Merton Council Half Marathon Launch 2026 

Key Points

• Merton Council, a south-west London authority, plans to launch its first-ever half marathon next spring to position itself as London’s most active and inclusive borough.
• The council will invest £220,000 initially, expecting £600,000 profit in the first year, rising to £1.4 million by the third year, while supporting up to 49 local jobs.
• Council Leader Ross Garrod aims for the event to become “south London’s biggest running event,” drawing participants from London, Surrey, and beyond.
• The route will traverse Morden, Mitcham, and Wimbledon, passing landmarks like the All England Lawn Tennis Club, though final details remain pending.
• The event seeks to mirror successful closed-road races in Hackney and Greenwich, which sell out rapidly and raise millions for charity.
• An independent economic impact study predicts an annual £1.7 million boost to local businesses.
• Partnership with the Great Run Company is planned for annual staging, growing from 9,000 participants in year one to 20,000 by year three.
• Currently, no mass-participation, closed-road half marathon exists in south-west London, despite a robust running community extending to the Home Counties.
• Local runner Pancho Pavez, an 18-year-old London Youth Games competitor, called Merton “the perfect location” due to its hills, sports facilities, and roads.
• Additional features include a free 5km community run and a schools challenge with pupils running a mile weekly pre-event.
• Route planning avoids major Transport for London corridors where feasible, with commitments to manage bus rerouting and traffic disruption from closures.
• Proposals in a council report await cabinet approval next week.

Merton, South London (South London News) February 11, 2026 – Merton Council is preparing to launch its inaugural half marathon next spring, investing £220,000 in an event projected to yield significant economic returns and cement the borough’s reputation as London’s most active and inclusive area. Leader Ross Garrod envisions it rivaling major regional races, with a route weaving through key locales and past iconic sites. This initiative addresses a gap in south-west London’s running calendar, promising jobs, business uplift, and community engagement.

Why Is Merton Council Launching This Half Marathon?

Merton Council seeks to fill a void in the region’s running scene, as there is currently no mass-participation, closed-road half marathon in south-west London, despite a thriving running community that reaches into the Home Counties. In a report due for cabinet approval next week, the council outlined its ambitions to host the event annually in partnership with the Great Run Company.

This collaboration aims to scale participation from 9,000 runners in the debut year to 20,000 by the third.

The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to make Merton the capital’s most active borough. As reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the council anticipates the race will emulate sell-out events in Hackney and Greenwich, which generate millions in fundraising. An independent economic impact study forecasts an annual £1.7 million injection into local businesses from visitor spending and related activity.

Leader Ross Garrod emphasised the event’s potential scale. He hopes it will become “south London’s biggest running event” and attract runners from across London, Surrey, and beyond, as noted in coverage by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

What Is the Proposed Route and Key Landmarks?

The half marathon route, yet to be finalised, will pass through Morden, Mitcham, and Wimbledon, highlighting the borough’s diverse appeal.

It will go by landmarks such as the All England Lawn Tennis Club, adding prestige and visual allure for participants and spectators alike.

Pancho Pavez, an 18-year-old keen runner and London Youth Games competitor, praised the terrain.

“Beautiful hills and undulations, multiple sports areas of international interest, and well kept roads, it will make for a fantastic event,”

he said, according to details from the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Council planners prioritise minimal disruption. Where possible, the route will steer clear of major Transport for London corridors. The authority has pledged to handle bus rerouting and mitigate traffic impacts from road closures, ensuring the event enhances rather than hampers daily life.

How Much Will It Cost and What Returns Are Expected?

Merton Council has budgeted £220,000 for the launch, a figure highlighted by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Despite this outlay, projections indicate robust profitability: £600,000 in the first year, climbing to £1.4 million by year three.

Beyond direct profits, the event promises employment gains. It could sustain up to 49 local jobs, from organisation to hospitality and support services.

The aforementioned economic study underpins these forecasts, projecting that annual influx of runners and supporters will stimulate trade across shops, eateries, and accommodations.

This financial model draws inspiration from Hackney and Greenwich races, which not only sell out swiftly but also channel funds into community causes. Merton’s approach balances upfront investment with long-term fiscal and social dividends.

Who Supports the Event and What Community Features Are Included?

Endorsement comes from local figures like Pancho Pavez, whose comments underscore Merton’s suitability. As a young athlete familiar with the area, his view that it offers “the perfect location” carries weight among potential participants.

Community inclusivity stands central. A free 5km run will welcome all abilities, broadening access beyond elite competitors. Complementing this, a schools challenge encourages pupils to run a mile weekly in the lead-up, fostering health habits early.

The Great Run Company’s involvement lends expertise, having orchestrated successful mass events nationwide. This partnership ensures professional delivery while amplifying Merton’s profile.

When and How Will the Event Take Place?

Slated for next spring, the half marathon aligns with optimal weather for outdoor activity. Cabinet approval next week marks the next step, paving the way for detailed planning with the Great Run Company.

Road closures, a hallmark of such races, will be managed judiciously. The council commits to clear communication on reroutes, particularly for buses, to maintain transport flow elsewhere. This proactive stance aims to win public buy-in.

What Economic and Social Impacts Are Anticipated?

The £1.7 million annual economic uplift, per the independent study, will ripple through Merton. Local businesses stand to gain from increased footfall, with runners and families boosting cafes, hotels, and retailers en route.

Job creation—up to 49 roles—targets locals, prioritising inclusive hiring. Socially, the event promotes fitness amid rising inactivity concerns, with family-friendly elements like the 5km run drawing diverse crowds.

By mirroring proven models, Merton positions itself as a running hub. Leader Garrod’s vision of a premier south London fixture could draw regional loyalty, sustaining growth.

Why Now for South-West London?

South-west London lacks a comparable closed-road event, despite demand from runners spilling over from the Home Counties. Merton’s blend of scenery, facilities, and infrastructure fills this niche effectively.

Hackney and Greenwich successes prove the format works, selling out and fundraising substantially. Merton’s tailored approach, with economic safeguards and community ties, mitigates risks.

Pancho Pavez’s endorsement highlights grassroots support.

“Beautiful hills and undulations… well kept roads,”

he noted, capturing the route’s promise.

How Does This Fit Merton’s Broader Goals?

Becoming London’s most active borough drives the project. The half marathon integrates sport, economy, and inclusion, aligning with public health priorities.

Annual iteration via Great Run partnership ensures evolution. From 9,000 to 20,000 entrants, expansion reflects ambition grounded in data.

Traffic mitigation underscores responsibility. Avoiding TfL arteries and planning diversions shows balanced urban planning.

In summary of the projections, the Local Democracy Reporting Service detailed the council’s report: initial £220,000 spend against £600,000 year-one profit, escalating benefits. Ross Garrod’s leadership steers this towards regional prominence.

This development, rooted in Merton’s strengths, could redefine south-west London’s sporting calendar. With cabinet sign-off imminent, anticipation builds for a debut that promises profit, participation, and pride.