Royal Parks half marathon: 16,000 take part in race past London's scenic sights

Thousands of people have taken part in one of the capital's biggest running events after the London Marathon.

Around 16,000 took part in the scenic Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon past some of London's top landmarks on Sunday morning.

Organisers predict the event will raise as much as £4 million for the 333 charities involved.

Runners pounded the pavements of Hyde Park, Green Park, Kensington Gardens and St James's Park passing sights including the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.

Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer Rebecca Adlington sounded the starting horn to begin the race in Hyde Park, where runners including newsreader Sophie Raworth, presenter Charlie Webster and DJ Jo Wiley set off for the 13.1-mile slog.

After completing the race in just over two hours, Ms Webster said: “It’s one of the most beautiful half marathons that you can do. As I’m from London and it’s on my own stomping ground, there’s a real family feel to it and the atmosphere is great. It’s the second time I’ve completed the race, so I’m delighted to complete the race again.”