Over 10,000 run in London’s ‘Big Half’

More than 10,000 participants united on the streets of London on 22 August – the day that the fourth edition of The Vitality Big Half took place amid a celebratory atmosphere.

Rising star Jake Smith cemented his breakthrough year by winning the men’s race in a time of 1:02:06, while Charlotte Purdue sealed a record third win, setting a new women’s course record of 1:09:51.

Speaking after his victory, Smith said: “It’s incredible to be back on the streets of London. Over Tower Bridge I couldn’t hear myself breathe as the crowds were so loud.”

Exceptionally, the race has not missed an edition due to the Covid pandemic. Usually held in early March the 2020 edition was won by Kenenisa Bekele only two weeks before a nationwide ‘lockdown’. This year’s race, purposefully fixed for late summer in order to build up towards the London Marathon on 3 October, came only a month after restrictions on holding mass events were lifted.