South London to Host Inaugural Half Marathon in 2027
South London is set to welcome a brand new half marathon in 2027, bringing a major running event to an area that has historically lacked large-scale athletic competitions. The 13.1-mile route will weave through Wimbledon Village and traverse some of the finest parks in the southwest, offering participants a scenic and challenging course.
Addressing the Running Event Imbalance
Considering the abundance of hydration vests, energy gels, and Garmin watches visible in Burgess or Brockwell Park on any given Saturday morning, it is somewhat surprising that south London does not host many significant running events. In contrast, east London already boasts more than its fair share of races. The 2026 edition of Hackney's renowned half marathon sold out rapidly, with tickets snapped up within just 48 hours of the 2025 race concluding. Additionally, a brand new 13.1-mile race is scheduled to debut in Shoreditch this September.
However, Strava-obsessed south Londoners need not despair, as they will soon no longer have to travel across the river to secure their first medal. Merton Council has announced its very own 13.1-mile race, set to debut in the spring of 2027. This event represents a collaboration between Merton Council and the Great Run Company, the organization behind the Great North Run, which is the largest half marathon in the world.
Event Details and Economic Impact
The Great North Run attracts 600,000 elite runners and recreational joggers to Newcastle and South Shields annually, but Merton's new race will be more modest in scale. It will welcome 9,000 runners in its inaugural iteration. While the exact half marathon route has not been finalized, it is confirmed that the closed-road race will take participants across the leafy borough. Runners will likely dart past Wimbledon Village and the famous Wimbledon Championships site, traveling through Morden and Mitcham and into some of the area's most picturesque parks.
Local businesses have cause for celebration, as organizers estimate that the upcoming event will boost the borough's local economy by an impressive £1.7 million. This economic injection highlights the broader benefits of hosting such mass-participation events.
Council Approval and Future Plans
Merton Council's plans for the race still require approval from the council cabinet later this month. If and when they receive the green light, the event's official name, registration details, and charity entry information will all be revealed. Merton Council leader Ross Garrod emphasized the borough's commitment to becoming London's borough of sport, stating that this involves putting sport at the heart of everything they do.
Garrod said, 'Our new half-marathon will be a flagship moment in that journey, showcasing how sport can bring communities together, open doors to healthier lifestyles, and help put Merton on the map as a destination for major mass-participation events.' This initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote physical activity and community engagement through athletic endeavors.
As anticipation builds, residents and running enthusiasts are encouraged to prepare for this exciting addition to London's sporting calendar. The event promises to not only provide a challenging race but also foster local pride and economic growth, marking a significant milestone for south London's athletic scene.
