London Landmarks Half Marathon: The Complete Runner's Guide (2027)

Jun 30
5 min read

The London Landmarks Half Marathon has quickly established itself as one of the UK's most popular half marathons. Since launching in 2018, it has become famous for its unique route through the heart of the capital, taking runners past some of London's most iconic landmarks while raising millions of pounds for charity.

Unlike the TCS London Marathon, which showcases much of Greater London, the London Landmarks Half Marathon focuses on the historic heart of the city. The course passes through both the City of Westminster and the City of London, combining world famous attractions with hidden streets that many Londoners have never explored.

Owned by baby charity Tommy's, the event has charity fundraising at its heart, making it one of the biggest fundraising running events in Europe. Whether you're chasing a personal best or simply looking to enjoy one of the most scenic city half marathons in the world, this is an event that deserves a place on your race calendar.

St. Paul's Cathedral framed by modern glass buildings reflecting its facade. Clear blue sky above. People walking in the foreground.

London

Few cities can rival London when it comes to history, culture and famous landmarks. Every corner seems to reveal another world-famous building, museum or historic street, making it one of the world's greatest city break destinations.

The London Landmarks Half Marathon concentrates on two of London's most historic areas: the City of Westminster and the City of London. Westminster is home to Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street and Trafalgar Square. Many visitors spend several days exploring this area alone, with its museums, theatres, galleries, restaurants and traditional pubs.

Just to the east lies the City of London, often known as the Square Mile. This is London's historic financial district, where centuries-old buildings sit alongside modern skyscrapers such as The Gherkin, The Cheesegrater and the Walkie Talkie. It is this contrast between old and new that makes the race so memorable.

The route also runs alongside the River Thames, offering spectacular views of Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral, the London Eye and The Shard. If you're travelling to London for race weekend, it's well worth arriving a day or two early to explore everything the capital has to offer.

History Of The London Landmarks Half Marathon

The inaugural London Landmarks Half Marathon took place in 2018, attracting around 10,000 runners and immediately establishing itself as one of the UK's leading charity running events.

Since then, the race has grown significantly, regularly welcoming around 20,000 participants each year. It has also become one of Europe's biggest fundraising half marathons, with runners raising tens of millions of pounds for charities since the event began.

Who Organises The London Landmarks Half Marathon?

The event is owned by Tommy's, the UK's leading pregnancy and baby charity, and is delivered by LLHM Ltd with support from the experienced event delivery team behind some of the UK's largest mass participation races.

Everything from the wave starts to baggage, marshalling and finish-line organisation is handled professionally, giving the event a polished feel despite its relatively young history.

When Is The London Landmarks Half Marathon?

The race takes place every April, providing runners with an excellent spring half marathon and an ideal preparation race for many spring marathons.

Race Distance

The event features one distance, the Half Marathon (13.1 miles / 21.1km)

Is There A Race Expo?

There is no race expo. Race numbers are posted to UK participants before race day, allowing runners to arrive in London without needing to collect their bib beforehand.

How Many Runners Take Part?

Around 20,000 runners now take part each year, making it one of the UK's largest half marathons. The event uses a wave start system to ensure runners have plenty of space throughout the course despite its popularity.

The Course

The London Landmarks Half Marathon begins on Pall Mall in the heart of Westminster, with runners setting off in carefully managed waves over more than an hour. Within the opening mile you'll pass Trafalgar Square before heading south towards the River Thames and joining the Embankment. The scenery comes thick and fast from the very beginning, with famous landmarks appearing around almost every corner.

One of the early highlights is St Paul's Cathedral, whose magnificent dome dominates the London skyline. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren following the Great Fire of London, it remains one of Britain's most recognisable buildings and provides one of the race's most memorable photo opportunities.

The course then winds through the historic streets of the City of London, passing the Bank of England and many of the capital's famous skyscrapers. The Gherkin, The Cheesegrater and the Walkie Talkie all tower above the narrow medieval streets, creating a fascinating contrast between old and new London.

An out-and-back section takes runners towards the Tower of London, with fantastic views of Tower Bridge and The Shard, now one of the tallest buildings in Western Europe. The final three miles return along the Victoria Embankment, where the scenery is every bit as spectacular. Across the river you'll see the London Eye, while ahead lie the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

After crossing Westminster Bridge and looping back towards Whitehall, runners enjoy a memorable finish close to Downing Street, cheered on by thousands of enthusiastic spectators.

Although there are a few gentle rises associated with bridges, the course is generally flat and suitable for runners of all abilities. The constant change of scenery means there is always something new to look at, making the miles disappear surprisingly quickly.

Runners celebrate crossing the finish line at the London Landmarks Half Marathon. Bright pink outfits, balloons, and cheering spectators. — One of the many charity runners heads to the finish

What Makes The London Landmarks Half Marathon Unique?

The London Landmarks Half Marathon is the only half marathon that takes runners through both the City of London and the City of Westminster.

Its combination of famous landmarks, hidden historic streets and outstanding crowd support creates a running experience unlike any other in the capital. Add in the fact that the event is owned by a charity, and it offers something genuinely different from almost every other major running event.

Have a listen to this podcast from previous finisher Frank White.

Can You Run For Charity?

Charity fundraising is at the heart of the London Landmarks Half Marathon. Owned by Tommy's, the event has helped raise well over £70 million for thousands of charities since it began. Hundreds of charity places are available every year, making it an excellent option for runners who miss out in the public ballot.

Many charities ask participants to raise a minimum sponsorship amount, although targets vary depending on the organisation. Expect to raise £350-£500 if you get a charity entry.

Our Verdict

The London Landmarks Half Marathon has quickly earned its reputation as one of the UK's best half marathons. The organisation is excellent, the atmosphere is superb and the course packs in more famous landmarks than almost any other race in the country.

Whether you're running for charity, chasing a fast time or simply wanting to experience London from a completely different perspective, this event delivers from start to finish. If you've never run it before, it should be high on your list.

How To Register

Entry is primarily through the official public ballot (now closed for 2027), which is heavily oversubscribed each year. If you're unsuccessful, many official charity partners offer guaranteed places in return for a fundraising commitment. International runners can also secure entries through selected tour operators.

As one of the UK's most popular half marathons, demand is extremely high, so it's worth entering the ballot as soon as it opens and arranging accommodation well in advance if you're travelling to London. Check out the race website for details of the 2028 ballot.