If the London Marathon is considered one of the greatest running routes in the world over 26.2 miles, its cousin event Royal Parks can certainly lay claim to being up there with the very best at a slightly friendlier distance.
On Sunday, over 16,000 runners took to the streets of Britain's capital again in what was a hugely successful and wholesome edition of the Royal Parks Half Marathon, which was celebrating its 15th birthday.
Upon arrival at the iconic Hyde Park, those taking part were met with a hive of activity to liven them up following the early start. From warm-up tents to plant-based food stalls, everybody and everything was catered for, and there was a festival-type atmosphere in the hours leading up to the beginning of the race.
The portaloo queues were manageable and the baggage drop staff were friendly and efficient, while any unnecessary stress was avoided as a well-planned colour co-ordinated system split runners into different start zones.
Any nerves or doubts from participants were calmed as those waiting in the funnels chatted to each other in an amiable and friendly manner. Then, in a flash, the airhorn sounded and the first group took off through Green Park and towards Buckingham Palace.
The route itself is a tourist's dream, and takes in almost all the major sights central London has to offer, from the Houses of Parliament to Trafalgar Square and through the Admiralty Arch. A healthy turnout of fans cheered the joggers on, and the volunteers on the sidelines did a great job in keeping morale high with encouraging whoops and impromptu songs.
It was even possible to do a bit of celebrity spotting, with much-loved presenter Dermot O'Leary along with Eastenders star Natalie Cassidy and Love Island's Priya Gopaldas among the famous faces seen running along.
It's called Royal Parks Half Marathon for a reason, and after dipping into city the whole latter part of the race is then spent weaving through and exploring the magnificent Hyde Park.
The highlight is arguably the stretch running alongside the glistening Serpentine, before charging past the rickety old Hideout and reaching the halfway point of the race to the sounds of motivational roars from the crowd.
It is from here on that the legs start to ache and a good dose of mental strength is needed. Fortunately, there is still plenty of beauty to admire and keep you distracted before the final mile-long stretch past the Royal Albert Hall takes you over the finish line and within touching distance of a well-earned pint.
Smiling volunteers were on hand almost immediately to offer congratulations as well as a whole host of goodies, from much-needed energy drinks and bananas to a cuddly toy and complimentary snood and T-shirt, along with an eco-friendly wooden finisher's medal.
Upon staggering back to the festival area the triumphant runners were met with a celebratory atmosphere, and there was an opportunity to join in a warm-down as well as take pictures and mingle with other finishers.
Royal Parks Half Marathon is exactly what a race should be all about. There was a camaraderie and togetherness in the air throughout the whole day, and with thousands more pounds raised for charity just a week after the Marathon, it just goes to show that when it comes to running events, nowhere does it quite like London.
Register your interest in participating in next year's Royal Parks Half Marathon HERE
