London Landmarks Half Marathon: Over 18,500 Runners Hit £50 Million Milestone

Sunday 7 April 2024: Today, an amazing 18,866 runners flooded London’s streets for the biggest ever London Landmarks Half Marathon, contributing to a monumental £50 million raised for charity since the race began.

Runners participated for causes close to their hearts as they weaved around the 13.1-mile route past London’s most iconic landmarks including Big Ben, St Paul’s, and new for 2024, the Cheesegrater and Scalpel. 

Today’s event was the seventh edition of the annual half organised by pregnancy and baby loss charity, Tommy’s, to benefit themselves and over 500 charity partners. The emotional day saw spectators lining the streets, cheering on runners and an incredible £11.8million raised so far from this year’s event alone, helping London Landmarks exceed over £50 million raised in total since London’s most iconic half marathon started.  

The London Landmarks Half was a real celebration of London’s diversity with running groups and cheer stations from a wide range of communities from London and beyond taking part, representative not only of the rich diversity of London but also how inclusive running is. Thirteen wheelchair participants and 10 visually impaired runners with their guides were some of the first to cross the start line this morning.

Race Director for the London Landmarks Half Marathon, Lia Fyles, said: 

‘Today’s event has been so special on many levels. Not only have we exceeded £50 million raised for charity which is just huge, but this has been our biggest London Landmarks Half Marathon ever in terms of runners. The atmosphere has been amazing as everyone came together and showed how inclusive running can be. We want as many people as possible, regardless of their background or ability, to be able to experience the magic of being involved in our very special event. Being able to entertain and give back to the runners as they run the course ensures this is a day to remember for all of us. Congratulations to everyone who took part this year, and a massive thank you – every penny raised will make a real difference to the charities supported.”

Runners rubbed shoulders with a whole host of famous faces also participating including Dermot O’Leary, Gabby Logan, Vicky Pattison, and Stephen Mangan, plus actor Bradley Riches and Sidemen star Ethan Payne, all running for their own personal charity causes. 

“Such an amazing atmosphere all the way around the race, I really enjoyed it. Thanks so much for having us.” said TV Presenter Gabby Logan who ran with daughter Lois.

Completing it for the second year running, Dermot O’Leary added, “The wind was a killer but it was so lovely! You get distracted halfway around thinking I didn’t know that about that church or landmark. Wonderful though, the atmosphere is the loveliest thing, at every turn there’s something like a steel band. Thank you guys!”

Running newbie Vicky Pattison said; “I got through it! The atmosphere is absolutely incredible. I was struggling about mile ten and the energy from the crowd and your fellow runners is palpable, it’s electric and it gives you that boost you need. And I’m not going to lie, I did enjoy the landmarks, Big Ben is a particular favorite of mine, I was just in my element!”

Ben Leaman was first across the finish line for the second year running in a time of 1:09:01, garlanded with medals by the Chelsea Pensioners, he ran on behalf of F.A.I.R Funding Auto Immune Research. The first woman was Kate Moulds with a time of 1:22.05. The fastest wheelchair participant Ryan Baker finished at 2:30:33.

Prior to the first runners crossing the line, the annual London Landmarks Charity Mascot Dash also took place. Eight colorful characters competed in a 100M ‘sprint’ down Whitehall past Horse Guards Parade entertaining the crowd as they cheered them on. In a close-run race, it was Dandelion Bear for Aching Arms who burst through the ribbon to take the Charity Cup just pipping Elmer the Elephant for Alzheimer’s Research UK across the line.

LLHM 2025 will take place on Sunday 6th April 2025. To pre-register for a ballot place click here llhm.co.uk/pre-register-half 

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