I finally ticked off my dream of being a proper London runner girl at the Battersea Park Half Marathon, kindly invited by TREK. Battersea is one of London’s most iconic parks, and while the course promised a flat, fast route, my race day experience was definitely a mixed bag.
My first observation – London runners are a different breed – it’s very much about the aesthetic. From co-ordinated outfits to scrunchies, hair ribbons and matching nails, I thought I’d made an effort in my Sweaty Betty leggings, but clearly, I have some catching up to do. This level of co-ordination was definitely eye-opening and maybe something I need to work on next time I run in London!
Race Day Reality
First things first, I woke up to my period. No girl wants this on race morning. Yes, technically, it’s supposed to be the strongest day in your cycle to run, but I felt like I’d been on a three-day bender and was being repeatedly kicked in the stomach. Never one to back out of a race, I was up at 5am catching the early train and I switched my focus to a simple goal: get around comfortably without an emergency dash to the loo.
Once I got to the park, things looked up. The event village was really well organised, with the baggage drop running smoothly. The lady on the mic gave clear instructions as we walked over to the start, which kept everything stress-free. The weather was beautiful and you could feel the excitement building as runners warmed up and gathered at the start line.
On the Course
The course itself is flat and fast, looping around Battersea Park 8.75 times. It sounds repetitive, but the scenery is lovely and it’s brilliant for spectators to catch you at multiple points.
RunThrough were excellent in the lead-up to the event, with clear emails and communication that made everything easy to understand. I just wish more participants had actually read the guidance about headphones – so many turned up with in-ears/over-ears and couldn’t hear marshalls / the lead bike giving instructions, which definitely caused a few near misses.
Because the park is open to the public, things did get a little chaotic at times. People walking across the course, dogs off leads darting about and other run clubs coming in the opposite direction on the far side. This is to be expected. Make sure to keep left where possible and stay alert, it’ll help you navigate the course safely. Definitely worth being prepared for if you’re running here.
I’ll be honest though, those second and third-to-last laps felt like they went on forever. You know when your brain starts counting down how long you have left but the end still feels ages away? That was me. But on the final lap I found my focus again – clearly spurred on by the thought of a TREK flapjack waiting at the finish line and I managed to pick up the pace for a strong finish.
The Good Stuff
One of the things I loved was how inclusive the event felt. The course was full of runners of all abilities, there were so many first-timers and people simply challenging themselves to see if they could do it. The atmosphere was genuinely supportive rather than intimidating – everyone cheering each other on, offering smiles and encouragement along the way.
What really touched me was a group of girls with a banner, supporting their friend (who I happened to be near). Each lap we did, the cheers grew louder and more encouraging. It was lovely to see and I have to admit, it made me a little emotional – (blame my period).
Of course, the finish line goodies never disappoint – a medal, snacks and that a post-race high that makes it all feel worth it. Plus, the final stretch to the finish on the running track gives you proper “I’m an athlete” vibes.
Fuelled by TREK
I was fuelled on race day by TREK’s protein flapjacks, which are 100% plant-based, vegan and gluten-free. They pack in 9g of protein, making them a great balance of carbs and protein for long-lasting energy. Perfect before a race, on a long training run, or even just as a mid-afternoon snack when you’re flagging. I’ve tried a few flavours now, and honestly, they’re all delicious – especially the Biscoff ones, which are sweet, satisfying, and the perfect little treat to get you pumped up before hitting the course.
TREK were also kind enough to send me a pre-race hamper, which included a variety of their flapjacks – which was a lovely boost to my race-day fuel stash.
Want to try TREK protein flapjacks for yourself?
Perfect for pre-race fuel, long runs, or a delicious plant-based snack on the go.
Pros and Cons of Battersea Park Half Marathon
Pros:
- Flat, fast course that’s perfect for PB chasers
- Easy for spectators to see you multiple times
- Well-organised event village and baggage system
- Supportive atmosphere and inclusive to all abilities
- Medal and finish line goodies
Cons:
- The park is open to the public, so expect dogs and pedestrians on the course
- Repetitive laps might not be everyone’s cup of tea
- Some runners ignoring the no-headphones rule made it tricky at times
- Content-creating chaos from other runners can get in the way
Race Reflections
Despite not feeling 100%, I’m so glad I did the Battersea Park Half Marathon. One of my goals for the year was to get back to half-marathon distance, so I’m really happy I managed it. The atmosphere welcoming, and the course is a brilliant option if you want a fast, flat race in London. I’d definitely recommend it whether you’re chasing a PB or just want to tick off a half.
If you’re thinking of signing up, don’t forget to fuel properly – TREK flapjacks were a lifesaver for me on the day. (Next time, I’ll remember to pack my scrunchie and hair ribbons so I can really fit in with the London runner girlies.)
Post-Race / Recovery
After crossing the finish line, I made sure to keep moving – although I probably took this to the extreme, clocking up a whopping 54k steps around London that day! (Hey, if I’m in the capital, I’m not wasting a moment.) A good stretch, keeping the legs active, staying hydrated, and a Huel shake really help after a race like this. Luckily for me, I had a hot yoga session booked the next day, which felt incredible for loosening tight muscles and aiding recovery.
I’ve also been using Runna to guide my training and get me half-marathon ready. They offer flexible plans for all levels, so whether you’re chasing a PB or just want to finish with a smile, it’s worth checking out. You can try it for free with my code RWR2 for 2 weeks. Having a solid plan really does take the stress out of training.
Action shot images courtesy of RunThrough
