The Royal Parks Foundation, in partnership with Brakes, is launching the first half marathon to race through Central London, which will start and finish in Hyde Park, the proposed venue for the triathlon during the 2012 Games.

 

The race will have up to 12,500 runners.

 

Earlier this year a half-marathon featuring 10,000 runners was launched around the O2, formerly the Millennium Dome, the venue for the gymnastics and basketball in 2012.

 

The two races will be held just a week apart with the O2 race on October 5 and the Hyde Park event on October 12.

 

Starting and finishing in Hyde Park, this latest event will also take in St James's Park, The Green Park and Kensington Gardens.

 

Runners will have magnificent views of Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Marble Arch and the Royal Albert Hall.

 

Royal Parks Foundation chief executive, Sara Lom, said “King Henry VIII chased through these Parks 500 years ago.

 

"As a keen sportsman, he’d be thrilled to see the 12,500 runners thundering towards the finish line in this great new race and raising vital funds for The Royal Parks and other charities.”

 

Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon race ambassadors include Daley Thompson, Zac Goldsmith, James Cracknell, Ben Fogle and Keith Wood, with more to be announced shortly.

 

Thompson said: “Great races such as this are perfect opportunities to involve many people in healthy activity and to promote the fun - and the challenge - of completing personal fitness goals."

 

Public and charity places are available online at www.royalparkshalf.com.

 

Each participant will receive a running pack including a sports T-shirt, plus a medal when they finish, within their £39 entry fee.