The Big Half Marathon in London is a vibrant and inclusive event that offers runners the chance to experience a scenic 13.1 mile course through iconic landmarks, starting at Tower Bridge and finishing at the historic Cutty Sark in Greenwich.
With its festive atmosphere and community spirit, the race encourages participants of all abilities to join in, making it an appealing choice for both seasoned runners and newcomers looking to challenge themselves in a supportive environment.
ON THE DAY
ROUTE
The Big Half Marathon route does share some sections with the London Marathon route but is not identical and is run in reverse.
Both races feature iconic landmarks, but the Big Half primarily focuses on a 13.1-mile course that leads to the Cutty Sark in Greenwich, passing through areas like Canary Wharf and Southwark.
While the Big Half includes parts of the London Marathon's course, it also incorporates unique stretches, making it distinct from the full marathon route.
It is relatively flat course with only a few minor inclines. There is a section between mile 6 and 7 that is cobbled that I found quite tough on the legs but apart from that it has lots of PB potential.
There are a number of turns but the roads are so wide that turning them really aren't as bad as people make out.
You can view my Strava activity HERE to see elevations and course detail.
THE START
Your bib determines what wave you are in. They will let you through and your be held until your wave is next to go. You then walk to the start line and your be held until your wave start time.
WATER STATIONS
Along the route small bottles of Buxton water were available at miles 3, 6, 9 and 11, several mist stations and a Lucozade station at mile 10 in paper cups.
Around mile 12 there was a fireman from the local the fire station hosing people down to help cool you off.
There is also bottles of Buxton water and Lucozade at the finish.
PACERS
There are plenty of pacers with big flags on there back showing you what finishing times they were aiming for.
TOILETS
There are plenty of portable toilets at the assembly point and in the holding pen for your wave. You will need to cue but these cues are not to bad.
You will also find toilets along the course.
I would put a small packet of tissues or wet wipes in your pocket as some toilets have run out.
WEATHER
It is always without fail a really warm day so prepare accordingly. You run through Limehouse Link tunnel just after mile 1 and it is a bit of sweat box.
Those lucky enough to start in the early waves won't get hit with the heat until later on in the race.
GETTING THERE
Your event guide pack tells you which entrance you need to go to and where your nearest tube or railway station is.
Your see so many runners with there bib numbers on and the noise of the assembly area you can't really get lost.
PARKING
Parking is limited in London and really expensive. We parked in Canary Wharf as we were staying at a hotel near by.
If your planning on parking in Canary Wharf you will struggle to park unless you go up the previous day, as a lot of the roads in Canary Wharf are closed for race day.
You could also park at the O2 or Stratford, which has plenty of parking and good train links to the assembly point at the start.
HOTEL
We stayed at Tribe hotel in Canary Wharf thinking this would be an easy place to get an Uber from in the morning but what I did not consider was that a lot of the roads around Canary Wharf would be closed and meant a last minute dash and lots of stress getting to the start having not planned to travel by train.
There are number of Travelodges, Premier Inn's and other hotels near the start that I will stay in next time.
AFTER THE EVENT
MEDAL
I am not particularly fussed by medals but I thought this medal was pretty cool. It has a QR bar code on the back telling you how it was made.
T-SHIRT
This years t-shirt was a long sleeve black t-shirt by sponsors New Balance.
There was a lot moaning about them being long sleeve. If I am honest I am not that fussed about event t-shirts either. I only got it to see what it was like for this review.
I rarely wear them but won't wear this one as I like my t-shirts to be bright so I can be seen easily by traffic when running.
PHOTOS
Official race day photos are provided by sportograf.com.
There are lots of photographers on the course taking photographs to capture your day.
You have to pay £10 for one photo or £25 for a bundle, which also includes a video montage with your finish line video.
The bundle is discounted further if you pay for it upfront when entering the race.
SUPPORT
I normally run in headphones but I found myself turning it off and enjoying the atmosphere.
The support around the course is insane. For me, this is what made The Big Half so enjoyable. I literally smiled all the way round reading all the hand made signs people made for there friends and family taking part.
From people gushing there love for there partners, the sarcastic efforts gently mocking runners or power up boosts I guarantee your see something that will make you smile.
There are a number of music stations from brass bands, drums and DJ's adding to the atmosphere.
Near the end the crowd was 4 or 5 people deep in places and they roar you to the finish.
PRICE
The entry price was £55.
Whilst this is expensive, it is so well organised and supported that I do not be grudge paying a premium price for entry.
WHO ORGANISES IT?
The Big Half Marathon is organised by London Marathon Events.
HOW TO ENTER
You can enter via the The Big Half website or direct through the booking platform Lets Do This.
WOULD I ENTER AGAIN?
Yes definitely! I entered straight away for 2025 I enjoyed it that much!
THINGS TO BEAR IN MIND
- Plan your journey to the start and have a plan B, just in case the trains you planned to use are not running.
- Arrive in plenty of time but do not panic if your running late. You can join the next available wave.
- It is normally a really warm day. Use sun protection and hydrate accordingly.
- There is an official app you can download where people can track your progress.
KIT
I wore the following race day kit:
- Nike Trail T-shirt
- Nike Lava Loop 1/2 Tights
- SHYU Socks
- Nike Alphafly 2
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