The 2024 Vitality London 10,000 will celebrate the relationships we make through running, highlighting how these connections inspire us to be active and create friendships that can last forever.
The popular 10K, which is open to enter and takes place on Sunday 22 September, will see about 20,000 people take to the streets of London, running past some of the most iconic sights the capital has to offer.This year, we are shining a light on the role running communities and social groups play in supporting our desire and motivation to exercise.
New trends have found that social running has replaced more traditional social activities, such as going to the pub among some people, while others have found relationships or dating opportunities are a byproduct of exercising together.
TV personality and DJ Adele Roberts will be taking part with her partner, Kate Holderness, as she prepares for the challenge of attempting to run all six Abbott World Marathon Majors in a year, beginning in Berlin the weekend after the 10K.
The challenge follows Adele’s diagnosis with bowel cancer in October 2021, from which she was declared cancer free a year later and went on to complete the TCS London Marathon in 2023 - making history as the fastest woman to run the 26.2 miles with a stoma. She says the support she has received from others with stomas has been inspiring and she is looking forward to celebrating her love for running with thousands of others in September.
She said: “Running brings people together and I have met so many inspiring people on my own journey to reach this point. I’ve noticed a lot of people with stomas getting in touch with me to say they have not only taken up running but also found a wonderful welcoming atmosphere among others – which I have too. Whether we run alone or with others there are countless people who are either factors in why we do it or inspire us to take the next step. I am looking forward to celebrating each one of them at the Vitality London 10,000.”
Also taking part is Scott Mitchell, who began running in 2018 before the passing of his late wife Dame Barbara Windsor, who was living with Alzheimer’s disease, in 2020. He has since become an ambassador for Alzheimer’s Research UK and completed multiple running challenges, often with a core group of friends as part of Babs’ Army.
Over those years, Scott formed a close friendship and then a relationship with Tanya Franks through running, whose life has also been impacted by Alzheimer’s disease.
Scott, who will be running with Tanya, plus supporters from Babs’ Army, said: “I’ve made countless friends in the running community. Tanya and I didn’t know each other beforehand or that we were runners, but we agreed to join an Alzheimer’s charity team running in the name of Barbara. As we trained, we planned runs together as well as with the team and, at our first marathon, we crossed the line at the same moment. Running was a big part of forming our friendship – we were in sync and chatting is a great way to pass the miles. It relaxes me and I believe those conversations were a part of getting to know Tanya better. Nowadays, we run for pleasure and fitness, but it still holds a special part of who we are.”
Tanya added: “Scott and I were going through the same journey and we formed a strong support system and friendship through running. After a few years it became very clear how much we enjoy each other’s company, and we make sure that our now relationship still involves us running together. Sharing the achievement of running with others is special. Being part of a community, the health benefits, the stories, the highs, and the challenges. It’s a leveller, and wonderfully uplifting.”
Participants can team together to follow the Run Happy & Healthy 10 Weeks to 10K Training Plan in 2024, with preparation tips for those who will be running, jogging or walking the distance on Sunday 22 September. For the first time in 2024, there will also be a Run Happy & Healthy Wheelchair Plan geared specifically towards full-time or part-time wheelchair users.
Hugh Brasher, London Marathon Events CEO, said: “I am so excited to be celebrating each and every one of our running communities at the 2024 Vitality London 10,000. Running and being part of a team played a formative part in my life. As a young boy I ran with Ranelagh Harriers and then in my twenties and thirties with Hounslow AC. The feeling of belonging and camaraderie that was generated by those teams kept me motivated and inspired. Friendships have been formed for life and we still meet up 30 years later to do parkrun together. In today’s world where real life experiences are celebrated, it is so important that we create events that bring people together. I look forward to seeing thousands of people running with their communities and teams through London this September to complete the Vitality London 10,000.”
Across the weekend, Green Park will play host to the Vitality Wellness Festival, with a host of displays and activities for all the family. In 2024, there will be Jr NBA, Bloomsbury Football, Dallaglio RugbyWorks, and yoga, with many more activities to be included. More information can be found here.