trend is by no means slowing. For this year's Royal Parks Half Marathon we've already seen a 36% increase in the number of fundraising pages created for the event and these pages have raised 53% more than they did at the same point in time last year.”

On achieving its most successful ballot ever, Head of Royal Parks Half Marathon, Liz Tack, said: “Year on year, we are astounded at the support we receive for the ballot and this year is no different. We are so grateful for every single person who entered.”

She added: “For those unsuccessful in the ballot, you still have the chance to run for a charity and it would be great to see you on the start line. We absolutely love putting this event on and we’ll make sure that come October, it will be a day you’ll never forget!”

Taking place for the first time in 2008, the race was set up by The Royal Parks charity as an annual fundraising initiative to help conserve and enhance London’s eight Royal Parks for everyone, while enabling charities of all sizes to be involved in a major challenge event. 

To run the Royal Parks Half Marathon for charity, click here for all of our charity partners with guaranteed entry.