Name: Palace Half Marathon
Location: London

For 2025, we are thrilled to be the official charity partner of the Hampton Court Palace Half Marathon. We would love you to join us and be part of the biggest Team Marsden we've ever had take on this amazing event!

A Team Marsden runner smiles at the camera whilst running the Hampton Court Palace Half Marathon

Hampton Court Palace - a half marathon for the history books!

Take in the amazing cultural sights of Henry VIII’s stomping ground on this flat, picturesque route. Starting within the palace itself, before heading out along the Thames, this is the perfect race for keen runners and beginners alike.

By taking on this unique challenge, you'll be supporting the vital work of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity in cancer care, treatment, and research worldwide.

On this page:

How to take part
The Palace Half route
What’s included?
Heather’s story

Already got your own place?

Have you got your own place for the 2025 event but still want to be part of Team Marsden and raise money to help people with cancer here and across the world? Just get in touch and let us know.

I have my own place

How to take part

Registration

Sign up via the registration form. You will then need to complete the second page of registration to add all your details to the event console. After you’ve completed both steps, a member of the team will be in touch to confirm safe receipt, and you’ll be all set to lace up your trainers and get running!
Registration is £20 per person, and we ask each participant to reach a minimum fundraising target of £350.

Training and fundraising support

Once you’ve signed up, you’ll receive one-to-one support from a dedicated member of the charity team. They will help with your fundraising efforts and answer any questions you may have as you prepare for the big day.
You’ll also have access to our professional half marathon training plans to encourage you to start logging those miles. Whether it’s your first big race or you’re a seasoned runner, our plans will help structure your training to make sure you are ready for the challenge.
When you register, you will also be able to join our Team Marsden Runners Facebook group. Our fun, friendly and supportive online community will be there to support you all the way, share top tips and advice and keep you motivated in the run up to the event.

The Palace Half route

Check out what lies in store for you when you sign up to join Team Marsden for the Hampton Court Palace Half Marathon!

Start within the picturesque Palace grounds.
Head out alongside the Tow Path adjacent to the Thames.
Reach the end of the Towpath for the first time and head across the Kingston Bridge.
Run back alongside the opposite side of the river.
Re-enter the Towpath again.
Arrive at the split for a second time, and turn left.
Enter the beautiful Home Park for 4K.
Finish with an exciting sprint finish back inside the Palace grounds.

Team Marsden runner and his three children posing with Henry VIII

What’s included when I join Team Marsden?

Your registration includes:

Your race bib and welcome pack sent prior to the day, including your very own Royal Marsden Cancer Charity running vest - and the first 100 people to join our team will receive a special-edition version of our charity vest!
Fundraising support and advice from a dedicated member of staff at The Royal Marsden and access to our supportive Team Marsden runners Facebook group.
Professional training plans to help you prepare for the big day.
The loudest charity cheer points on the route to keep you motivated as you tackle the course.
Post race massages and refreshments in our charity marquee in the event village.

Team Marsden runner Heather, posing with her medal in front of Hampton Court Palace — Heather with her medal

Saying thank you

Heather took on the Hampton Court Palace Half Marathon as a way of saying thank you for the treatment she received at The Royal Marsden.

"The feeling of completing the race was amazing - I was so happy I managed to finish it all and was so proud of myself. The atmosphere was really positive and supportive.

The Royal Marsden is the BEST - they are a world-leading cancer centre. They do so much research, lots of trials, and use cutting edge technologies and treatments. They also work with other hospitals across the UK and around the world to help improve diagnoses and treatments.

This is why I wanted to raise money - to say thank you to them for the amazing treatment they are providing for me and others."

Heather's support is vital for providing the very best cancer research and care for all those affected by cancer. Inspired? Take on the challenge for yourself!