Around 15,000 runners experienced the unique atmosphere of the Vitality London 10,000 on Sunday 24 September 2023 and all were rewarded with the handsome medal that our pictured athletes Kerrie, Debs, and Justyna are proudly displaying above.

Runners were encouraged to take part and celebrate the mental health and wellbeing benefits of running as part of the #DoItForYou campaign in the Run to Overcome wave as the race took place in its new September slot in the event calendar on the iconic course that passes St Paul’s Cathedral, the Bank of England, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, before finishing in front of Buckingham Palace.

After winning The Big Half earlier this month, Jack Rowe (Aldershot, Farnham & District, 28:13) crossed the line first, just seven seconds outside his PB in his final race before the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Riga next weekend.

“To be able to run like that is a really good indicator of where I'm at,” said Rowe. “It was great to see my mates around the course, and for those five seconds I completely switched off from running or racing.”

W40 Sonia Samuels (Sale Harriers Manchester, 33:01 PB) was first in the women’s race, despite not feeling in the best form ahead of the event. Samuels said: “Coming down Birdcage Walk felt like finishing the London Marathon. The crowds were amazing and it’s a race you should put on your bucket list.”

It was a proud day for a group of refugee runners from Iran, members of the Coopah Run Club, taking part in their first mass participation event. The group of runners crossed the Finish Line with their coaches, who had designed a dedicated eight-week programme for them.

Also taking part was Shakira Suzia, who ran for Muslim Sports Network with the aim of encouraging more Muslim women to get involved in events like this. She said: “It’s about representing because if you don’t see it, you don’t believe it. Fitness does so much and being outdoors does wonders and it keeps you young.”
 
The Vitality Wellness Festival in Green Park offered exciting free activities for children and the chance to run on the Vitality Tumbleator, a giant treadmill, on both days.

The Vitality London 10,000 comes the day after Vitality Westminster Mile with thousands of participants of all ages and abilities taking on a series of family-friendly mile events.

Entries are open for the 2024 Vitality London 10,000 on Sunday 22 September. Sign up here.

Previous reports and links to results at runABC South race listing.

Photo courtesy Kerrie Rees