The course
Before Event Day, familiarise yourself with the route.
Here's what’s on offer, from toilets to pacers.
Toilets
Toilets, including accessible toilets, are available in the Start and Finish Area, and at Miles 3, 6, 8 and 11.
If you have a bladder or bowel condition, register for a Just Can’t Wait Toilet Card. It’s issued by the Bladder and Bowel Community and explains that you need urgent access. There are bladder pads at the Information Points and Drinks Stations.
There are tampons and pads at the Information Points and Drinks Stations.
Water
There’s BUXTON® Natural Mineral Water at Miles 3, 6, 9 and 11. Please remember to drain the bottle before finishing with it. There’s Lucozade Sport at Mile 9.
The Drinks Stations are accessible for wheelchair users and volunteers will hand you your drink, and they can also open the bottle for you.
If you’re bringing a bottle belt or hydration pack, you’ll also find water refill points in the Start and Finish Area.
The course rundown
Akram Shalabi, our Pace Team Coordinator, has run the Big Half seven times and is a sub-1:25 half-marathoner.
He is also an experienced pacer and has helped participants hit their target time on Event Day.
“The Big Half showcases the best of the London running community,” he says. “The event provides an amazing, inclusive environment with great energy and vibes. There is something for everyone, whether you’re chasing a PB, looking to challenge yourself or enjoying a fun run or walk.
“And of course, the final mile or so, as you enter Greenwich and approach the Cutty Sark, is an unforgettable experience.
“My advice for first-timers is to be present and enjoy the experience. Whatever you achieve on the day will be great.
“Break the course mentally into three-mile or 5K sections. Check in with yourself at the end of each section and set a goal for the next three miles or 5K. This will make the experience much more manageable and enjoyable.”
Below you'll find Akram’s full route rundown.
Mile by mile, here's what to expect
Miles One to Three
- Use the first three miles as your warm-up
- Find a straight line, be patient and settle into your half-marathon pace
- Wide roads but fairly crowded at the start
- Don’t waste energy weaving in and out
- Try not to speed up in Limehouse Tunnel and remember there are a couple of hills: at Mile Two as you come out of the tunnel and Mile Three as you enter the Canary Wharf area
Miles Four to Six
- The tall buildings in Canary Wharf can cause GPS issues
- Use Mile Markers for reliable distance references
- Good crowd support with a few twists and turns
- The course does become relatively narrow back in Limehouse
- Take care over the short cobblestone area in Wapping
Miles Seven to 10
- Be ready for the slightly uncomfortable incline just before Tower Bridge – but the scenery makes up for the effort
- Crossing the bridge is possibly the best part of the course!
- There are quieter parts in Rotherhithe but also areas with great crowd support – soak up that energy!
Miles 11 to the Finish
- The crowds get bigger as you get closer to Greenwich
- With 500 meters to go, there is one final climb over a short bridge
- Use the decline to push towards Greenwich town centre
- As you make the final turn, the Cutty Sark comes into full view
- Push for the Finish Line, don’t forget to smile and get ready to celebrate!
Are you looking to follow a pacer?
You’ll spot them in your start wave. They will have a flag on their back that shows their finish time.
Need a moment?
Please use our Sensory Calm Space, Parent and Child Space (for breastfeeding/pumping and entertaining young children), or Multi Faith Prayer Space in the Finish Area.
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