PITCHES, PARKS & PALACES – LONDON HALF MARATHON – 21K

Welcome to North London and the scene of one of the most intense and historic rivalries in English football! Over the decades both teams have been in close competition for league supremacy.

We start our journey with a loop of the of the Emirates stadium, home to The Arsenal Football club or the “Gooners” as they are also known by their loyal fans. The Arsenal F.C moved to North London in 1913 from their original home in Woolwich, South London where they were founded in 1886. The 60,000 capacity stadium divides opinion amongst Arsenals loyal fans, but is a spectacle to be seen nonetheless. In moving across the River Thames, to within just four miles of Tottenham, they ignited a fierce rivalry that stands to this day.

We then venture onto the serene Parkland Walk, a secret and now extinct Victorian era railway line, it’s London’s longest local nature reserve. We will be passing ghost platforms and railway arches covered with amazing street art and weird sculptures on the traffic free trail. The route takes us to our next stop, Alexandra Palace, this breath-taking building provides one of the best views of London! Opened in 1873, its older than the Eiffel Tower, Albert Einstein and the lightbulb! Often referred to as “Ally Pally” it’s the oldest television transmission site in the world and was home to the BBC.

The second part of our tour takes us to the Tottenham Stadium and the new base of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, who have been playing football in Tottenham, North London since they were founded way back in 1882! The team are interwoven into the fabric of the working-class community of Tottenham, fostering a very strong sense of belonging for their fans. We encircle, whilst discussing the construction of the imposing and extravagant new “spaceship” which lies in the heart of Tottenham, It’s the 3rd largest stadium in the UK costing £1 Billion and is also home to NFL in the UK.

We escape the congested city to the stunning wide-open lakes of the Walthamstow Wetlands, running within this haven for migrating birds and diverse ecosystems, the route passes by the Grade II listed Coppermill building which can be traced back to the 14th century. The Wetlands are intertwined and fed by the River Lea which will use as our flowing passage back towards the city. Characterful canal boats line the banks of this beautiful waterway which flows into the Thames. Once the sight of huge industry, it now offers escapism and a pathway to East London for early morning rowers, runners and dog walkers.

Perfect for runners of all levels, this tour offers a unique blend of nature, history, and football offering the perfect combination of a half marathon challenge and epic sightseeing.

PICK-UP SERVICE

Pick-up service from your hotel/apartment or another meeting point is possible and will be checked by the tour provider individually. If your hotel/apartment should be too far away from the city centre or not close to the tour route, then we will meet you at our standard meeting point.

MEETING DETAILS

The tour provider will get in contact with you to provide you with more detailed information after the tour was booked. Please, bring along your mobile phone in case we need to contact each other.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

• Private guide/tour
• Individual pace
• Digital photos
• Tour route
• Pick-up service
• Water