The Oysho Royal Parks Half Marathon has a spectacular London route, but the story behind those 13.1 miles extends well beyond race day.

Returning on Sunday 11 October, the event takes runners through central London on closed roads and into four of the capital's eight Royal Parks: Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James's Park and Kensington Gardens. Since its creation in 2008, however, it has also developed into a formidable fundraising event.

More than £80 million has now been raised for over 1,900 UK charities through the Half Marathon. Those benefiting have ranged from major national causes including Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity and Mind to The Royal Parks itself.

That connection with the parks is fundamental to the event. The Half Marathon was established by The Royal Parks charity as an annual fundraising initiative, helping support the care and conservation of London's eight Royal Parks while providing charities of all sizes with access to a major running challenge.

Funds raised for The Royal Parks contribute towards protecting wildlife, conserving historic monuments and helping children and adults learn about the natural world. It means runners travelling through some of London's most familiar green spaces are also helping support their future.

Sustainability extends to the organisation of race day, with the event continuing to work on reducing its environmental impact and protecting the surroundings that make the course distinctive.

There are plenty of reasons to remember a Half Marathon through central London and four Royal Parks. For many runners on 11 October, knowing their miles are contributing to a fundraising total already beyond £80 million will add another one.

You can still be a part of the 2026 race by securing a charity place via the runABC race hub.

Image by Dragan Gazdik from Pixabay