Closed roads, a mass start, entertainment, and supporters around the route… bigger races are back!
With central London as the backdrop, this iconic race is a summer celebration of fitness and community. After a long period of virtual events and solo runs, the ASICS London 10K welcomed 10,000 runners back to the streets. It was a huge relief to be at a start line again, soaking in the energy. This was my first mass race in over 18 months, and it didn’t disappoint.
Pre-Race Preparations for the ASICS London 10K
Preparing for the ASICS London 10K was a bit different than in the past due to new safety protocols. Runners were required to complete a health questionnaire and a lateral flow test within 24 hours before race day, ensuring the event remained COVID-secure. Start times were staggered based on your predicted finish time, and everyone had a 30-minute window to arrive at the starting area to avoid large gatherings.
One important thing to note for future participants: you’re encouraged to arrive “race-ready” to avoid crowding at the baggage drop. This is a key feature for anyone who plans on running the ASICS London 10K, so plan your pre-race routine accordingly.
Rey, led the warm-up from the big screen to get everyone hyped. Starting the race was none other than the amazing Katie Piper, which added an inspiring touch before we hit the pavement. Even with staggered times, the event was incredibly smooth, with each runner crossing the start line in waves over two hours, allowing for more space between participants.
Running the ASICS London 10K: Central London’s Best Sights
The ASICS London 10K course is truly something special. The route takes you right through the heart of the city, offering runners incredible views of iconic London landmarks. As we ran, we passed sights like Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, St James’ Palace, and the London Eye. It’s one of the most scenic urban 10Ks you can find, making it perfect for both experienced runners and casual joggers who love sightseeing.
One of my favorite aspects was the epic entertainment along the route. There were live bands and DJs stationed at every kilometre, which kept the energy up and made each mile even more enjoyable. A special shout-out goes to the steel drum band, who provided an extra boost just when it was needed most! The atmosphere was electric, and running with Chimzy made it even more memorable. We chatted, laughed, and soaked in the sights throughout the race, crossing the finish line with a time of 54:52.
Post-Race Highlights: Goody Bags, Finish Line Celebrations, and More!
Crossing the finish line was such a buzz! Once you finished, you were ushered into the goody bag queue. In previous races, the queue for goodies and medals could sometimes get chaotic, but the organisation at the ASICS London 10K was on point. Runners moved quickly through the line and received their medals, t-shirts, and goodie bags without long waits.
There was a fantastic post-race atmosphere too. The mix of relief, achievement, and celebration was contagious. Given that this was one of the first large-scale events to return, the sense of togetherness was truly palpable. ASICS really nailed the organisation of this event, and the finish line celebrations were filled with joy and excitement.
Is the ASICS London 10K Worth It? Pros and Cons
Overall, the ASICS London 10K is a fantastic event for runners of all levels. If you’re a fan of big city races, this one should definitely be on your radar.
Pros:
- Scenic route through iconic London landmarks
- Amazing entertainment with live bands and DJs
- Well-organized race with staggered start times
- A great atmosphere, especially in a post-lockdown world
Cons:
- The course is a little twisty in parts, so if you’re aiming for a PB, keep that in mind.