The course
Before Event Day, familiarise yourself with the route.
Here's what’s on offer, including toilets, Drinks Stations and additional support at the Finish.
You'll also find our course preview and tips from an expert pacer.
Toilets
Toilets, including accessible toilets, are available in the Start and Finish Areas, and at three points along the route - 3K, 5K, and 7K.
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 will be bladder pads available at the Information Point in Green Park and at the Drinks Station at 5K on the route.
Period products will be available at the Information Point in Green Park.
Water
There will be BUXTON® Natural Mineral Water at the 5K point. Please remember to drain the bottle before finishing with it.
The Drinks Station is 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 Areas and at 4K on the route.
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.
Are you cycling to the event?
There is a bike park on site available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The course rundown
Roger Vilardell has run the Vitality London 10,000 three times and his course PB is 33:19, which placed him third in the V45 age category in 2025.
He is also an experienced pacer, helping participants at events such as the TCS London Marathon hit their target time.
“I love running fast around the city with no traffic. It's a very unique experience,” Roger says.
“I consider this a very fast 10K. Some ups and downs and a few turns but whatever your level, there is always a runner next to you keeping you company and sharing the same experience.
“It truly is a great event for all abilities.”
Below you'll find Roger's full route rundown.
Kilometre by kilometre, here's what to expect
1K to 2K
- The start is quite busy, as you’d expect at an event with a large field
- The Mall is quite wide but it’s important to be aware of other participants around you looking for a clear racing line
- Avoid swerving or surging, time lost at this point is minimal. Be patient, gaps will open up
The first 2K are slightly uphill. Legs are fresh so it is not too noticeable
Focus more on finding the right rhythm rather than obsessing over the pace
3K to 5K
- This is where it's important to stay on your target pace if you are going for a time
- There are a few turns to navigate but some good fast sections
- Check your 5K time split to see if you’re still on track for your target time and adjust if possible or if you want to at this stage
6K to 10K
- 6K, just by St Paul's Cathedral, is the last meaningful uphill section before a very fast finish (with a small exception at about the 7K mark, up Aldwych for about 250 to 300 metres)
- Whitehall (9K) is all downhill and very fast. Time to open up those legs and see what you have left in the tank
- Don’t forget to put in a final kick across the Finish Line, and smile!
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