Didn't get a place in the London Marathon 2027? Here are 5 races with the same views of the capital
From the London Landmarks Half Marathon to smaller 10km races, all is not lost for a day of running and sightseeing next year if you didn't make the ballot
One million people entered the London Marathon 2027 ballot, so it's fair to say that with only 100,000 places, including charity spots, the odds of getting a bib number were limited. If you (like me) were one of the unlucky ones, you might be thinking whether there's another way to experience the capital on foot.
With over 100 other races crossing iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge and Big Ben, the good news is that there is. Many are closed to cars, bikes, and walking pedestrians, set up with fuelling and water stops, and have runners known as 'pacers' to help you (and your running watch) get your desired finishing time. Just like the marathon.
I've been living and running in the city for over six years, so I've taken part in a fair few of these events. Here are the ones I recommend...
1. London Landmarks Half Marathon
You might even spot some famous faces at this race, as celebrities like Sophie Raworth and Jo Whiley have taken part in recent years.
There's no event that more closely mirrors the London Marathon route, with its closed roads and scenic way markers, than this 21km race.
Taking place in April every year, the London Landmarks Half Marathon starts next to Downing Street and winds its way past St Paul's Cathedral, the Gherkin, Walkie Talkie, Cheese Grater, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and the Shard, among other sights.
I have taken part in this event twice now, and it's certainly a favourite as it covers all the best bits of the marathon, without the pressure of the longer distance.
Entries have closed for 2027, but charity places are still available for next year via the London Landmarks Half Marathon website.
2. Saucony London 10km
Short, snappy, but just as much fun - the Saucony London 10km starts across the park from Buckingham Palace and finishes next to Downing Street. On this 10km route, you'll pass Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, the London Eye, and get to run down a car- and pedestrian-free Regent Street.
I've run this event before - and I'm about to do it again this weekend. It's a must-run for Londoners and fans of the city, as it covers all the must-see sights at an enjoyable distance. It's also a closed-road race, so you'll have plenty of chances to soak up the atmosphere and see the sights.
Entry will reopen for 2027 in the next few days, so visit the Saucony London 10km website to find out more.
3. Royal Parks Half Marathon
If there's one thing about the London Marathon you should be happy to miss out on, it's the weather. While everyone likes a sunny run, in recent years, race day has seen temperatures of 24°C.
The Royal Parks Half Marathon takes place in October every year, allowing you to swap your running shorts for workout leggings on your run and take in the sights without suncream. From experience, it feels like a quieter event compared to the Landmarks Half (and certainly the London Marathon!), with fewer runners on the course, giving you more space to move.
This route covers four of the eight Royal Parks in London, and crosses over with the marathon route at several points, including St James' Park, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament.
Charity places are still available for this year's race, or you can enter next year's in October. Find out more information on the Royal Parks Half Marathon website.
4. The Big Half
You might like to think of the Big Half as running some of the London Marathon backwards. This 21km event starts by Tower Bridge and finishes in Greenwich, the reverse of the marathon route.
Runners go through Tower Hamlets, Southwark, Lewisham, and Greenwich, passing Canary Wharf and Bermondsey, and finishing right next to the iconic Cutty Sark.
It takes place in September every year, and charity spots are still available for 2026, or you can enter next year's race. Take a look at the Big Half website for more details.
5. London Winter Run
This 10km route starts right next to Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square and takes runners past Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral, and down Victoria Embankment for a chilly jog next to the river.
You'll want to wrap up warm for this one as the race embraces the February cold. It's an entirely flat route though, giving you the chance to put your running shoes through their paces and warm up.
The event also provides a welcome burst of fun post-festive period, with penguin and polar bear mascots along the route and plenty of events happening around the race for all to enjoy.
Places are still available for the 2027 race on the London Winter Run website.
