Sports · Running & Athletics · 12 hrs ago
Royal Parks Half Marathon expects up to 18,300 runners in 2026
The 2026 Oysho Royal Parks Half Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 11 October, in central London.
Up to 18,300 runners are expected to start in Hyde Park and cover 13.1 miles.
The route passes through Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens, as well as landmarks including Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace.
Runners are due to finish between the Royal Albert Hall and the Albert Memorial, a finish location introduced in 2025.
The event has no elite field and is intended to welcome experienced runners, returning participants and people attempting their first half marathon.
A core team of five works on the race, planning each event while preparations for future years are already under way.
Rising demand has led to record ballot numbers in recent years, and organisers are preparing for the 2026 race.
The 2026 Oysho Royal Parks Half Marathon is expected to welcome up to 18,300 runners.
The race is scheduled for Sunday 11 October and starts in Hyde Park.
Its route passes through four Royal Parks and by landmarks including Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace.
Runners finish between the Royal Albert Hall and the Albert Memorial.
Organisers describe the event as welcoming and inclusive, with no elite field.
- Who
- Up to 18,300 runners are expected to take part.
- What
- The 2026 Oysho Royal Parks Half Marathon will cover 13.1 miles.
- When
- Sunday 11 October 2026.
- Where
- The route runs through central London, including four Royal Parks, and finishes by the Royal Albert Hall and Albert Memorial.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
We're a very welcoming and inclusive field and an inclusive race,
All the training and running is definitely worth it when you see the finish at the end,
Applications for the race increased by 35 per cent.
Applications rose by a further 14.5 per cent.
The event moved its finish line to create what organisers describe as a more spectacular final experience.
Up to 18,300 runners are expected to set off through Hyde Park.
- Expected field
- Up to 18,300 runners
- Race distance
- 13.1 miles
- Race date
- 11 October 2026
- Parks on route
- Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James's Park and Kensington Gardens
- Finish landmarks
- Royal Albert Hall and Albert Memorial
Sources
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