The Royal Parks Half Marathon will feature a new route and finish line location for its 2025 edition, which takes place on Sunday, October 12, 2025.
The popular UK half marathon, which welcomes 16,000 runners each year, will see participants cross the line in front of two of London’s landmarks: the Albert Memorial and the Royal Albert Hall.
In previous years, these landmarks were part of the final stretch of the race. For 2025, they will now form a backdrop for the finish line experience.
As part of the updated route, runners will pass Horse Guards Parade with views of the London Eye. They will also run along The Mall twice and, for the first time, participants will run past Kensington Palace, joining Buckingham Palace as a second royal highlight along the course.
The 21.1km course will continue to take participants through London’s city streets before entering four of London’s Royal Parks: Hyde Park, Green Park, St James’s Park, and Kensington Gardens.
After finishing, runners will take a short walk to the event village in Hyde Park to collect their belongings and meet supporters.
Liz Tack, Head of Royal Parks Half Marathon said “We’re incredibly proud of the Royal Parks Half Marathon and always strive to make it even better. 2025 marks a milestone in our history, with a new route and an incredible finish line that makes our event even more memorable for our runners and supporters.”
The race was first held in 2008. It was set up by The Royal Parks charity as an annual fundraising initiative to protect and improve London’s eight Royal Parks, while enabling charities of all sizes to be involved in a mass participation event.
