25,000 people registered across a sold-out weekend of events

Through discounted community entries, the Big Half encourages community groups across the city to apply to take part, helping to remove some of the financial barriers that stand in the way of mass participation events. This year, a record-breaking 400 groups are taking part in the Big Half on Sunday. 

Community groups taking part include Bloodlines, the NHS-supported campaign encouraging blood donation among Black communities; Roll & Run, one of London’s most accessible, wheelchair-friendly clubs; Acre Palm, a West London fitness and running community; and REP Runners, the high-energy run crew who were tasked with designing this year’s finisher T-shirt and medal. 

Sanaa Qureshi, Head of Community Engagement at London Marathon Events and Event Lead for the Big Half, said: “The Big Half is a celebration of everything that makes London such a special city. It’s a day that brings together people from all backgrounds, ages and abilities, creating a space where everyone feels welcomed.  

“This year we are proud to have a record number of community groups taking part, with thousands running for a cause they care deeply about. Whether you’re taking on the half marathon, cheering from the sidelines or soaking up the festival in Greenwich Park, Sunday is all about coming together for another unforgettable celebration of community”. 

Sustainability is also a core focus for this year’s event and, for the first time, a team of dedicated ‘Ploggers’ will take part at the back of the pack, collecting discarded cups and gel wrappers along the route. The group is made up of more than 30 volunteers from environmentally conscious running and community organisations, including Green Runners and Vegan Runners, who are helping to keep the course clean. 

The main event of the Big Half is the half marathon which starts close to Tower Bridge and finishes at the Cutty Sark in Greenwich. More than 18,000 people have registered to take on the 13.1-mile challenge which will start with the elite wheelchair races at 08:25. Five minutes later, at 08:30, the elite men and women will set off with the thousands of mass participants behind them.  

The day also includes the New Balance Big Relay, which encourages groups of up to four people to break down the half marathon distance together by completing 5K each, and the Big Mile, a family-friendly run open to all ages that also finishes at the iconic Cutty Sark. 

With 18 bands and DJs, eight Community Cheer Zones, carnival dance groups, dance crew takeovers and a host of partner activations lining the route, participants can expect a party atmosphere from start to finish. From Deptford to the Cutty Sark, the streets will be alive with music, colour and community spirit to help carry participants every step of the way. 

A festival area will run in Greenwich Park throughout the day, which is free and open to everyone. Visitors can enjoy a street food market, explore the Charity Village and Green Village, take part in partner activations including the New Balance Recovery Zone and even ride the Helter Skelter – a new addition for this year’s festival. 

Attendees can also visit Bloodlines in the Charity Villages to discover their blood type and learn more about becoming a blood donor. 

There could be history on the streets of London as Jack Rowe bids for a fourth consecutive Big Half title, which would see him surpass Sir Mo Farah's record and become the most successful men's elite runner in the event's history.  

In the women's race, British half marathon record-holder Eilish McColgan returns in search of a third Big Half crown, having previously won the event in 2022 and 2024.  

The elite wheelchair races will be spearheaded by David Weir and Eden Rainbow-Cooper. Weir will be chasing a record-breaking fifth Big Half title after setting a course record of 46:58 in 2025, while defending champion Rainbow-Cooper returns following her sensational victory at the 2026 Boston Marathon earlier this year.  

The mass event will include thousands of people taking part to raise 
money for charity. Among them is Meg Lines, 24, from Southampton, who is tackling her first half marathon in memory of her mum who died suddenly from a brain aneurysm in March 2022.  

Meg is running the Big Half to raise money for The Brain Charity, which supports people affected by neurological conditions. Through her 
fundraising, she hopes to raise awareness of brain aneurysms and 
support families facing similar challenges. 

Among the masses you might spot a few famous faces including TV 
personality and podcaster Spencer Matthews, who is in training to run a 
sub-2:45:00 marathon. Alongside him will be Bridgerton star Will Tilston, who is fundraising for Cancer Research UK following his mum’s 
successful cancer treatment.