Big Half 2025: A City United in a Race to the Finish

The capital came alive this Sunday, September 7, as an estimated 25,000 runners from all walks of life participated in the 2025 Big Half. Dubbed "the city's most vibrant celebration of community and movement," the event lived up to its name, with a diverse mix of elite athletes, recreational runners, and relay teams making their way through the heart of London.

The 13.1-mile course, a journey through iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods, saw participants traverse Tower Bridge, loop through the financial district of Canary Wharf, and wind through the boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Southwark, Lewisham, and Greenwich, before crossing the finish line at the historic Cutty Sark.

Elite Runners Deliver a Thrilling Race

The elite races provided a spectacle of high-level competition. In the men’s elite race, defending champion Jack Rowe of Great Britain made history, securing his third consecutive win with a time of 01:04:08. This victory puts him in a rare class, as he is now the only athlete to win the event in three consecutive years, matching the overall record of three wins set by the legendary Mo Farah.

The men's field was closely contested, with Mohamud Aadan (GBR) coming in second with a time of 01:04:46, and Weynay Ghebresilasie (GBR) finishing third at 01:04:53.

In the women’s elite race, the competition was equally fierce. Jessica Warner-Judd (GBR) claimed the top spot with a time of 01:10:35. She was followed by Abbie Donnelly (GBR) at 01:11:24 and Samantha Harrison (GBR) at 01:11:40. Three-time champion Charlotte Purdue (GBR) finished in fourth place with a time of 01:12:36. The field also included notable athletes like Rose Harvey and Clara Evans-Graham, who both represented Great Britain at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Beyond the Race: Community and Celebration

The Big Half is not just about the elite competition. It is a mass participation event that celebrates diversity and community. This year's event saw a wide range of participants, from experienced runners aiming for personal bests to first-timers challenging themselves for a cause. The "New Balance Big Relay" also allowed groups of up to four people to complete the distance together, fostering a spirit of teamwork and shared accomplishment.

The atmosphere was electric, with thousands of spectators lining the streets, cheering on every runner regardless of pace. Local community groups and volunteers played a vital role, providing support, water, and encouragement throughout the course.

While official viewing information for this year's race was not publicly released beforehand, in previous years, coverage has been available on BBC iPlayer and the official Big Half website. For those who missed the live action, real-time participant tracking and results were available on The Big Half app, which also offers features like course maps and completion certificates.

The Big Half continues to be a cornerstone of London's running calendar, a testament to the power of sport to bring people together, celebrate a vibrant city, and inspire individuals to push their limits.