The Big Half is set to take place this Sunday and these are the key info you need to know
Another Sunday, another marathon. That is the case this Sunday, as London’s Big Half is set to take place, with thousands of runners taking to the streets of London.
The Big Half started in 2018, with the route running from Tower Bridge to the Cutty Sark in Greenwich on Sunday, September 6. More than 25,000 people registered for the Big Half, with 7,300 people from almost 400 community groups set to take part, as well as the elite runners.
The half-marathon starts at 8:15am and will utilise four London boroughs: Tower Hamlets, Greenwich, Southwark, and Lewisham. Here, we break down the key info you need to know, from road closures to the route. The elite runners will then set off at 8:30am.
The day of events will also include The New Balance Big Relay, which encourages groups of up to four people to break down the half-marathon distance together, and The Big Mile, a family-friendly run for all ages that also finishes at the Cutty Sark. A festival area will run in Greenwich Park throughout the day, which is free and open to everyone.
Big Half route
The 13.1 mile starts by Tower Bridge through Limehouse, then towards Canary Wharf before looping and heading towards Wapping.. It then comes back around and will see runners cross over Tower Bridge, taking in the exceptional views of the city. The route then takes you through Rotherhite and lastly onto Greenwich, where crowds will be waiting to cheer you to the finish line.
There is also an accessible viewing area near the finish line at Cutty Sark, providing better visibility for those with disabilities as the runners come in, with no barriers.
Runners have four hours to complete the half-marathon.
Public transport
Spectators and participants are advised to take public transport to the event due to road closures. To be at the finish line, Cutty Sark DLR will be extremely busy, so consider using other train stations, such as Greenwich, Maze Hill, or Deptford and walking towards the finish area. These will also be your best case for getting back at the end.
The Thames Clipper riverboat service from Greenwich Pier or the Greenwich Foot Tunnel, which connects Cutty Sark to Island Gardens in Tower Hamlets, is also another option worth considering.
Below are the National Rail stations within walking distance of the start and assembly areas.
- London Bridge (300m)
- Liverpool Street (1.3 miles)
- Fenchurch Street (900m)
- Cannon Street (1.1 miles)
- Moorgate (1.5 miles)
- Waterloo (1.6 miles)
- Blackfriars (1.6 miles)
- London Bridge (900m)
- Liverpool Street (900m)
- Fenchurch Street (600m)
- Cannon Street (900m)
- Moorgate (1.1 miles)
- Blackfriars (2.1 miles)
Road closures
Road closures will be in place from 4am and buses travelling on those roads will either be diverted or not run the full length of the route.
- Tower Bridge Approach 04:00 – 14:00
- Tower Bridge 04:00 – 14:00
- Tower Hill 04:00 – 14:00
- East Smithfield 04:00 – 14:00
- Limehouse Link Tunnel 04:00 – 14:00
- Aspen Way 04:00 – 14:00
- The Highway 06:00 – 14:00
- Butcher Row 06:00 – 14:00
- West India Dock Road 06:00 – 14:00
- Trafalgar Way 06:00 – 14:00
- Churchill Place 06:00 – 14:00
- North Colonnade 06:00 – 14:00
- Upper Bank Street 06:00 – 14:00
- Bank Street 06:00 – 14:00
- Heron Quays 06:00 – 14:00
- South Colonnade 06:00 – 14:00
- Canada Square 06:00 – 14:00
- Cabot Square 06:00 – 14:00
- West India Avenue 06:00 – 14:00
- Westferry Circus 06:00 – 14:00
- Westferry Road 06:00 – 14:00
- Salter Street 06:00 – 14:00
- Limehouse Causeway 06:00 – 14:00
- Narrow Street 06:00 – 14:00
- Garnet Street 06:00 – 14:00
- Wapping High Street 06:00 14:00
- Thomas More Street 06:00 – 14:00
- Tooley Street 06:00 – 15:00
- Jamaica Road 06:00 – 15:00
- Brunel Road 06:00 – 15:00
- Salter Road 06:00 – 15:00
- Redriff Road 06:00 – 15:00
- Quebec Way 06:00 – 15:00
- Canada Street 06:00 – 15:00
- Surrey Quays Road 06:00 – 15:00
- Lower Road 06:00 – 15:00
- Lower Road 06:00 – 15:00
- Evelyn Street 06:00 – 15:00
- Deptford Church Street 06:00 – 15:00
- Creek Road 06:00 – 16:00
- Greenwich Church Street 06:00 – 16:00
- College Approach 06:00 – 16:00
- King William Walk 06:00 – 16:00
- Nelson Road 06:00 – 16:00
- Greenwich South Street 06:00 – 16:00
- Greenwich High Road 06:00 – 16:00
- Romney Road 06:00 – 16:00
- Trafalgar Road 06:00 – 16:00
- Haddo Street 12:30-15:30
Vehicle crossing points
There will be vehicle crossing points that will allow landlocked residents or business owners to access. These roads will be closed to allow participants to navigate the route.
- Vaughan Way to Dock Street. Closed for participants from 08:15 to 10:45
- Wapping Lane – Cannon Street Road. Closed for participants from 08:15 to 10:45
- Glamis Road. Closed for participants from 08:15 to 12:20
- St Katharine’s Way. Closed for participants from 08:15 to 12:40
- Three Colt Street. Closed for participants from 08:25 to 12:05
- Shad Thames.Closed for participants from 08:35 to 13:10
- Mill Street. Closed for participants from 08:35 to 13:10
- Bevington Street. Closed for participants from 08:35 to 13:10
- West Lane. Closed for participants from 08:35 to 13:20
- Canon Beck Road. Closed for participants from 08:40 to 13:30
- Rotherhithe Street – Lagado Mews. Closed for participants from 08:40 to 13:30
- Worgan Street – Deal Porters Way. Closed for participants from 08:45 to 14:05
- Lower Road via Plough Way to Rotherhithe New Road. Closed for participants from 08:45 to 14:15
- Plough Way – Rotherhithe New Road. Closed for participants from 08:45 to 14:15
- Rainsborough Avenue – Alloa Road. Closed for participants from 08:45 to 14:20
- Prince Street – Abinger Grove. Closed for participants from 08:50 to 14:25
- Deptford High Street – Watergate Street. Closed for participants from 08:50 to 14:30
- Creekside – Gonson Street. Closed for participants from 08:55 to 15:15
- Norman Road – Norway Street. Closed for participants from 08:55 to 15:15
Stay up to date about London’s hottest events, latest restaurant openings, and best deals with our Going Out Out newsletter. Sign up HERE!
