London saw a wave of colour wash over its streets this weekend as an incredible 20,000 runners set off for the ninth edition of the London Landmarks Half Marathon, with participants raising more than £18 million for charity, contributing to a monumental £85 million raised since the race began in 2018.
Runners flooded across the start line near Downing Street to take on the unique 13.1-mile route past 16 of London’s most iconic landmarks. Highlights included Big Ben, the Shard, Tower of London, The Gherkin, and a triumphant finish under Nelson’s Column at Trafalgar Square.
Wheelchair participants and visually impaired runners with their guides started proceedings following by the mass of charity runners which included celebrities Jo Whiley, Alexandra Burke, Clara Amfo, Tyler West, Molly Rainsford, Sophie Rayworth, Caroline & Tom Bridge, AJ Pritchard, Aimee Fuller, Tom Clare and Casey O’Gorman, among others.
DJ Jo Whiley, making her first LLHM appearance, said: “I’ve always wanted to do this one. This has been a really important one to get in my life. I think we’ve all done this for our own personal reasons, whether it’s running for somebody in particular or for a good cause or running for yourself. Can I just say there’s a really amazing spirit, everybody here is so excited and it felt like one of the best runs to do.”
Singer Alexandra Burke returned for the second year said on finishing. “It was amazing, so, so incredible. The support out there in the streets of London was unreal. We’re just very proud to have done it for Tommy’s. If you’ve ever run a London Landmarks, you need to do it for Tommy’s, guys. Come on, do it. It’s amazing to see something so much bigger than yourself and how that feeds everyone. It’s what the world needs now.”
This year once again included a special Tommy’s Pink Wave, uniting participants raising awareness and funds for the organisers of the event – pregnancy and baby charity Tommy’s – to support those who have endured the heartbreak and devastation of baby loss.
Fulfilling the event’s ethos of celebrating ‘the grand, the quirky and the hidden gems of London’, also running was Lisa Hale from Drayton. Oxfordshire, who ran dressed as an ovary in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the fastest half as a female body part. The landmark costume runners returned, as did the Mascot Guard of Honour, while live DJs, bands, and choirs created a party-like atmosphere along the route.
Race Director Lia Fyles said: “What a spectacular day! This is without fail my favourite day of the year. We know we have created something truly unique with the London Landmarks Half marathon. It’s so much more than a race for many of the 20,000 runners who took part today- many take on the 13.1 miles for deeply personal reasons and fundraise for incredible causes. We are so proud to be recognised for our inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. and seeing runners from all walks of life crossing the finish line is simply magical. Congratulations to everyone who took part today and thank you to all the amazing supporters and volunteers who make today’s event so special. We can’t wait to make be back here next year for the 10th Edition – 2027 will be very special indeed”
Results
First across the finish line: Stefan Otway in a time of 1:08:31
First woman: Katya Kostrencic in 1:22:13
Fastest visually impaired runner: Kombo Tunduwani with guide runner Warwick Hockley in 1:49:45
Fastest wheelchair (non-assisted): Ben Spencer in 1:52:21
The annual LLHM continues to grow in size, inclusivity, and impact – the thousands of spectators lining the streets of London cheering participants along the route today is proof of that – each one of them contributing to the unforgettable city-wide celebration the event creates.
Excitement is already building for a very special 10th edition of the London Landmarks Half Marathon which is scheduled for Sunday 4 April 2027.
Pre-registration for 2027 now at www.llhm.co.uk to sign up and ensure you receive all the 2027 event news as it breaks.
