The 12th running of this popular race celebrated 500 years of the history of London’s famous green spaces. Organised by the Royal Parks Foundation, the race raises money to maintain the 5000 acres of land across the 8 royal parks in our iconic capital. It is a treat of a race touring the leafy spaces of our capital as well as some of Londons most famous streets and passing many of its world famous landmarks.
All 16000 of the entries are either balloted or available via a charity making a bucket list race for many runners. Over the past 12 years runners have raised in excess of a colossal £30 million.
2 lucky roadrunners, Claire Jasper and Louise Morris secured places in this fantastic event.
Starting and finishing in Hyde Park, they were rather daunted by the conditions underfoot.
“This is not the start I expected on a ‘road race’” Claire tells me as she’s lining up in the mud waiting for the off.
Eventually they got moving and the girls left the park passing Wellington Arch before entering Green Park and into St.James Park. Ducking under Admiralty Arch, they headed down Whitehall before moving onto an out and back section along The Strand accompanied by some great fancy dress runners.
A fantastic run down The Mall toward the beautiful Buckingham Palace was a highlight before they headed back to Green Park, traversing Hyde Park once more before commencing the final leg of their journey through Kensington Gardens, past the Royal Albert Hall and across the finish line.
“That was a bit more undulating than I thought it would be” said Claire
“It was all quite overwhelming” said Lou who chose to run for mental health charity Mind.
Despite their challenges and the soggy weather, they both made it to the finish line back in Hyde Park.
Louise Morris – 2.26.01
Claire Jasper – 2.42.16
