Half Marathon races near Foots Cray

A midweek run to chase personal bests. The course follows the River Thames. Runners can complete it multiple times within the 7-hour limit.

Run Kent Tonbridge begins at The Judd School, guiding runners on a marked, measured single loop through the Kent countryside. The event provides three distances: a half marathon, 10K, and 5K, with staggered morning starts, beginning with the longer race. It is a RunThrough event featuring chip timing, kilometre flags, stocked water stations, and marshals at key turns. The race returns road running to the streets around Tonbridge, with support from Tonbridge Rotary Club and Tonbridge Lions. Demelza, the local children’s hospice, serves as the event charity, enabling many runners to raise funds. Spectator areas, course entertainment, and cheering marshals contribute to a community atmosphere, distinct from a basic club run. The finish area offers food, drink, complimentary race photos, post-race items, and a themed medal.

Run Kent’s Tonbridge race series starts and finishes at The Judd School in the historic town of Tonbridge. It is an October road-running event with three distances on the same day: a half marathon, 10K, and 5K, all held on closed roads. Each route is a professionally marked and measured single loop, going through Tonbridge and out onto the surrounding Kent countryside roads. The races support Tonbridge Rotary Club and Tonbridge Lions, with local bands, aid stations, and spectators adding to the day along the course.

The Thames Meander - Autumn is a flat riverside race series in Richmond, commencing and concluding at the Petersham & Ham Sea Scouts HQ on Petersham Road. Participants can select from 10km, half marathon, or marathon distances, with all three utilizing the Thames Path towpath for out-and-back courses. The format is straightforward: run alongside the river, turn at the designated checkpoint for your chosen distance, and return to the original finish area. The 10km turnaround point is at Kew Gardens Car Park on Ferry Lane. The half marathon extends to the Thames Path opposite Barnes Sports Club. The marathon follows the same 13.1-mile out-and-back course as the half marathon, run twice. The path is suited for consistent running, not technical trail running, and as a public thoroughfare, runners will encounter walkers and cyclists. Marshals are stationed along the course and at turnaround points. Checkpoints provide gels, drinks, electrolyte powders, and high-energy food. KLP Medics are present at the start/finish and Kew Gardens Car Park.

The Hurt Trail Run is a challenging autumn trail race situated near Guildford, approximately 45 minutes from London. It offers 15k and 21k distances, both commencing from Hound House Road. The routes traverse the Surrey Hills and Hurtwood Forest, presenting a test of fell and cross-country running rather than a straightforward park run. Participants will collect their timing chip and race number on the morning of the event. Facilities including parking, toilets, and refreshments are located adjacent to the start area. The course navigates rugged hill terrain instead of flat roads, reinforcing its reputation as a demanding autumn trail race. The 21k course includes three aid stations, and the 15k has two. Both events are designed for runners seeking a demanding yet supported experience within the woods and hills. The common start point contributes to a straightforward event atmosphere: choose the 15k or 21k, start together, and anticipate Surrey mud, ascents, forest trails, and cross-country running from the outset.

The Hampton Court Palace 10K begins within the palace gates and concludes in the gardens, integrating the venue from start to finish. This October 10K, located in East Molesey, Surrey, features a flat, multi-terrain course. A half marathon is also available as part of the same running festival. The event is presented by Voltarol and benefits a multiple sclerosis charity dedicated to helping individuals affected by MS lead healthier, happier lives. From the palace, the route follows Barge Walk, crosses Kingston Bridge, and then utilizes footpaths around Thames Ditton. Participants have described the course as varied, well-organized, and offering strong views, with the palace grounds and riverside paths contributing significantly. The minimum age for participation is 15. Reviews note a lively atmosphere, helpful volunteers, and a historical figure, identified as Henry VIII, appearing for photos.

The Chelmsford Marathon & Half Marathon begins at 9:00 am in Chelmsford, Essex. Both distances follow accurately measured, undulating road courses. This autumn race offers a marathon or half marathon option and attracts over 1,500 participants, establishing it as a significant event on the Essex race calendar. A six-hour cut-off defines the marathon structure, and pacers are typically available for both distances if sufficient numbers are confirmed. The route departs Central Park via tree-lined avenues, then proceeds onto rural country lanes. This provides participants with a blend of town running and Essex countryside, distinct from a city-centre circuit. The courses are frequently chosen for good-for-age qualifying attempts, though their undulations prevent them from being a flat time-trial course. A substantial aspect of the race involves fundraising for Little Havens Children's Hospice and Havens Hospices, organizations supporting individuals with complex or incurable conditions. Runner contributions generated over £53,000 in a recent running. Participants can select a HAVENS HEROES ticket, which incorporates a donation, and the race also relies on hospice supporters and marshals within the event village.

The Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon is a central London half marathon run in October on closed roads. Its appeal is a traffic-free route past famous London landmarks and through four of the city’s eight Royal Parks, all within the 13.1-mile distance. Runners can participate for charity, so the field includes runners other than club athletes chasing times. The event has reached at least its 18th edition, giving it a longer track record than many newer city half marathons.

Lee Valley VeloPark October is a multi-distance road running event held at Lee Valley VeloPark in east London. It uses the floodlit one-mile circuit constructed around the London 2012 Olympic venue. Participants can select a half marathon, 10 miles, 10k, 5k, or a 1-mile and junior race. All races are on tarmac, featuring a gentle rise and fall instead of a flat park path. The event is lap-based: the half marathon covers 13 laps, the 10-mile race uses 10 laps, the 10k is 6 laps, the 5k is 3 laps, and the mile race completes one full lap. Each mile split is chip timed, allowing runners to monitor their pace, though no pacers are provided. RunThrough supplies marshals, chip-timed results, free race photos, a themed medal, post-race treats, and an event village with food and drink near the finish.

The Bedgebury Forest Half Marathon & 10K is a traffic-free trail race held at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest in Kent. Participants select between a half marathon or a 10K, with both courses winding through woodland paths beneath the pine canopy. This is a true trail event, featuring narrow tracks, an undulating route, and potential mud depending on prior weather conditions. The half marathon course consists of two laps, while the 10K follows a single loop through the forest. Nice Work manages the race, attracting a diverse field including novice trail runners, regular club athletes, and seasoned off-road competitors. All finishers are awarded a unique medal, with prizes for the top performers.