‘I ran the alternative London Marathon race – with all the landmarks, crowds and half the fuss’

Despite the London Marathon expanding over two days, for many it still feels impossible to get accepted into the race, but I was able to capture some of that buzz in a much easier run

The London Marathon is a world-renowned race and, for many runners, a bucket-list experience they may never get to tick off, thanks to an ever-growing list of entries – but there’s a race that does come pretty close.

By all means, the physical challenge of a marathon cannot compare to anything less; however, for those wanting to run the streets of the capital, take in some of its biggest landmarks, and feel the buzz of a crowd, this is by far an easier alternative.

The Saucony London 10k, which took place July 12, is a spectacular day out for runners and a race you can simply buy your place in without entering a ballot.

I’m still quite new to my running journey, and longer distances are something I’m working on. This was the ideal race for me at this point, and so when my friends bought a ticket, I couldn’t help but join in.

The race encompasses some of London’s most well-known landmarks, including the London Eye, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, as well as Piccadilly Circus,

Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey and Downing Street. This aspect of the race really is the selling point for me; to be able to say I ran past some of these iconic spots definitely feels a lot more special than your average 10k around the park.

From the communication from Saucony, via emails, down to the organisation for the event on the day, it really couldn’t have been clearer, in my opinion, what was expected of runners and where we needed to be. I was able to move into a different pen so I could be with my friends, and we all started the race together.

I was super nervous about the heat, as when I signed up, I didn’t quite know I’d be agreeing to a run in what was expected to be 30-degree heat that day. However, there was a breeze in the air, along with a buzz from the crowds, water stations on route, and plenty of mist showers for those wanting to cool down.

Along the route, each kilometre was clearly signposted, so if you didn’t have a watch or your own tracking device, you knew exactly where you were in your run.

Although, I will say, my Garmin watch calculated each kilometre slightly before the posts, and the race was 200 metres over 10 km, so it may have been slightly out – or I need a new watch. Having run a 10k race that was undermeasured previously, I was just thankful that it was definitely 10k or over.

From the very beginning to the end of the race, there were so many moments for me that fuelled me, from the banging drums at Piccadilly Circus to the booming music along the route and words of encouragement on microphones, to running alongside the Thames with skyscrapers as my backdrop.

It truly is a beautiful route and a reminder of how incredible the city really is, especially in its ability to come together for community spirit.

With England winning the World Cup quarter-finals the night before, there was definitely a buzz in the air and a sense of excitement to celebrate sports in a completely different way. Plenty of people hailed England flags and wore T-shirts in spirit of the win, and I couldn’t help but smile at the tongue-in-cheek signs people had made for friends, family and strangers.

Photographer were placed at some of the most photogenic points in the run as they captured me and my friends, looking rather red and sweating from the scorching sun, with Big Ben beside us, or me as I crossed the finish line, arms wide in relief. I and other runners can purchase their photos starting from £9.95 each.

Entry this year could begin at £15 for those registering with the chosen charities and fundraising, while others could pay entry upwards of £50, which included a medal, a T-shirt, a tote bag and waters at the end of the race and throughout.

I couldn’t recommend the race enough for those wanting to have a go at their first 10k and those that aren’t quite ready for the London Marathon. Or, even those who continue to apply to it and never quite make the cut.

The Saucony London 10k is an event that stands entirely on its own and should definitely be considered in your running journey for 2027; I know I’ll be signing up.