On Sunday the 10th October, the Royal Parks Half Marathon took place. The runners fundraised for each of their chosen charities, some of which were The Royal Parks, Cancer Research UK and Mind. The Royal Parks charity puts its funding towards keeping the eight Royal Parks (The Green Park, St James's Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Richmond Park, Bushy Park, The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill and Greenwich Park) of London healthy, and to restoring their monuments and playgrounds.

The route went through four of London’s eight Royal Parks: Hyde Park, St James’s Park, Kensington Gardens and The Green Park. The 13.1-mile-long route also went around many of the capital’s famous landmarks, such as The Marble Arch and Buckingham Palace. Around sixteen thousand runners participated in the half-marathon, and over the past twelve years, more than £50 million has been raised for several charities by runners taking part in the Royal Parks Half Marathon.

The runners had faced many impacts of Covid, including the half-marathon being postponed, so it was a relief for them when it finally took place.

“The run was put off twice due to Covid, so I had a longer training process,” Louise Godfrey, one of the runners, said. “Covid didn’t affect my training at all, as I was still able to get out and train.

“I did enjoy my run very much. It was my first ever half marathon so I was a little nervous as I didn’t know what to expect. My charity was the Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice.

“I was very proud of myself; it was all about time, I was never worried about how long it would take. I just wanted to finish and have the medal as a memento. I have entered again for next year, but I am not sure if I’ll get a place. I would definitely do it again.”

Louise finished the 13.1-mile race in the outstanding chip time of 4:55:07, and then took a well-deserved rest!

A huge congratulations to each and every runner that participated in this run, supporting charities in need of donations and for putting in an exemplary effort, well done!