Anyone Doing the Royal Parks Half Marathon?

[AnnPerkins]

I entered the ballot, confident that I wouldn't get in again like last year, but what do you know, I've only gone and got a place.

I have until Friday to register but can't decide whether to. It's a lot of money: £60! and I'd have to get the train in from Home Counties on the day and I can't find a start time anywhere.

After reading some of the comments on their FB page though, I'm lucky to get a place so feel I should take the opportunity. And I'm sure it has a great atmosphere etc.

Anyone else got a place this year or done it before? There are plenty of other HMs around, is it worth the extra money?

I ran this a few years ago and I'd say it was 'worth' the fee. Assuming the route hasn't changed... Some lovely views, fun warm up atmosphere, a bit of park running with music and official photo point with big Ben in the background. Ballots don't always go your way. I'd go for it !

The official tee shirt was dead gaudy though. Not sure I'd pay out for that again

I’ve entered the ballot 4 times and got rejected every time so go for it! I curse these ballots - I’ve had rejections from london marathon, ride london and royal parks this year .... and did last year too. I’m going to do the Yorkshire marathon instead as it’s the same day.

£60 is a lot but I did the great north run last year and it was similar money. At least if you’re getting the train in you don’t need to worry about accommodation costs too. I don’t know if it is the case for the royal parks but with the london marathon there are extra public transport services on the day. The FAQ bit says the race starts at 9am according to this:

royalparkshalf.com/faq/race-day-questions/

You really can’t beat the atmosphere of a big race - Well done on the ballot place and have fun :-)

it depends what your looking for in a race how much disposable income you have ect especially as a local hm cost 21 pounds

I have a place but haven't paid yet.... I didn't realise getting a place was so hard and the race is so expensive.

I've done it before and would definitely say go for it, it's such a lovely route and great atmosphere.

Ah thank you all for replying. I still can't decide.

I'm a bit at having to get there for a 9am start. I'd have to leave home about 7.30.

Didn't realise you get a tshirt, though. But they're never nice, so why not just not bother and take a bit off the entry price?

It's the cost that's putting me off the most, though. I'm going on holiday tomorrow and could do without having to save £60 that I could be spending on beers in Iceland

It's true what you say, bluepears, there are plenty of cheaper HMs around that I could do instead.

On the other hand if I hadn't won my place sheepysheep might have got one so I shouldn't treat it so casually.

Have you decided yet, SlickBubbles?

On the other hand if I hadn't won my place sheepysheep might have got one so I shouldn't treat it so casually.

I mean if I hadn't entered sheepysheep might have got a place.

I’d plan carefully how you get there, the first overground train doesn’t get in till after 9am!

Still on the fence. I can get there no problem as I can drive to the tube station nearest me which will get me in. But I just can't justify the £60 right now. I'll give it a day or so to decide.

I'm in too

I think I'll pay it. I got in after trying for 5 years, but I'm doing London marathon as well so this year is expensive

But I turn 50 this year so it's all a bit of a statement for me....

There's a train that will get me there around 8.30. Although would have to double-check the timetable nearer the date.

That's a great way to mark turning 50 LondonHereICome. I'm 50 next year so I could do it to mark my last year in my 40s...

Why is the marathon cheaper than this race? I get that it costs a lot to stage an event of this size in the capital, but why so much more for this one?

Race entry's are getting more and more expensive! £38 for London marathon and £57 for royal parks half

Must be to do with road closures?

London landmarks Half is quite pricey too I think

I didn’t get in
But will buy your place off you if you don’t want it

You pay extra for the t shirt op. They charge what they can, I guess. The aim of this race is to raise money for their cause. Other hms are organised by clubs with the aim of giving runners a local race. They don't necessarily have central London views, lots of runners at your pace and crowded routes to cheer you on. I've done both big and small runs and enjoyed both for different reasons. Take your pick. If you don't choose to run others will - for charity pledges of hundreds even thousands.
Is it your first HM? If so, maybe find a middle ranking, established local one with a few thousand entrants. Check previous years results to ensure you don't end up running alone or finishing after most other people. That can take the shine off your fantastic achievement.

Ah, after all that I missed the deadline. I was on a trip on holiday and didn't make it back to the hotel in time to register.

I will put my £60 towards some new running shoes instead.

Did you enter @SlickBubbles?

Sorry, @Gymntonic, I didn't respond to your post.

I have done an HM before, years ago. It was round Silverstone circuit so not many spectators or much of a view. I'm not a fan of mass-participation events as a rule, obviously the crowds and the sights in London would have been great but I hate the waiting around and the queues.

I don't really object to them charging so much, but it does make it a consideration when deciding whether or not to enter.

There's a nice-looking one on the Suffolk coast in October. I may do that one instead. I can stay in a Travel Lodge and still pay less for the whole weekend than if I did Royal Parks.

I did register yes. A friend of mine also got in, and we thought what are the chances, so went for it!

Oh well done. Good luck!