Run The Capital - Virtual London Marathon

Take on the ultimate London-inspired challenge with Run The Capital, a flexible 26.2-mile virtual marathon from The Running Bug.

Inspired by the atmosphere, landmarks and excitement of London marathon running, this challenge gives you the freedom to complete the full marathon distance wherever you are and at your own pace.

Run the entire 26.2 miles in one go, break the distance down over several sessions, walk it, jog it or mix all three. The challenge is open from 1 January until 25 April 2027, making it ideal for anyone looking for a major running goal at the start of the year or building towards marathon season.

Race Details

Dates: 1 January – 25 April 2027
Distance: 26.2 miles / Full Marathon
Location: Anywhere
How: Run, walk or jog
Reward: Exclusive Run The Capital finisher medal

How Does Run The Capital Work?

There’s no fixed starting line, no crowded race village and no strict cut-off time.

Simply register for the challenge, decide how you want to tackle your 26.2 miles and complete the distance before the end of the event period.

You can:

Complete all 26.2 miles in one session
Split the distance across several runs or walks
Run outdoors or use a treadmill
Take part individually or alongside friends
Complete your miles virtually from anywhere in the world

This makes Run The Capital suitable for experienced marathon runners as well as people who want the achievement of completing the marathon distance gradually.

Perfect For Marathon Training

If you’re preparing for a spring marathon, Run The Capital can also give you an additional goal to work towards throughout your training.

Every training run can contribute towards your 26.2-mile total, giving you extra motivation while you build your fitness and mileage.

The event runs through to 25 April 2027, making it particularly relevant for runners building towards the spring marathon season.

Complete It Your Way

One of the biggest advantages of a virtual marathon is flexibility.

You could complete your miles:

🏃 Around your local streets
🌳 Through your favourite park
🌲 Along trails and countryside routes
🏋️ On a treadmill
🚶 By walking the distance
🏃‍♀️ Across several training runs

There’s no requirement to complete all 26.2 miles at once.

Your challenge. Your pace. Your route.

Who Can Enter?

Run The Capital is open to participants of different abilities.

Whether you’re:

Tackling the marathon distance for the first time
Training for an upcoming marathon
Looking for extra motivation
Completing the distance over several sessions
Adding another virtual marathon medal to your collection

…the flexible format lets you make the challenge work around you.

International entrants are welcome, although additional international postage and local customs or import charges may apply.

Share Your Marathon Achievement

Once you've completed your 26.2 miles, celebrate your achievement and share your medal photos, training runs and marathon journey with The Running Bug community.

Use:
#RunTheCapital

Ready To Run The Capital?

Set yourself a major challenge for 2027 and conquer the legendary 26.2-mile marathon distance on your own terms.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE CHALLENGE?
Once you have completed your challenge, simply go to our website and upload a screenshot of your activity on our secure submission form https://the-running-bug.com/submit-your-evidence/

ALL MEDALS WILL BE SENT AFTER THE 25TH APRIL 2027 ONCE THE CHALLENGE HAS BEEN COMPLETED.

HOW DO VIRTUAL RACES WORK?
Participating is simple:
- Register: Sign up for the this exclusive virtual challenge.
- Run, Jog, or Walk: Complete the race at your chosen location and pace.
- Submit Your Evidence: After completing the race, upload your activity data or a screenshot from your fitness tracker to our submission page.
- Receive Your Medal: Once we've verified your submission, we'll send your beautiful medal directly to your doorstep.

WHY CHOOSE A VIRTUAL RACE?
Virtual races offer unparalleled flexibility and convenience. We're one of the UK's favourite virtual running platforms with over 5 years experience. Here's why they might be the perfect fit for you. We're one of the UK's favourite virtual running platforms with over 5 years experience.

- Run on Your Schedule: Complete the race at a time and location that suits you. No need to adhere to strict start times or travel to specific locations.

- Choose Your Own Course: Whether it's a favourite trail, your local neighbourhood, or even indoors on a treadmill, you have the freedom to select your ideal running environment.

- Cost-Effective: Save on travel and accommodation expenses associated with traditional races. Virtual races often come with lower entry fees, making them a budget-friendly option.

- Personalised Experience: Tailor the race to your preferences, from selecting your route to setting your own pace, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

- Stay Motivated: Setting a specific goal, like the running a virtual race, can boost your motivation and keep you committed to your fitness journey.