Key Points
- A new closed-road half-marathon is planned for the London Borough of Merton in spring 2027, organised through a collaboration between Merton Council and the Great Run Company, known for the Great North Run.
- The council’s cabinet is set to approve the plans later this month, as detailed in the agenda document at democracy.merton.gov.uk.
- The 13.1-mile route will traverse Morden, Wimbledon, and Mitcham, passing through top parks and iconic sporting venues, starting and ending in Morden Park with excellent Northern Line transport links.
- The event aims to position Merton as London’s Borough of Sport, welcoming runners of all ages and abilities, from beginners to experienced athletes.
- Local sports clubs, community groups, charities, schools, and a free 5k race will be involved to broaden community participation.
- Expected economic boost of up to £1.7 million annually for local businesses, high streets, cafés, shops, hotels, and transport, supported by an independent economic impact study.
- Key endorsements from Councillor Ross Garrod, Sir Brendan Foster, former Olympian Lorna Boothe, business owner John Merriman, Love Wimbledon CEO Craig Hurring, and young runner Pancho Pavez.
London Borough of Merton (South London News) February 7, 2026 – Merton Council and the Great Run Company, organisers of the world’s largest half-marathon, the Great North Run, have announced plans for an exhilarating new closed-road half-marathon in spring 2027. Thousands of runners are expected to tackle the 13.1-mile route across the leafy borough, passing through Morden, Wimbledon, and Mitcham, with start and finish lines in Morden Park. The council’s cabinet is scheduled to approve the proposals later this month, marking a flagship event in Merton’s ambition to become London’s Borough of Sport.
What Is the New Half-Marathon About?
The event promises to be a major addition to London’s running calendar, designed as a closed-road race to ensure safety and spectacle. It will cater to participants of all ages and abilities, from those embarking on their first running journey to seasoned athletes seeking a fresh challenge. The route leverages Merton’s green spaces and sporting heritage, winding through some of the region’s finest parks and past globally recognised venues.
Councillor Ross Garrod, Leader of Merton Council, emphasised the event’s broader significance. As reported in the announcement, he stated:
“Merton is on a mission to become London’s Borough of Sport, which means putting sport at the heart of everything we do.”
He added:
“Our new half-marathon will be a flagship moment in that journey, showcasing how sport can bring communities together, open doors to healthier lifestyles, and help put Merton on the map as a destination for major mass-participation events.”
When and Where Will the Event Take Place?
Scheduled for spring 2027, the half-marathon will commence and conclude in Morden Park, benefiting from the area’s prime location at the start of the Northern Line for easy access across London. Runners will cover 13.1 miles, navigating the borough’s picturesque landscapes, including hilly undulations, well-maintained roads, and areas of international sporting interest.
The plans are outlined in Merton Council’s cabinet agenda, available at democracy.merton.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=146&MId=4744&Ver=4, with approval expected later this month. This timing positions the event as a key fixture post-winter, capitalising on improving weather to draw competitors from London, Surrey, and beyond.
Pancho Pavez, an 18-year-old cross-country runner for Hercules Wimbledon Athletics Club and London Youth Games competitor, highlighted the venue’s appeal. He said:
“Merton is literally the perfect location for an interesting competition: beautiful hills and undulations, multiple sports areas of international interest, and well-kept roads – it will make for a fantastic event.”
Pavez continued:
“Because it’s in such a convenient location, you’ll get competition from all over Surrey and London. It’s really exciting that this major event will bring thousands out into Merton, running around the neighbourhoods I know well. I can’t wait!”
Who Are the Key Partners and Supporters?
The collaboration between Merton Council and the Great Run Company underpins the event’s credibility and scale. Sir Brendan Foster, founder and president of the Great Run Company, praised the partnership. He remarked:
“Great events change places for the better, and that’s exactly what this half-marathon will do for Merton.”
Foster added:
“The Great Run Company has spent decades delivering world-class mass-participation events, and we’re proud to bring that experience to a borough with the ambition to become London’s Borough of Sport.”
Councillor Ross Garrod expressed pride in the alliance, stating:
“We hope that this will become south London’s biggest running event, and a draw for runners across the capital and the region.”
He concluded:
“I am so proud that Merton Council is able to team up with the Great Run Company to deliver such a fantastic lasting legacy for the people of Merton.”
Local involvement is central, with sports clubs and community groups set to play active roles. A free 5k race, schools’ challenge, and fundraising for charities will ensure inclusivity beyond elite runners.
How Will the Community Benefit?
Former Olympian hurdler and Mitcham resident Lorna Boothe underscored the unifying power of the event. She said:
“As someone who’s spent their career in sport, I know how events like a half-marathon can unite a community.”
Boothe continued:
“Seeing a new event like this launch here is genuinely exciting and a big step towards making Merton London’s Borough of Sport. We have a proud sporting spirit here, and this race will give people of all abilities the chance to challenge themselves. Or people can simply come out to cheer on the racers from the sidelines. I look forward to seeing the streets come alive next year.”
The race weekend will attract thousands of runners and tens of thousands of supporters, enlivening the borough. Business-owner John Merriman, who runs Metronome Coffee House in Morden, welcomed the development. As a long-distance runner and local resident, he said:
“I am excited that the borough will be gaining its own half-marathon. I’m hoping that my business in Morden town centre will benefit from the increase in footfall. And we will be getting our own run-club involved too.”
What Economic Impact Is Expected?
An independent economic impact study projects an annual boost of up to £1.7 million to Merton’s economy. This influx will support high streets, cafés, shops, hotels, and transport services as visitors flock to the event.
Craig Hurring, CEO of the business improvement district Love Wimbledon, highlighted the commercial upside. He stated:
“This is brilliant news, and further reinforces Merton’s position as London’s Borough of Sport.”
Hurring added:
“The half-marathon is great news for our businesses too, with over £1m of additional spend forecast into the borough in the first year alone. We can’t wait to welcome runners and their friends and families into Wimbledon for the event, and will work with Merton Council and our local business community to ensure we deliver the best possible experience for everyone attending.”
Why Is Merton Positioning Itself as the Borough of Sport?
Merton Council’s vision places sport at the core of community life, with the half-marathon as a pivotal step. Councillor Garrod reiterated this goal, noting its potential to foster healthier lifestyles and community cohesion. Sir Brendan Foster echoed the transformative potential, drawing on decades of experience in staging iconic events.
Lorna Boothe reinforced the sporting heritage, pointing to Merton’s proud spirit and the event’s role in galvanising residents. Young athlete Pancho Pavez celebrated the terrain and accessibility, predicting strong regional participation.
How Does This Fit into London’s Running Scene?
As one of the most exciting new additions to the capital’s calendar, the Merton half-marathon fills a gap for south London runners. Its closed-road format and partnership with Great Run Company elevate it to world-class status, akin to the Great North Run. Community elements like the 5k and schools’ challenge distinguish it, promoting grassroots engagement.
The event aligns with Merton’s transport advantages and scenic appeal, poised to rival established races while boosting local pride and economy. With cabinet approval imminent, preparations will accelerate, promising a vibrant spring 2027 spectacle.
