by Stuart Weir
First held in 2018, The Big Half was launched with the ambition to create a mass participation event that was truly reflective of London and the communities that make the city so unique. Held over the course of one day, this festival of running aims to inspire runners of all backgrounds to enjoy the benefits of running and to celebrate and represent London’s diverse population. The 2025 edition took place on Sunday 7 September.
The Big Half: The centrepiece of the event is a half-marathon held on a course that starts near Tower Bridge and finishes at the Cutty Sark in Greenwich. Elite races, featuring some of the best British long-distance athletes, are followed by the popular mass participation event. 17,000
Jess Warner-Judd, winner of the elite women’s race in 70:35
On the race:
“I planned to sit in until about 10 miles. I did a solid 3K on / 1K off session last week, so I felt confident I could push through the final 3K. I was feeling good, so around 9K I hitched a ride off a couple of the men and just didn’t look back.
On this season:
“It’s been a really hard year. I wanted to have a track season, but every time I step onto the track, it’s like I forget how to race. I’ve started trauma therapy, and that’s been helping a lot. Coming back from [the European Athletics Championships in] Rome last year has been hard. I wanted to move to the road and test myself, and I’m really happy with how it went. I just wanted to race and enjoy it – and the crowds were amazing.”
On support from the crowds:
“I was surprised by how many people knew my name – it feels like I’ve been away for a couple of years. It was really nice to feel remembered, and I heard my name all the way around.”
On trauma therapy:
“I’ve had to start over. I wanted to focus on the track and make [the World Athletics Championships in] Tokyo, but it became clear early on that it wasn’t going to happen. Training was going well, which made it even more frustrating – I’m probably in the best shape of my life, but I just couldn’t replicate it on the track. I’m hoping therapy will help me get back there, but honestly, I’m really enjoying the road. It feels like a fresh start, and I’m so grateful to my agent, my friends, and my family – everyone who’s stuck with me. I’m just taking it one week at a time.”
On running the TCS New York City Marathon:
“It was so nice to be invited to race here, and the London Marathon Events are always well organised. I did [the Asics] Falmouth [Road Race] a couple of weeks ago, and I’ll keep building on the road. For now, I’m just taking it week by week and hopefully working towards the marathon.”
Abbie Donnelly, runner up in the elite women’s race, in 71:24
Samantha Harrison, third in the elite women’s race in 71:40
