Royal Parks Half Marathon
When: October 12th 2014
Where: London, UK
Course: Start and end in Hyde Park via Green Park, St James', Westminster Bridge and The Embankment
Other routes touched (walk): Thames Path, Jubilee Walkway, Jubilee Greenway, Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk
Other routes touched (cycle): None
Finish time: 1:47
The London Royal Parks may have been my 17th Half Marathon, but it was by far my most important. This year I was running for Cancer Research UK as the first event in Growlerthon2015, my year of fundraising. I’d been trying to get into this race for years but always missed out via the public ballot. Running for a charity is great way to guarantee a place, and it comes with the responsibility of raising enough money for them.
The race is hugely popular as goes through some great London scenery. There’s 3 of the Royal Parks: Hyde, Green and St James, plus Buckingham Palace, Parliament Square, Westminster Bridge, the Embankment and Admiralty Arch.
October 12th was a beautiful Autumn day with excellent running conditions. I’m not fond of running in the heat and that day was nicely chilly. The flat course, the buzz of the crowds and Timi and her parents there to support all contributed to a great race and a Personal Best of 1:47.
A very large glass of wine helped to finish the day and was the decider to return in 2015 for the 42 mile Royal Parks Ultra.
