Record number of runners complete Big Half in London sunshine7,876 people finished the race, beating last year’s record numbers by around 650The Big HalfLondon Marathon EventsTom Place, News Reporter1 minute ago
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A record number of runners completed the Big Half on Sunday as the sun shone down on the capital.
London Marathon Events, the company who run the event, confirmed that 17,876 people finished the race, beating last year’s record numbers by around 650.
Sunday’s race was the ninth edition of the Big Half, which has become one of the UK’s most diverse and vibrant mass participation events, and a unique celebration of running and community.
The route, which starts near Tower Bridge and ends outside the Cutty Sark in Greenwich, sees community groups, bands and DJs who cheer runners along to create a vibrant atmosphere.
Eilish McColgan won the women’s race on SundayGetty
Eilish McColgan claimed her fourth victory at the Big Half after returning to action following five months out with a broken toe, beating last year’s winner Jessica Warner-Judd by over a minute, to finish in a time of 1:10:54.
Jack Rowe missed out on a record fourth consecutive victory in the men’s race, coming second just 14 seconds behind Kadar Omar Abdullahi, who won in a time of 1:01:51.
The New Balance Big Relay also took place, a team event where four participants each complete a 5K leg across the half-marathon distance.
And the Big Mile, for families and children of all ages, saw a record 1,768 finish the event, held over the final one-mile stretch of the Big Half course.
Early bird tickets for next year’s event, set to take place on September 5 2027, have already sold out.
One runner celebrates completing the Big Half next to the Cutty SarkJoseff Eynon-Freeman
Sanaa Qureshi, Head of Community Engagement and Event Lead for the Big Half, said: “It’s been a brilliant day. The ambition behind the Big Half has always been to celebrate the vibrant diversity of London and create an event where everyone feels welcome.
“I’m proud to say that 37% of this year’s participants are from ethnically diverse communities, a 10-percentage point increase from last year.
“We put community at the heart of the Big Half and with more than 7,000 participants from London’s inspiring community groups taking part, the event has been a showcase of the wonderful people, cultures and communities that make this city so unique.”
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Eilish McColganTower BridgeRunningCommunityrunnersGreenwichCutty SarkMarathon