Grab those trainers – the best London running events to sign up for in 2025

Fancy pounding the pavements of one of the most iconic cities in the world?

Every year, thousands of runners – from fanatics to beginners – descend on London to run the famous streets while sightseeing.

But if you want to join the troops for 2025, then you may need to act quickly in signing up for one of the many runs slated to take place in the new year.

There are now more than 50 parkrun locations for you to try a weekly 5k in the capital, or there are a whole range of fun runs and charity events over similar distances.

Read on to find out about some of the biggest and best running events in the London calendar and how you can get involved.

Whether this is your first half marathon or your 50th, this is one of London’s fastest and flattest lapped routes and runners will be hoping to kick off the new year with a PB.

Entries cost between £26.67 and £35 and you can register by visiting here.

Tourists can run around one of London’s most iconic parks, picking either a 5k or 10k.

And you may even spot a giraffe or two as you race past London Zoo. What’s not to love?

A fun run with a lot of vibes promised. Swifties are invited to come dressed as your favourite Taylor, from fearless to folklore, to run a 5k.

See here for more information on how to join in.

Pick between six miles or 13, and set off at the start of the year through these stunning grounds.

Going directly through Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, runners can relive the 2012 Olympics at the famous course. Known to be a flat, traffic-free circuit, you may even clock a PB.

They are still allowing entrants for this one, with an early bird £12 offer still going – although it does warn prices are set to rise soon. Visit here for more information on how to sign up.

Embrace all things Henry VIII and race around one of his former manors like a king for the day. This is known to be a great warm-up for the London Marathon and you get a very cool medal for finishing.

March 8 – Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Organisers say: “Run by an all-female events team, this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate women’s running and try something new.”

Starting on closed roads inside the iconic Royal Botanic Gardens, runners will then head down the Richmond towpath and riverside to Ham House before turning to finish back at Kew Gardens. This is London’s flattest half marathon so, with good training, you’ll run a personal best.

Take in some of London’s most famous sights on this unique half marathon through the capital. From Big Ben to St Paul’s Cathedral, this race combines culture, history and an electric atmosphere for runners of all abilities.

One of the famous six big marathons of the world – if you don’t have a spot by now, you won’t be able to join in this one.

Millions apply every year to take part in the iconic race, and most of the city centre is shut down for the day to allow it to take place.

Want a massive challenge? What about a 100km race? Whether this is your first ultra or one hundredth, this event promises a route you’ll never forget and covers some of London most iconic landmarks and areas.

May 24 – From Richmond to Brighton

Travelling over the North Downs and South Downs, with some wonderful Surrey and Sussex countryside in between, you don’t want to miss out on this unforgettable course with distances available including 100km, 50km, and 25km.

August 10 – Kingston upon Thames

Runners will be able to do a full tour of south-west London, covering more than 33 miles.

This race costs £80 to enter and there are still spaces.

Organised by the same people who run the London Marathon, this half marathon event slices straight through the heart of London, with sights including Tower Bridge and the Cutty Sark. See here for more information on how you can be a part of it.

You can run a full marathon, half marathon, or a 10k in this race that is said to be perfect for first-time marathoners thanks to the flat path and the views while running along the Thames Path. Entries cost between £35 and £55, depending on the distance you run.

December 6 – Battersea Park

Run a 5k or a 10k on this one, which is bound to see many runners in Santa hats.