"Top Three at London Marathon 2009" © 2009 SNappa2006, used under a Creative Commons Attribution license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en

If you’re not up to the full length of the London Marathon, you might be interested in the London half Marathon that takes place in Hyde Park this autumn. The Royal Parks Foundation half marathon takes place on Sunday the 9th of October, starting and finishing in Hyde Park. If you’re staying anywhere near Hyde Park you’ll have a front row seat at one of the running highlights of the autumn calendar.

Considered to be one of the most scenic and beautiful city centre marathons in the world, the Royal Parks London half marathon will take you through the falling autumn leaves of the British capital’s royal parks. From the start in Hyde Park, the race will take participants on to Kensington Gardens, Green Park and St. James’ Park.

Although the applications for the 2011 race have now closed, and registration is complete, the details for the 2012 run will be available on the event’s website soon, if you would like to register your interest, then you can do that now. Even for spectators, the race is a great way to see some of London’s finest landmarks in the autumn light.

Highlights of the Royal Parks Foundation London half marathon include Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Marble Arch and the Royal Albert Hall. The Royal Parks Foundation is responsible for looking after the London Royal Parks, as well as providing charity support for projects around the capital.

If you want to watch this year’s Royal Parks Foundation London half marathon, or hope to take part in next year’s, why not arrange to stay at a Hyde Park hotel, London.