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The Big Half returns to London on 7 September, showcasing elite races, community relay events, and increasing inclusivity amid record-breaking performances and scenic landmarks, reaffirming its status as a premier UK running event.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The Big Half is set to return to London on Sunday, 7 September, drawing an anticipated crowd of around 25,000 runners to one of the UK\u2019s premier half marathon events. The 13.1-mile course will thread through iconic London landmarks such as Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and the Cutty Sark, passing through boroughs including Tower Hamlets, Southwark, Lewisham, and Greenwich. Branded as \u201cthe city\u2019s most vibrant celebration of community and movement,\u201d the event brings together a diverse mix of elite athletes, wheelchair racers, and mass participants.<\/p>\n
The race schedule kicks off with the elite wheelchair races at 8:25 am BST, followed shortly by the elite women\u2019s and men\u2019s races, with mass starts staggered in waves from approximately 8:30 am onwards. Among the elite men, reigning champion Jack Rowe is aiming for a remarkable third consecutive victory, while the women\u2019s field is headlined by three-time winner Charlotte Purdue alongside Jess Warner-Judd and Samantha Harrison, both recognised among the UK\u2019s fastest half-marathon talents. Previous editions have seen celebrated athletes such as Mo Farah, who has won the men\u2019s race three times, most recently in 2022.<\/p>\n
A unique feature of the event is the New Balance Big Relay, which allows teams of up to four runners to share the half marathon distance, fostering a greater sense of community participation. The event also caters inclusively to participants with disabilities, offering assisted wheelchair entries supported by up to four helpers, and enabling competitors using battery-powered robotic exoskeletons to take part with their teams. Visually impaired runners can benefit from free places provided to their support runners, while accessible facilities such as toilets are strategically placed along the route to ensure comfort and inclusion.<\/p>\n
Organised by London Marathon Events since its inauguration in 2018, the Big Half has grown significantly, both in terms of participation and competitive prestige. The course holds notable records set by world-class athletes: Kenenisa Bekele\u2019s 60:20 for men in 2020, Eilish McColgan\u2019s 67:35 for women in 2022, David Weir\u2019s 47:18 in the wheelchair men\u2019s race in 2022, and Samantha Kinghorn\u2019s 52:05 in the wheelchair women\u2019s race in 2023. In addition to prize money, the event serves as a qualifying ground for elite runners aiming for European Championship selection, adding another layer of competition to the festive atmosphere.<\/p>\n
For spectators and those unable to attend in person, live coverage has traditionally been available on BBC iPlayer as well as the event\u2019s official website. Although no official broadcast details have been announced for this year, referencing previous years suggests similar arrangements. Last year\u2019s broadcast attracted thousands of viewers, featuring star athletes like Sir Mo Farah competing in his final London race, underscoring the event\u2019s high profile in the running calendar.<\/p>\n
The route itself is both scenic and challenging, beginning near Tower Bridge and looping through the eastern financial district at Canary Wharf, then leading runners through Wapping and across Tower Bridge to Bermondsey. From there, runners pass through Rotherhithe, Surrey Quays, and Deptford before crossing the finish line in Greenwich at the historic Cutty Sark, ensuring a route rich with London\u2019s heritage.<\/p>\n
The Big Half continues to stand as a testament to London\u2019s vibrant running community, blending elite athleticism with broad inclusion and community spirit. It highlights the resilience and strength of the city\u2019s diverse populations, from grassroots participants to celebrated athletes, reflecting a passion for running that cuts across all levels of ability and ambition.<\/p>\n