Today, in partnership with Scope, we launched the Royal Parks Foundation Ultra!

This 50km event will be central London’s premier Ultra. You'll experience highlights of the capital city, including Buckingham Palace and Westminster, plus five of the London's eight picturesque Royal Parks.

Winding its way along Thames tow paths, across south west London and through Richmond Park, it finishes in Bushy Park, Henry VIII’s old hunting ground near Hampton Court.

The long-distance runners will set off just after the Half Marathon on Sunday 7 October 2012 and enjoy all the attention to detail that has made the Half Marathon such a popular event.

Unlike many Ultras, signage and marshals will feature along the full length of the route, together with regular first aid and refreshment stages. Runners will also benefit from deliciously cool running shirts made from sustainable bamboo charcoal and recycled polyester, baggage transfer between start and finish, plus post-event showers.

Limited to 700 entrants in its first year, the event has been created for regular runners seeking their next big challenge.  In addition to the physical and mental challenge, every participant will be asked to raise £750 to support the work of:

• Scope - the UK’s leading charity that works with disabled people of all ages and their families across England and Wales
• Royal Parks Foundation - the charity that helps keep 5,000 acres of London’s green space in great shape for everyone to enjoy.

Renowned for its carnival atmosphere and family-friendly appeal, the race day start line in Hyde Park also features a delicious Food & Fitness Festival, with a host of fun-filled activities and tasty food for runners and their families to enjoy before they set off towards Bushy Park. All places for the Royal Parks Foundation Ultra, partnered with Scope, cost £60. 

• Find out more about this exciting, new challenge in this momentous year of British sport on the Royal Parks Foundation Ultra website.