Record number of runners take part in 2026 Royal Parks Half Marathon in London

More than 17,000 runners took to the streets of central London on Sunday for the biggest Oysho Royal Parks Half Marathon in the event’s history.

The record number of runners taking part in the 13.1 mile race included celebrities TV presenter Dermot O’Leary, singer Olly Murs, and TV chef Tilly Ramsay.

The men’s race was won by Sam Brashaw in a time of 01:09:30 . Celia Anton was victorious in the women’s race with a time of 01:14:10.

Start line: Runners setting off to complete the 13.1-mile challenge

Aspire

Thousands of supporters lined the course to cheer on those taking part, with the event on course to break 2025’s annual fundraising record of £8.5 million.

The 2026 event also continued the races’s long-standing commitment to sustainability, with initiatives including water refill stations, compostable cups, FSC-certified wooden medals and the ‘Drop the Finisher Top’ initiative, which gives runners the option to support planting around the Serpentine Lake edge instead of receiving a finisher T-shirt.

Celebrity runners line-up: From left to right, Olly Murs, Adam Woodyatt, Candice Brathwaite, Bode Aboderin, Natalia Tena, Tilly Ramsay and Chloe Meadows, Jenni Falconer and Dermot O’Leary

Aspire

Liz Tack, Head of the Oysho Royal Parks Half Marathon, said: “Today has been a brilliant celebration of everything that makes the Oysho Royal Parks Half Marathon so special. Seeing a record-breaking number of runners take on the streets of London, supported by thousands of spectators, volunteers, charities and our incredible partners, has been fantastic.

“This year has also marked an exciting new chapter with Oysho joining us as Headline Sponsor. Their support has helped us bring even more energy, experiences and opportunities to our running community.

“Whether this was someone’s first ever half marathon, a personal challenge or a race for a cause close to their heart, every runner had their own reason for being on that start line, and that is what makes this event so special.

“A huge congratulations to every runner who took part, and thank you to our charities, volunteers, partners, supporters and the whole team behind the scenes. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together.”