The Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon began in 2008 as an annual fundraising initiative to not only raise sustainable funds to support London’s eight Royal Parks, but to also create an opportunity for charities of all sizes to benefit from a major charitable event. Entry is by ballot only so I considered myself very fortunate to win a place along with 15,999 other people to run through four of London’s magnificent Royal Parks and past many of the capital’s world famous landmarks. Myself, Paul and Megan travelled to London on Saturday morning by train. We arrived in Euston and then took a tube to our hotel in Waterloo which was situated a few hundred yards from the London Eye. We spent the afternoon walking along the Embankment and enjoying the entertainment provided by the street artists. In the evening we found a small Turkish restaurant which was very reasonable and the food was delicious. I was a little worried about trying something so different before a race but tried to put this to the back of my mind and enjoy the evening. The race starts in Hyde Park at 9am so it was an early start. We had to leave the hotel before breakfast had started so I had taken an instant porridge pot with me to set me up for the race. We left at 7.15am and went to Waterloo Station to catch the tube to Knightsbridge. Although it was still early the tube was already very busy with runners. We arrived at Knightsbridge then it was a short walk to the start area. I queued for the toilets and before I knew it, it was 8.40 and we were being called to the start line. I was in the green start which was the 2nd wave. There were a few celebrities doing the race, Sophie Raworth, Jenni Falcolner, Katherine Jenkins to name a few, and I heard them being introduced to the crowd. The race was started by 2 of the professional dancers from Strictly Come Dancing, Ian Waite and Natalie Lowe. The hooter went and we were off. The race starts on the road at the side of Hyde Park and heads off towards Green Park. Mile 1 takes you along Constitution Hill and before you know it you are running past Buckingham Palace. You then run alongside St James Park and up Birdcage Walk. I found this a little strange, as having done the London Marathon 3 times you always run down here. Running in the opposite direction felt very strange! Towards the end of Birdcage Walk, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben came into view. It’s quite surreal running past all these sights. We then turned onto the Embankment and ran past the London Eye until about the 3.5 mile mark. At this point you double back on yourself and run along the Embankment in the opposite direction. This is good as you get to see all the runners behind you. Also as this is a huge charity event there are loads of charity cheering points and the support is fabulous. It felt like running the marathon over again. After leaving the Embankment you head back towards St James’ Park and under Admiralty Arch and down the Mall. It took me a few minutes to work out where I was and I was wondering what the gold statue ahead of me was. It was then I realised I was back at Buckingham Palace. Just as I went past the Palace and back into the park I heard my name being shouted over and over. It was Paul and Meg. I was so surprised to see them and it really gave me a boost. The remaining 8 miles of the run was around Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. It was a beautiful, very warm, autumnal morning and the spectators were out in force in the parks. The atmosphere was amazing. The last landmark at the 12.5 mile mark was the Royal Albert Hall. I knew I was nearly home now and thought I was looking good for a PB. A final push along the home straight and I crossed the finish line in 1.55.18. I was over the moon! My previous PB has been 1.56. When the race was over I queued for my goody bag and then went off to find Paul and Meg. We hung around the park for a couple of hours as there is a festival on which runs alongside the race. There is lots to do and with different foods stalls and activities going on and as the weather was so nice it was good to wander around and soak up the atmosphere. I really enjoyed this race. If you fancy a run in a capital city but feel that a marathon is that bit too far this is an ideal alternative. You get to see all the sights, get the fabulous support but can still walk after! |
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