If you (like the vast majority of the capital city) have became rather fond of pounding the pavements recently, I come bearing some news that’ll be right up your street athletics track. Whilst it may have only been mere moments since the arrival of a shiny new half marathon in east London was announced; it seems as though south London is hot on Shoreditch‘s heels. Because yet another new 13.1-mile running event will be zooming into the capital city soon, and this one has been created by the organisers of the largest half marathon in the world.
Run South London
Run South London is the name and – well… running through South London is the game, I suppose. The new race on the block will land in London early next year (March 14, 2027), courtesy of Merton Council and the Great Run Company (the brains behind the legendary Great North Run). The exact race-route is yet to be revealed, but the event is expected to start and end in Morden Park and involve thousands of runners hotfooting it through the leafy likes of Morden, Mitcham and Wimbledon.
The event will be suitable for runners of all ages and abilities. So, whether you’re an avid athlete or are simply dusting off your running vest and hoping for the best; this new half marathon is set to be one of the most exhilarating additions to London’s jam-packed calendar of running events.
A whole host of local sports clubs and community groups are expected to get involved with the event. There will be fundraising opportunities for local charities as well as a free 5k race to ensure that everybody can get in on the action.
It won’t just be endorphins that the race will be boosting, either. The sheer number of runners and spectators that’ll be attending is also set to give the local economy a rather hefty injection of cash. An independent economic impact study has forecasted an annual economic boost of up to £1.7 million in local business. Blimey.
Paul Foster, Chief Executive of The Great Run Company, said: “We are incredibly proud to announce Run South London, an event that will showcase and celebrate everything that is great about south London.
“The Great Run Company has spent decades delivering world-class mass-participation events, and we are delighted to be working in partnership with Merton Council to bring thousands of participants the chance to take on this landmark event for the area.
“Run South London is an event with great opportunities, featuring a route that passes iconic sporting venues and some of the region’s best parks, while also offering valuable fundraising prospects for charities. We’re confident it will become a highlight of London’s running calendar.”
Entries to Run South London open on April 8 (next Wednesday). There will only be a limited number of spaces available so you can register your interest and be one of the first to snap up a space here.
