The Big Half 2026
09.06.26
Half Marathon
2-3 Nights
Guaranteed Entry
Run the iconic streets of London by taking part in The Big Half, the capital’s epic Half Marathon!
The Big Half Marathon is a vibrant, fun and inclusive festival of running! The 13.1 mile course weaves through London from Tower Bridge to the Cutty Sark in Greenwich. Great for novices and experienced participants alike. Come for the finisher’s medal or to celebrate London’s diversity.
ENTRY & EXTRAS
Half Marathon Entry
$80
Per Person
THE BIG HALF’S ROUTE
The course starts by Tower Bridge, taking in Canary Wharf, Wapping, Bermondsey, Rotherhithe, and Deptford before finishing next to the Cutty Sark ship in Greenwich.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Getting to London
London is a major international hub with excellent transport links from several airports.
• Heathrow Airport (LHR): London’s busiest airport. Take the Heathrow Express (15 minutes to Paddington Station) or the Piccadilly Line on the Tube for a more economical option.
• Gatwick Airport (LGW): Offers fast train connections to Victoria or St Pancras stations in 30–35 minutes.
• Stansted Airport (STN): Popular with budget airlines. The Stansted Express reaches Liverpool Street Station in 45–50 minutes.
• Luton Airport (LTN): A base for Ryanair and easyJet. Bus and train links take 30-40 minutes to St Pancras International.
Getting Around London
London’s extensive public transport network makes getting around simple and efficient:
• Tube (London Underground): Connects all major areas of the city, including marathon start and finish points. Trains run frequently and cover 11 lines.
• Buses: The iconic red buses cover every neighborhood, with Night Bus services operating after Tube hours.
• Taxis: Black cabs, Uber, and Bolt are widely available throughout the city.
• Walking & Cycling: Central London is highly walkable. Santander Cycles or Lime bikes (hire bikes) are available for short trips and sightseeing along the Thames and other key areas.
WHY BOOK WITH US?
With Sports Tours, you never run alone. We’ll meet you at your hotel, escort you to the race expo and get you to the start line with ease. Join us for a 5KM shakeout run, meet fellow runners and celebrate together post-race.
INCLUDED IN YOUR PACKAGE:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Accommodation options available
- Complimentary daily breakfast included
- Guided escorts to the marathon expo & race start
- Comprehensive support from Sports Tours reps in your hotel
- Post marathon celebration drinks
- An exclusive New Balance T-shirt
Itinerary
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL DAY
Today is arrival day. Once you’re checked in, come and meet your Sports Tours representatives at our welcome reception, where you’ll find fellow runners who will experience the journey together!
DAY 2 – 5KM SHAKEOUT RUN
After breakfast, join our complimentary 5K shakeout run to get your legs moving pre-race day, led by a Sports Tours representative. The rest of the day is yours to take in all the sights and sounds of London.
DAY 3 – The Big Half!
Today is race day! After an early breakfast, you will be escorted by a Sports Tours representative to the half-marathon start line.
The course starts in the shadows of Tower Bridge. From here, participants will head to Canary Wharf, then come back along the Highway to cross Tower Bridge into the borough of Southwark as they head towards the finish at the iconic Cutty Sark in Greenwich.
The Big Half starts at 8:30 am. Afterwards, celebrate your big win with fellow runners at our post-race party!
DAY 4 – DEPARTURE DAY
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and, depending on your onward travel, head out to enjoy the city.
Things to do in London
The London Eye
Enjoy panoramic city views from Europe’s tallest cantilevered wheel, offering stunning perspectives of the Thames, Big Ben, and beyond. A perfect sightseeing experience!
Explore the Tower of London
Delve into 1,000+ years of history at this iconic fortress, prison, and royal palace, home to the Crown Jewels and guided by evocative Beefeaters.
Covent Garden
Discover Covent Garden, a lively blend of history, culture, and style. With its beautiful market square, boutique stores, and incredible food scene, it’s a must-visit spot to experience the very best of London life.
WHAT PAST PARTICIPANTS SAY
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CC
Chris Capps
US
I tried two years in a row and didn't get in with the lottery – but getting a bib with Sports Tours International was easy. A few clicks of a button and here we go, off to London!" Warren Louis: “It's my first time with Sports Tours. Absolutely fantastic! Start to finish, best team ever! Super motivated. Let's go London!
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Russel Bowling
US
Sports Tours International made getting my Sixth Star at the London Marathon smooth and stress-free. Their expertise took care of every detail so I could focus on the finish line.
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Laura Sullivan
Canada
I've had the incredible opportunity to travel with Sports Tours International to Berlin, Disney, Grandma's, and even Kiwah Island! Every single trip has been nothing short of amazing. From start to finish, it's a full experience, not just a race. The events are so fun,the shakeout runs are energizing, and the parties and team vibe are next-level. The team goes above and beyond to make sure every detail is taken care of, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy the ride (and the run!).
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Susan Hurley
Michigan
As a first time international marathon runner in Dublin, I would highly suggest booking with Sports Tours. They take excellent care with your entire experience. My step-daughter and I have already booked our next Berlin 2026 trip with them.
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Wim Gezels
Florida
This was my third trip with Sports Tours International and each experience one was top-notch! The accommodations are always excellent and the support staff does an unbelievable job to assist with anything needed during your stay. Between the hotel, the race itself and the excursions, Sports Tours offers the perfect trifecta. And of course, the amazing post-race after party makes the experience complete!
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JM
Jeremiah McEnerney
Virgina
Traveled with Sports Tours for the Berlin Marathon. I was so pleased with the coordination and elimination about the worry about getting a lottery bib that we are now signed up for London with the Scotland extension. It's a little pricey but worth the investment. Top notch hotel centrally located with a great breakfast, great pre-race review and pleasant overall experience.
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