The Vitality Big Half

Getting to the start

All runners will be asked to use public transport to get to the Start Area. We suggest that runners DO NOT drive to the Start as parking will be extremely limited and some roads will be closed for the event.

Baggage

All runners will be able to leave baggage at the Start. This will be transported to the Finish in Greenwich, where you will be able to collect your kitbag after the race. A PA system at the Start Area will tell you when to put your kitbag onto the appropriate baggage vehicle. Once you have deposited your kitbag on the lorry, you will not be able to retrieve your belongings until you arrive at the finish.

Parking Restrictions

If you have a vehicle, please move it off the event route on Saturday 3 March. All parking bays on the route will be suspended and vehicle removal will commence from 01:00 on Sunday 4 March. Thank you for your cooperation.

Local residents’ access information will be available in due course.

Road Closures

Some essential road closures that may affect your location are required as part of The Vitality Big Half route on Sunday 10th March, when up to 20,000 runners will pass through Tower Hamlets, Southwark, Lewisham and Greenwich from 09:00.

Please view the map or download the booklet below to view details of road closures and the 18 vehicle crossing points along the route that will operate during specific times on the day to allow residents access to their property.

Thank you for your co-operation and understanding in helping to make The Vitality Big Half a fantastic event.

The route

The iconic route for The Vitality Big Half starts by Tower Bridge by the Tower of London and finishes in the spectacular setting of the Cutty Sark in Greenwich. The route goes through four London boroughs: Southwark, Lewisham, Tower Hamlets and Greenwich.

Getting around

With many roads closed for the race (visit our road closures page for more details), the best way to get around is by public transport. London Underground, London Overground and the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) offer great travel options for spectators.

Before setting off to watch your loved ones take part in the inaugural Vitality Big Half, you need to prepare – spectating isn’t quite as tough as running but it still needs some thought:

Travel light – you may be standing for hours on end, so keep your belongings to a minimum and try to leave valuables at home.

Comfortable clothes (especially shoes) are a must. You should be prepared for a typical March day in London – sun, showers and wind.

It will be busy in Greenwich, especially near the Cutty Sark, where the Finish Line is located. If you are a regular commuter, think rush hour. If not, think what it’s like when you attend a concert or festival. You will often have to queue and some stations may be forced to shut temporarily while staff clear the crowds.

Spectator routes from central London stations

The mass race starts at 09:00 from Tower Bridge. We don’t suggest accompanying your runner to the start. The assembly areas are for runners only, so you will have to say goodbye well before race time anyway.

The chances are you will be saying goodbye to your runner at London Bridge. From here you can take the Jubilee line eastbound, which gives a number of options.

You could get off at Canada Water and cheer your runners on around the Surrey Quays section of the race route between miles eight and 11.

Alternatively, you could stay on the Jubilee line until Canary Wharf, which is a great place to see runners for the first time. This area also has plenty of food and drink options to enjoy while you wait.

From Canary Wharf you can jump on the DLR towards Greenwich to cheer your runners on near the finish, before you head to The Vitality Big Festival to enjoy the post-run celebrations.