The sports scene in London is one of the most active in the world. Recreational athletes have many options for both leisure and competitive event participation every weekend, from running and cycling to triathlon and duathlon races.

 

To narrow down the field of races and competitions, Totally Sporty researched the top sport events in London to bring Londoners the most worthwhile recommendations for running, walking, cycling and triathlon races. These events range from major charity events to races hosted by sport clubs to appeal to athletes of all abilities.

 

 

 

The Virginia London Marathon is the largest and most competitive running event in London. Held annually in April, 35,000 runners vie for London’s top running honour and charity supporter, but more than 4x that amount apply in the balloting process, which begins about two weeks after the conclusion of that year’s race.

 

For more information, visit http://www.virginlondonmarathon.com/


Royal Parks Half Marathon

Held every October, London’s Royal Parks Half Marathon offers one of the most scenic competitive routes in the city. The race begins and concludes in Hyde Park, running through Kensington Gardens, St. James Park and Green Park in between. The route gives competitors optimal views of Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Royal Albert Hall and Marble Arch.

 

For more information, visit http://royalparkshalf.com/

 

Run To The Beat is one of the most unique races in London, with participants running alongside their favourite musical artists performing live throughout all 13.1 miles. Held every September, the race begins and ends at the O2 Arena, stopping at various central London events in between.

For more information, visit http://www.runtothebeat.co.uk/

 

 

BUPA 10K
Held every May, the BUPA 10K race follows the route expected to be used for the London 2012 Olympic Games Marathon. The race begins and ends in St. James Park and moves counter-clockwise around Parliament Square, Embankment, Blackfriars Bridge, Leadenhall Market, Embankment, Horseguards Avenue, Whitehall and Trafalgar Square to the finish in The Mall.

 

For more information, visit http://www.london10000.co.uk/

The Cabbage Patch 10-mile race, organised by Wimbledon Windmilers, is one of the best and fastest race routes due to its flat terrain. Established in 1982, the route travels through Twickenham, Kingston and Richmond. Runners of all abilities are welcome to compete in the Cabbage Patch 10.

 

For more information, visit http://www.cabbagepatch10.com/

 

 

 

Sponsored by Breakthrough Breast Cancer, the London to Cambridge cycle is a 60-mile ride beginning at Lee Valley Leisure Centre and concluding at Midsummer Common. The route provides a magnificent view of the English countryside, including Pickett’s Lock. The London to Cambridge cycle is held annually in May.

 

For more information, visit http://www.bike-events.com/Ride.aspx?id=271

Held every September, the London to Windsor cycle sponsored by British Heart Foundation is one last chance to enjoy a summer bike ride before autumn’s chills arrive. The ride offers two routes: a 37-mile on road route from Richmond Green to Alexandra Gardens or a 29-mile family-friendly route through the villages of Thames Valley.

 

For more information, visit http://www.bike-events.com/Ride.aspx?id=272

 

The London to Brighton cycle in June is the Britsh Heart Foundation’s flagship event. 27,000 cyclists ride 54 miles from Clapham Common to Brighton Beach in a strenuous but enjoyable bike riding experience. BHF has raised more than £4 million from the London to Brighton cycle alone.

 

For more information, visit http://www.bhf.org.uk/get-involved/events/bike-rides/london-to-brighton.aspx?TestGet=Y

 

 

The classic London to Brighton bike ride is transformed with this new cycle event. Cycle alongside hundreds of other cycling enthusiasts for 100km in the pitch black of night. A hot meal en-route and breakfast the following morning will be provided. Bicycle lights and high visibility jackets are required for this September event.

 

For more information, visit http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Fundraising/Bikingevents/Moonriders/Moonriders.aspx

 

The Surrey 100 cycle, sponsored by Action Medical Research every July, features strenuous climbs and fast descents for cycling enthusiasts. Beginning at Box Hill, the Surrey 100 winds through the heart of the Surrey countryside. Part of the route will be featured in the London 2012 Olympic Games.

 

For more information, visit http://www.action.org.uk/surrey_100

 

The Diabetes UK Hummingbird Bike Ride travels from London to Brighton, with sights including Mitcham, Carshalton, Chipstead, Banstead and Haywards Heath along the way. Held annually in September, the route totals 54 miles but is not a race, which caters to runners of all abilities.

 

For more information, visit http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Events_in_full/Fundraising/Sports/Cycling/London-to-Brighton-Bike-Ride1/

Evans Cycles RideIt Series
Evans Cycles RideIt bike rides feature routes on the outskirts of London, including Brighton, Biggin Hill and Dorking. Rides are held almost every weekend, with Saturday events focusing on mountain biking and off-road treks and Sundays featuring sportives.

For more information, visit http://www.evanscycles.com/

  

Sportives are long distance cycling events focusing on endurance, usually distances of 75K, 100K or 150K.

Circuit of Kent Cyclo Sportive

The Circuit of Kent Cyclo Sportive features two route distances, 130KM or 80KM, to appeal to a variety of cycling abilities. Since the sportive is not a race, cyclists have the opportunity to ride at their own pace. Held annually in September, the 80KM route includes Sevenoaks, West Malling, Claygate and Hadlow, while the 130KM route travels through Claygate, Three Chimneys, Sissinghurst and Curtisden Green.

 

For more information, visit http://www.kentcyclosportive.co.uk/

The Surrey Rumble, held in March, features two circular roots around Downside Village Hall that allows cyclists to enjoy the scenic countryside of Surrey while biking its accompanying terrain. Proceeds from the Rumble support the Dave Rayner Fund, a charity that assists ambitious cyclists.

For more information, visit http://www.surreyrumble.co.uk

Ride of the Falling Leaves is a bike ride hosted by the Dulwich Paragon Cycling Club every October. The ride includes two routes at 80KM and 110KM, the latter of which is for more advanced riders due to its hilly terrain. Ride of the Falling Leaves, as depicted by its name, is the ideal ride for cyclists who enjoy crisp autumn weather and beautiful fall foliage.

 

For more information, visit http://www.dulwichparagon.com/

 

London Duathlon
The London Duathlon is an ideal event for athletes of all abilities and individuals new to duathlon because of the variety of distances available: 20KM to 110KM. The London Duathlon even has a place for individuals preferring to focus on one discipline with the team relays feature. The event is held every September at London’s Richmond Park.

 

For more information, visit http://www.thelondonduathlon.co.uk/

 

 

Virgin Active London Triathlon
First-time triathlon participants, triathlon enthusiasts and advanced tri-athletes are welcome at the Virgin Active London Triathlon as individuals or teams of three. Beginning distances for the London Triathlon, held annually in July, include 400M swim, 10K cycle and 2.5 KM run.

 

For more information, visithttp://www.thelondontriathlon.co.uk/

 

In July 2011, 520 teams participated in the United Kingdom’s most strenuous physical challenge: walk 100KM in 30 hours with the Queen Gurkha Signals Regiment across intense terrain in South Downs. Through Trailwalker, teams fundraise to help people around the world overcome poverty.

For more information, visit http://www.oxfam.org.uk/trailwalker