The Big Half 2024
Run The Big Half 2023
The Big Half is a half marathon in London that follows a stunning 13.1-mile closed-road course. Starting by Tower Bridge and finishing at Cutty Sark in Greenwich, the Big Half 2023 will take place on Sunday 3 September. This will be the second successive year that The Big Half has taken place in the latter half of the year rather than its original March date (the 2021 event took place on Sunday 22 August).
As official Overseas Travel Operator of The Big Half, we are pleased to offer guaranteed entry for the 2023 Big Half for international runners as part of a hotel package of 2 or more nights. As official Travel Partner of The Big Half, we are also offering hotel stays in London for UK runners who already have their own Big Half entry. We are not able to sell Big Half entries to UK runners.
Run The London Big Half with us. We take care of you, so you can enjoy the event and make the most of your visit to this amazing city!
Price From £149 per person
Meals Included
Daily breakfasts are included with your stay
Guide
Guided easy orientation run on the Saturday
Trip Extension
Trip extension available upon request
Accommodation
Excellent London hotel for 1 or 2 nights
Entry
Guaranteed race entry for international runners
Excursions
Guided orientation run included
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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Friday 1st September, 2023
Arrival Day
Make your own arrangements to arrive at your hotel in London today. Usually, hotel rooms are ready to check in after 2pm. If you arrive early, then you can leave your luggage with the hotel and explore your surroundings while you wait for the room to be ready.
Our Hotel
We are staying at the 3-star Travelodge London City, the hotel is close to the finish.
How do I contact Marathon Tours & Travel during my stay?
Our team with local knowledge of London and the race will be available at certain times in the reception area of the hotel. Times and contact numbers will be provided with your final documents and itinerary.
The rest of the day and evening is free for you to enjoy London at your leisure.
Saturday 2nd September, 2023
Collect Your Event Pack
If you live outside the UK, you must collect your Event Pack at one of the following locations during the times stated below:
- 12:30 to 18:00 on Saturday 3 September at Marathon House, 190 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4YB
- 07:30 to 09:00 on Sunday 4 September at the Information Point in the North Start Area, Tower Hill EC3N 4SG
Your Event Pack will contain the following:
- Your unique bib number, with timing chip attached, and safety pins to fix it to your top
- Kitbag with sticky label matching your bib number
The rest of the day and evening is free for you to enjoy London at your leisure.
Sunday 3rd September, 2023
Race Day / Check Out Day
The Big Half starts at Tower Bridge and finishes at the Cutty Sark in Greenwich. Our hotel is an easy walk to the start and it’s easy to grab public transport back from the finish.
Unless you have booked extra nights with us then today, we ask that you check out of your room before 12 noon, and we say thank you for joining us. It’s not goodbye but instead we’ll see you next time as we hope you will join us for another Marathon Tours & Travel experience.
At the Finish
You will collect your medal and your recovery bag, which contains your sized finisher T-shirt and a foil blanket to help you keep warm. Volunteers will help remove your IPICO Sports Tag from your running shoe. Next, you will be directed into the grounds of the National Maritime Museum where you will be able to collect your kitbag from the same baggage drop vehicle that you handed it to at the Start. Please remember you will need to show your running number to collect your bag. Once you have collected our kitbag, you can make use of the changing facilities in the museum grounds before entering The Big Festival in Greenwich Park.
Please ask your family and friends to meet you at the Meet and Greet signs in Greenwich Park and not to congregate at the Finish Area exit.
The Big Mile
The Big Mile is a free, family-friendly mass participation event that takes place on the same finishing stretch as The Big Half by the iconic Cutty Sark in Greenwich. It’s the perfect event for first-time runners or walkers, families with children and anyone looking to get more active – plus it’s accessible for wheelchair users.
On Event Day, you’ll have the chance to ask questions at our Information Point and make use of the toilet facilities within the Assembly Area. Rest assured; the event management team will be on hand to ensure you have an amazing experience at The Big Mile. And, of course, everyone who finishes The Big Mile will receive a souvenir medal to treasure!
We recommend travelling to The Big Half on foot, by cycling or by using public transport. We strongly discourage driving to the event due to the extensive road closures which will be operating along the route from 04:00.
You will be feeling tired after The Big Half, so make sure you plan your journey home in advance. The nearest stations are Greenwich station, Cutty Sark DLR station and Maze Hill railway station. Local buses will also be operating to Greenwich town centre. If you are travelling by public transport, please visit tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey or nationalrail.co.uk.
If you would like to extend your stay, please contact us at team@destinationsport.com.
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Packages & Rates
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The Big Half 2023 Package Includes:
- Your hotel in London for 1 or 2 nights
- Hotel taxes
- Complimentary Wi-Fi in hotel
- Complimentary breakfast in hotel
- Guided easy orientation run (Saturday morning)
- ABTA protected
Depending on the length of stay you have booked with us you might arrive before or depart on different days to the itinerary listed on this page. The itinerary listed reflects our 2-night package.
2023 Big Half Travel Options
Hotel and Entry Packages for International Runners
As official Overseas Travel Operator of The Big Half, we are pleased to offer guaranteed entry for the 2023 Big Half as part of a hotel package. Package details to be announced shortly.
Prices from £319pp for 2 night hotel + entry
Hotels for UK Runners with Their Own Entry Arranged
Book your hotel with Marathon Tours & Travel, the official Travel Partner of The Big Half. For UK based runners, who already have their Big Half Entry sorted, we offer a selection of well-located hotels in London. Book your hotel with us for 1 or 2 nights. Please note that we are not able to sell Big Half entries to UK runners.
Prices from £149pp for 1 night
International Running Tour Operators
As the official Overseas Travel Operator of The Big Half, we provide travel services for international tour operators and groups. We can offer hotels, guaranteed entries, airport transfers, guide services and much more. Please contact us to discuss all options.
All Logistics Covered
We take care of the logistics for you, so you can focus on the event and your trip. Our team of experts, many of whom have run Berlin Marathon can share their experience to help you.
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Hotels
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Travelodge London City
This flagship Travelodge PLUS hotel puts you right in the heart of the Capital’s business district within walking distance of famous landmarks and attractions such as the Tower of London, London Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
For stunning views of the London skyline, visit The Shard or the Sky Garden at the top of the Walkie Talkie – both within easy reach. If shopping’s your bag, the world-famous Petticoat Lane Market is on your doorstep or hop on a 10 minute tube ride to Oxford Circus from Liverpool Street Station, just a short walk away.
Travelodge PLUS gives you more style and comfort with all the great value you’d expect from a Travelodge.
Room Types
Double Room
Our new look standard double rooms feature contemporary décor, a signature king size Travelodge Dreamer™ bed, blackout curtains, Samsung Freeview TV, desk and bedside USB charging points and modern en-suite bathroom.Double Twin Room
Same room type as the Double Room but with the 2 single bedsAddress
20 Middlesex Street, London, E1 7EXHow to get to Travelodge London City
The hotel is situated between Aldgate East and Aldgate tube stations. From Aldgate East turn right on leaving station and continue along Whitechapel High Street for 50 meters turning right onto Middlesex Street. The hotel is situated directly in front of you. From Liverpool Street Station, turn right onto Bishopsgate and then left onto Houndsditch. At the end of the road turn left onto Outwich Street and follow for less than half a mile. Keep left onto Middlesex Street and the Hotel is situated directly in front of you.Parking
Please be aware the hotel is located within the London Congestion Charging Zone. Chargeable parking is available nearby at Minories Car Park, Shorter Street, E1 8LP. This car park has a height restriction 2.02 metres and is open 24 hours. Monday – Friday (6am-7pm) and Saturday (6am- 1:30pm) £4 per hour. All other times and Bank Holidays £4. Motorcycles and bicycles get FREE parking in designated bays. Normal rates apply for disabled badge holders.Alternative car parking can be found on St Thomas More Square or on Petticoat Lane
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Event Information
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About The Big Half Marathon
Returning on Sunday 3 September 2023, The Big Half is set to have an unmissable festival atmosphere – and everyone’s invited!
London Marathon Events created The Big Half in 2018, in partnership with Sported as the London Marathon organisers recognised that many of London’s running events didn’t truly reflect the communities they pass through. With the Big Half they want to change this by bringing Londoners of all backgrounds and abilities together in a celebration of the city’s diversity.
So while The Big Half features the some of the world’s best athletes – in the men’s, women’s and wheelchair elite fields – and thousands of mass participation runners taking on the same course, it’s much more than a half marathon. It’s a community running festival, and everyone is invited!
The Big Half is one of the most popular half marathons in the world and sells out every year. Destination Sport Experiences is an official tour operator for the 2023 Big Half. We are delighted to partner with the event, and we offer guaranteed entry into this sell-out event.
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Registration & Booking
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Conditions of Sale
Please note we cannot sell race entry without accommodation package and we cannot sell to residents of the UK.
Training Plan
Having a training plan is key to achieving your goal on event day. Whether you are aiming to complete The Big Half as a major bucket list item, or it’s a stepping-stone towards the TCS London Marathon or another full marathon, it is vital that you have a plan to help you get there. Simply pick the plan best suited to your ability, download the plans below and enjoy your training! Download your training plan here
Course Time Limit
The race starts at 09.00 and the cut off time is 4 hours. The route passes through the boroughs of Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Lewisham, and Greenwich. There are water stations at Miles 3,6 and 10 as well as a Lucozade Sport station at Mile 8. Water will also be available at the finish and the finisher bag will contain Lucozade Sport.
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