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As commitment to New Year's Resolutions start to dwindle, why not kick yourself back into gear and swap a dingy nightclub for a runner’s high sprinting through Battersea Park? With lasers, thumping bass and a sweaty crowd, at a brand new event happening next month, you’ll hardly be able to tell the difference.
This year, TCS London Marathon is teaming up with Friday Night Lights for the first time to offer an evening 5k run and get people hyped for the main event. And unlike the London Marathon, there’s no ballot.
Kicking off the marathon weekend, the event will take place in Battersea Park on Friday April 24 from 7.45pm. The party will be buzzing with sick lighting, pumping music and even a laser tunnel leading runners to the finish line.
Blending running and music, Friday Night Lights is an events company which promises ‘the UK’s healthiest night out’ – without cramping your style. Since 2023 it’s been organising runs in Brighton, Liverpool, London, Manchester and Southsea in Portsmouth.
It isn’t the only new event for London runners launching this year. Soon, South London will also be getting a new half marathon, weaving through Wimbledon Village and some of the best parks the capital has to offer and there’ll be a new half mara through Shoreditch from the same people behind the Hackney Half. In the meanwhile, the Big Smoke already has some great (and free) runs across its boroughs – in fact, we got some pros to walk us through them.
In response to the recent boom in running, Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events promised to deliver a ‘vibrant, inclusive, unmistakably London way to kick off the Marathon weekend.’ He added: ‘Tickets will go fast, so grab one now to be part of the opening party.’
He’s not wrong – at the time of writing the event has already sold over 300 tickets. If you want to nab a spot before they’re all snapped up, entry will cost you £45 and can be bought here.
Didn’t get into this year’s main marathon event? Or maybe high-speed sweating is just not your cup of tea? We’ve put together a list of all the best spots in London to cheer on the runners – minus the cramps.
If you’re looking for a running club to keep you on your toes, here is our guide to the best groups in London.
Plus, have you checked if your commute will be affected by the upcoming tube strikes?
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