London 10k review: should you enter the next edition?
Is the London 10k worth entering? I took part in this event in July 2023 for the first time. Here’s everything you need to know and my honest review of the London 10k race.
Please note that I’m talking about the 2023 edition which was sponsored by ASICS. Some things may change for future editions with the new sponsor.
London 10k: key information
The London 10k is a very popular London race, taking place in July each year. This year, we were 18000 runners! The course takes you along some of the most iconic landmarks, such as Westminster Bridge and Big Ben.
How much does the entry cost?
The earlier you register, the cheaper it is. The current early bird price for next year is £40 already and it will go up to £50 if not more.
How to collect your race number?
When registering, you could choose to be sent your race number to your UK address or to pick it up at the ASICS (2023 sponsor) store in London (near Hyde Park) on race week.
As I had decided to go get my number in store, I received a QR code via text which was the only thing needed to collect my number.
I went early in the week and didn’t have to queue. Considering that my partner selected to receive his but it never arrived in the mail, I’m glad I picked mine up.
London 10k race day
What time does the London 10k race start?
The race officially starts at 9:30am with the elite wave setting off first. The last wave of runners sets off around 10:30am.
Where does the London 10k start and finish?
In 2023 the start line was on Piccadilly (by Green Park) and the finish line was on Whitehall.
Is there a cut-off time?
Yes, the cut-off time is 12:15pm. Any runner still on course after this need needs to finish the race on the pavement as roads re-open.
Are there pacers?
Yes. There were about 25 pacers in 2023, from 40 minutes to 1h40 (run/walk).
Where are the water stations?
There are 2 water stations on course, just after 6km and just before 9km. Water is given in recyclable cups. You can also refill your own water bottle at the first water station.
What do you get at the finish line?
For the 2023 edition, we received a trio of Cano water, Lucky Saint Beer and Tenzing cans, as well as a Blockhead energy gum which were all sponsors.
We also got a finisher T-shirt and of course a medal. There were no post-race snacks though.
What is the course like?
The course isn’t pan flat, but I wouldn’t call it undulating either. According to my Strava there’s 45m total elevation gain. It starts on a slight incline, and there’s a few of them throughout the course, especially in the first half.
The trickiest bit was the amount of tight turns and the narrow sections. Thankfully it wasn’t too congested and it was still possible to overtake runners.
You can check the map and elevation on Strava here.
Watch the race footage in this video:
Can you get a PB at the London 10K?
Although it may not be the most PB friendly course with these tight turns to negotiate, it is still rather fast and flat! I did get a PB (by over a minute) and so did thousands of runners on the course.
You’ll likely be able to stay with people and run in a pack all the way which always helps unlock that extra bit of speed. I think it really helped me run faster than I would have if it was a smaller race, with a higher chance of being on my own.
London 10k race review
These are my honest thoughts about the 2023 edition. Please note that things might change for future editions.
The positives
This event was great vibes all around! I really enjoyed the joyful atmosphere, with everyone from elite runners to joggers coming together and sharing the same love for running.
The course was more enjoyable than I expected. The tight turns were not too tricky to negotiate because it wasn’t overcrowded. Plus, it’s always a treat to run in this area of London.
Overall it was greatly organised, with an amazing team of volunteers.
The race photo pack was £19.99 for the first few days, which is less expensive than some other events.
The support and entertainment on course were great, with live music and performers. There were also 2 mist stations which most of us runners really appreciated as it was a hot and humid morning.
Any negatives?
To me the real downside was that we had to be so early in our starting pens, where we didn’t have any space to run/do strides. I had to be in my pen by 9:00 but I only started my race just after 9:30. This meant that I finished my warm up at 8:55 then walked to my pen and stood up for over 30 minutes, without any space to do strides or jog around. I get that managing so many runners is a logistical challenge, but from a runner’s point of view it’s far from ideal.
The closest toilets were a good 10 minute walk away from the start line. I don’t know how people did if they needed a last minute toilet break once they were in their pens!
There were no snacks at the finish line. Considering the entry fee, it would have been great to find something to eat in our finisher’s bags.
To sum it up, I absolutely loved the atmosphere and I’m delighted to have set a new 10k PB at the London 10k. Despite some downsides, it was a great experience overall and I’m glad I took part in this event at least once!
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