Running in London: The Best Routes, Races and Handy Tips

There are many ways to explore the sprawling, history-steeped streets of London. One of the most rewarding is to don a pair of trainers and join the city’s thriving running community. Whether you like to jog at a relaxed pace or train hard for your next marathon, running is more than a method of avoiding expensive gym fees. It’s an endorphin-boosting shortcut to mental and physical well-being; and it’s also a fantastic way to get to know the capital on a more visceral level. Riverbank pavements studded with iconic landmarks. Verdant Royal Parks full of unexpected moments of rural tranquility. Challenging climbs with epic skyline views. Swap the treadmill for top running trails in London and discover what the city has in store.

While stopping every few hundred metres to wait at a set of traffic lights might be great for interval training, those that prefer not to make regular stops should plan a Thames sightseeing run. The 9-kilometre loop that runs from Westminster Bridge along the South Bank, across Tower Bridge and back along the north side of the river is one of the most scenic choices for running in Central London, passing historical landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the London Eye and Shakespeare’s Globe. It’s also relatively easy, with few road crossings and a flat gradient all the way. And if you run out of energy or find yourself pushed for time, the route can be shortened by crossing at an earlier bridge or even running out and back the way you came.

• Nearest transport: Westminster Tube
• Distance: 9 kilometres
• Terrain: Flat pavement
• Difficulty: 4/10

London’s eight Royal Parks are a goldmine for runners, offering traffic-free paths known for their picturesque landscapes and tranquil atmosphere. Three of the most famous – Hyde Park, St. James’ Park and Green Park – can be explored on this route. Since it’s a loop you can choose where to start but Lancaster Gate underground station is ideally situated for those travelling by tube. From there, head west along the north and east edges of Hyde Park before crossing the road to circle Green Park and St. James’. One of the best flat running routes in London, sights to look out for include Buckingham Palace and members of the Household Cavalry exercising their horses along the Mall. Benches overlooking the wildfowl pond in St. James’ make for a scenic rest stop.

• Nearest transport: Lancaster Gate Tube
• Distance: 12 kilometres
• Terrain: Flat pavement and gravel path
• Difficulty: 4/10

For another scenic jog in London’s famous parks – this time combining urban and natural landscapes with a gradual hill section to test your incline endurance – check out this route around Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill. From Regent’s Park tube, head west around the park’s Outer Circuit past the Boating Lake, Queen Mary’s Rose Garden and the placid waters of Regent’s Canal. At the northern end of the park, cross over the road onto the grassy slopes of Primrose Hill. The panoramas of the city and London Zoo are well worth the effort of the ascent. If you need to stop for a breather, you can do so at the great oak tree planted to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth. Afterwards, continue on your loop around the park until you return to the start point.

• Nearest transport: Regent’s Park Tube
• Distance: 5.8 kilometres
• Terrain: Flat and hilly tarmac paths
• Difficulty: 5/10

Offering over 300 hectares of meadows, woodland and elevated sections steep enough to get your pulse racing, Hampstead Heath is a beloved spot for outdoor exercise in North London. Starting and ending at the Hampstead Heath overground station, the best route is a 5.8-kilometre circuit around the park’s outer edge. Make sure to save your energy for the ascent up Parliament Hill, whose summit offers some of the best views in London. Alternatively if you prefer a more formal running session, the heath is home to the Parliament Hill Athletics Track with eight floodlit, all-weather lanes available for public use. If you happen to visit on a hot summer’s day, cool off with a dip in the heath’s famous, gender-segregated bathing ponds before making your way home.

• Nearest transport: Hampstead Heath Station
• Distance: 5.8 kilometres
• Terrain: Hilly paved and gravel paths
• Difficulty: 8/10

If you have time to explore the lesser-known areas of the city, Richmond Park is one of the best spots for long-distance running in London. Located in the southwest suburbs, it’s easily accessible via the Richmond overground station. It’s the largest of the Royal Parks, a vast expanse of ancient woodland and wild grassland that provides a habitat for deer herds first introduced by King Charles I in the 17th century. Especially glorious in spring and autumn, the 11.6-kilometre Tamsin Trail runs around the periphery of the park. Although popular with joggers and cyclists, it’s far less congested than the pavements of the city centre, giving you an opportunity to sprint when you want to or stop as needed. A mix of flat and hilly sections helps build stamina.

• Nearest transport: Richmond Station
• Distance: 11.6 kilometres
• Terrain: Flat and hilly dirt and gravel paths
• Difficulty: 6/10

Every year there are hundreds of running events in London, catering to both seasoned runners and beginners. The most famous is the London Marathon. Held annually in April, it consists of a public race and professional races for elite athletes. To be in with a chance of running in the London Marathon and crossing that iconic finish line, you must either enter the competitive general ballot or earn a charity run place. Other running races in London include 5Ks, 10Ks, half and ultra marathons. One of the most popular events is the parkrun, a free 5K held every Saturday at parks across the capital. All abilities are welcome and there’s even a junior parkrun for kids aged 4-14 and their families on Sundays.

• London is a busy city and roads and pavements can get congested. Plan to run early in the morning to beat the worst of the crowds.

• When packing your running gear, consider that waterproofs may be required all year-round, while warm layers are as essential for running in London in winter as adequate hydration and sun protection are in summer.

• If you plan on running in London at night, reflective clothing is a must. Bear in mind that it gets dark much earlier in winter than you might expect.

• If you’re new to the city, nervous about running alone or simply want to meet like-minded people, consider joining a London running group. Many, like London City Runners, are free to join and therefore practical even for visitors.

• Alternatively, consider guided running in London. Operators like Go! Running Tours offer private sessions covering a variety of routes, distances and terrains.

• If you plan on going solo, use apps like MapMyRun and Strava to plan your route in advance. The Transport for London (TFL) website is useful for working out how to get to your start point and checking for any delays or planned closures.

Now that you know where to run in London, it's time to book accommodation. Look for centrally located hotels with runner-friendly amenities including on-site restaurants serving healthy food and a fitness centre for bad weather days. Can't get enough of the great outdoors? Discover our guide to the best campsites near London, where you'll also find a huge variety of running trails to explore.